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Our education institutions shape enquiring minds, nurture lifelong friendships and create future leaders.

You’ve got important work to do, but these seats of learning are about more than just education – you require a sharp business focus to stay at the top of your game in a competitive marketplace, and some issues need an expert legal hand.

From nurseries and schools to universities, our large multi-disciplinary team of education lawyers advise education establishments across England, with a particular focus on Multi-Academy Trusts, Academies and Schools.

With a reputation for high-quality work across a range of specialisms, our education law solicitors provide an in-depth, contemporary working knowledge of education law. We apply our expertise to your unique situation, providing pragmatic advice, and delivering the best solutions for your education establishment.

And through our popular HR Protect product, our dedicated school employment team provides fixed cost, monthly access to unlimited HR and employment law advice. The package is popular with education establishments looking for value, without compromise on quality, in a challenging financial climate.

So if you’re looking for unparalleled sector knowledge, coupled with added value and a friendly, professional team of education solicitors to work alongside, we’re here to help.

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Our services

Contact a specialist

Graham Vials

Partner | Employment & Head of Education

+44 (0) 330 137 3168

+44 (0)752 580 2955

Email Graham Vials

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Tim Care

Partner | Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3458

+44 (0) 752 590 3378

Email Tim Care

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Rachel Blythe

Managing Associate | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3184

+44 (0) 773 268 8242

Email Rachel Blythe

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Tom Shears

Managing Associate | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3175

+44 (0) 774 040 5735

Email Tom

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What people say

  • Ward Hadaway is a leading presence on the public sector side, across health, education and local government.

    Legal 500
  • Strong performance in the academies sector, advising on transactional, construction and regulatory matters. Comprehensive service to independent, maintained and free schools.

    Chambers & Partners
  • They have got it together in the academy field, so it seems seamless when you are working with them. They all understand the principles of the law and can translate these well.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners
  • National education practice with a firm presence in the market and significant experience handling safeguarding and governance matters, among others. Also known for having extensive expertise in PFI/PPP projects and public procurement issues.

    Chambers & Partners
  • Outstanding multidisciplinary practice... advises educational institutions at all levels on a wide range of issues.

    Legal 500
  • Ward Hadaway’s education sector clients cite the practice's ‘outstanding response times’, ‘excellent knowledge and a network of extended expertise that is second to none’.

    Legal 500
  • Substantial knowledge in the education sector, which gives clients assurance, comfort and peace of mind.

    Legal 500
  • We are a newly incorporated Multi Academy Trust, comprising of an Infant and Junior School on a shared site. Ward Hadaway have worked in partnership to ensure that all legal compliances have been fulfilled and to develop a positive, efficient working relationship which has smoothed the way as we have approached each new challenge. We look forward to working with Ward Hadaway in the future, as we begin to include other schools within the Trust and continue to grow as an innovative educational institution.

    Carolyn Fox, Executive Headteacher, Rise Park Academy Trust
  • The professional expertise, superb legal guidance and ready availability of staff from Ward Hadaway are significant factors in our decision to continue our ongoing relationship with the team. Issues are dealt with speedily and complex legal situations explained in a user-friendly manner. The staff are very approachable and provide an excellent and comprehensive service, meeting the many and varied needs of our busy academy.

    Lesley Powell, CEO, North East Learning Trust

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