We act for over 120 independent schools across the UK.

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, mergers & demergers, construction law or intellectual property.

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), 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 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.

What our clients say

"They are swift at responding, experienced in the independent schools sector and always have our best interests at heart."

Client Feedback in Chambers, 2021

What our clients say

"We know many of the key lawyers in the Education Team, who between them have a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the independent schools."

Legal 500, 2021

What our clients say

"We have a very strong, long-standing working relationship with Stone King. As a firm they have taken the time meet with us at the school and ensure they have a thorough understanding of us both as a wider school group and in relation to the needs of our constituent schools, in addition to our obligations as a charity. This is underpinned by Stone King."

Legal 500, 2021

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

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.