Education
Our expertise
Building on our acknowledged expertise in local government and public law, we are fast developing a presence and reputation in the education law sphere.
In particular, we have extensive experience of advising on the legal issues related to special educational needs and disability for children and young people. We provide representation for local authorities and parents in appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) under the Education Act 1996, Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010 and in subsequent appeals against those decisions to the Upper Tribunal.
In relation to schools and academies we regularly advise on admissions appeals and all aspects of the exclusions process, including providing clerking services to independent panels. We are also experienced in dealing with breach of contract claims concerning independent schools.
We provide expert advice to schools and individuals in relation to bringing and defending disability discrimination claims in the County Court and the requirement on schools to make reasonable adjustments. We also have experience of advising in relation to claims of religious discrimination in schools and academies.
All members of the team are experienced in bringing and defending judicial review proceedings arising from the decisions of local authorities and schools.
Our service
We represent a range of clients including local authorities, individuals, maintained and independent schools and academies. Instructions can also be received by some members of the team on a Public Access basis.
Training
Education law is a complex field which is under continual reform. We therefore provide seminars and in-house training on request to keep our clients abreast of the changes in the legal framework. We also provide the statutory training for Independent Review Panels on behalf of local authorities and academies in relation to school exclusions.
