Commercial

We work with schools to ensure that all commercial arrangements and requirements are properly in place, represent best practice and value for money. This includes advising on contracts with suppliers and parents, data protection, IT , Health & Safety and protecting the reputation of the school brand and intellectual property issues. We also have wide experience of advising on joint ventures and collaborations, corporate finance and debt management.

A merger between two schools, particularly when one or both are charities, can be a very different transaction to a conventional merger of businesses. Our expert team advises on the full process of merger and acquisition and through experience and knowledge of the sector is able to offer a service tailored to the needs of independent schools.

Our full range of advice includes:

corporate and regulatory issues, including statutory interpretation and guidance
IP/IT and related matters
Health & Safety issues
operational advice on data protection and information management

We have advised individual schools and interest groups on international development projects and the establishment of offshore campuses, joint ventures and collaborations.

What our clients say

"First and foremost they are excellent lawyers - they know the charity and education sectors really well."

Chambers - 2019

What our clients say

"Highlighted for its 'depth of expertise in education', Stone King LLP attracts praise for its 'extremely good response times' and 'outstanding level of service'."

Legal 500 - 2019

What our clients say

“I feel fellow school leaders need to be made aware that there is an absolutely brilliant company out there who will provide those key services at very competitive rates”

C A Wakefield - Maldon's Community Academy

What our clients say

Stone King is "probably the best education firm in the business," and "they lived up to the recommendations we received". Another source adds: "They've got undoubted expertise and good geographical coverage - a leading player."

Chambers - 2014

What our clients say

"They are excellent. They get the gist of what's required and they understand what we want to get done. Their advice is sound and clear-cut, and they deliver it in a human way." "They invariably respond with prompt, unambiguous and first-class advice."

Chambers - 2015

What our clients say

"Great private and state school clients."

Client feedback in Chambers - 2016

What our clients say

"They are excellent, the personalised service is superb as they understand our circumstances and advise appropriately."

Client feedback in Chambers - 2016

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The law and practice referred to in this article or webinar has been paraphrased or summarised. It might not be up-to-date with changes in the law and we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided at the time of reading. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice in relation to a specific set of circumstances.