Independent Schools

Stone King acts for a significant number of independent schools from the largest senior schools to smaller prep schools. We bring a deep understanding of the sector to the work that we do, as recognised by our top tier ranking in Chambers and Partners and in Legal 500 for our work both for schools and for charities. 

As well as acting for individual schools, we act for trusts and other organisations operating multiple schools and have in-depth experience of dealing with some of the most challenging operational issues across the sector, whether that be safeguarding, staff issues, parental complaints, fee collection, construction law or intellectual property.

We also have extensive experience of advising schools on the issues arising from the recent imposition of VAT on school fees and the removal of the business rates relief. For many, this is leading schools to consider whether their future is as a stand-alone school, or whether being part of a larger trust is the most appropriate structure. For others, it can mean, sadly, looking at closure.

We are here to support schools through these unprecedented times. We have been undertaking strategic reviews for many clients, looking at their current structures and processes and advising on the steps which can be taken to address the challenges faced. We are also very heavily engaged in mergers, acting for both the school seeking to merge into a larger school or group of schools and for the schools and groups acquiring a school. We have an extensive team of education projects lawyers who work on merger matters giving us the capacity to deliver at this challenging time.

Members of our education team also contribute to the work of schools as governors and as trustees of educational charities and we have excellent networking relationships with national organisations in the independent schools sector, notably the ISC, Inspiring Futures (who are both clients), the ISBA and CISC. Through our CSR programme and the Stone King Foundation, we have set up or supported school projects in Uganda and The Gambia.

We understand both the challenges and opportunities for independent schools and our expertise allows us to help schools be proactive rather than reactive in responding to key legal challenges.

We offer without charge an annual review to all independent school clients to look at their strategy and development plans and advise on the legal aspects of their planning. We also offer updating and training both in-house and as part of our seminar programme.