We have unusually long experience of acting for State maintained Schools including VA and VC schools (and historic Grant Maintained Schools), Foundation and Trust Schools, and Academies.  We have been intimately involved in the development of policy in the area including regular contact with DfE and with the CES including in relation to academy related matters and notably on Multi Academy Trust and related matters.  

We are also very well known in the Catholic Independent School sector having acted for many years for Catholic Independent Schools and their Founder Charities. We have long been one of the leading supporters of the Catholic Independent Schools Conference (CISC).

We have acted for a large number Religious Orders and Dioceses as well as Catholic MATs.  We are closely aware of the context of Canon Law and indeed history and the significance of Catholic Schools to the Catholic Church’s wider mission.

Our work includes:

  • Multi Academy and Umbrella Trusts
  • Admissions
  • Exclusions
  • Special Educational Needs
  • Employment and HR
  • Governance
  • Academy conversion, collaboration and merger
  • Property and construction projects
  • Commercial contracts
  • Intellectual Property
  • Faith Designation
  • Collaboration agreements between State and Independent Schools
  • Transfer of Control Agreements
  • Faith Designation
  • Academy sponsorship
  • Immigration advice and support

The Catholic Schools Team is led by Stephen Ravenscroft, supported by dedicated members of the Faith Team in each specialist area of law.

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.