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Education Solicitor

Education

Our education team provides expert commercial, regulatory and compliance advice to independent schools, academies, local authorities, further education colleges and universities.

How we can help

Our multi-disciplinary team of commercial, property, corporate, employment, charity and dispute resolution lawyers provide pragmatic and commercial advice on a range of education law issues.

  • Admissions appeals

    We can help Admissions Authorities when parents or guardians appeal against a decision not to admit their child(ren) to an academy. We find that most appeals relate to Reception and Year 7 admissions but they are by no means limited to those year groups.

    Appeal hearings must be clerked by an independent person, with the necessary qualifications and training. The clerk assists and supports an Independent Admissions Appeals Panel of people hearing each appeal.

    Hay & Kilner can provide this clerking service and manage the wider process on a fixed fee basis.

  • Permanent exclusion appeals

    The Hay & Kilner team can assist and advise organisations in respect of Permanent Exclusions whether that is advice on the process or the decision itself or where that decision is subject of an appeal or legal challenge. As with admission appeals we provide full clerking services for Independent Review Panels on a fixed fee basis.

    Training for Independent Panels
    It is the Admission Authority’s responsibility to ensure that all members of the Independent Admissions Appeals Panel are adequately trained before they participate in appeal hearings. We can provide comprehensive in-house training courses (full or refresher) to existing or potential members of Independent Admissions Appeals Panels. We offer fixed-fee packages and can deliver the training either in person or virtually.

  • Employment

    Large numbers of people are employed in roles related to education. Our employment lawyers can assist in managing those people and making them as effective as possible, including by advising in relation to:

    • Performance management
    • Disciplinary issues
    • Absences
    • Grievances
    • Flexible working
    • Discrimination
    • Whistleblowing
    • Settlement agreements

    We also provide a fixed price employment law service, backed by insurance protection. HR Key provides a solution to the headaches faced by employers of all sizes when dealing with the complexities of employment law and the ever increasing burden of compliance.

  • Data protection

    Educational establishments handle and store a great deal of sensitive data about their staff, pupils and families. That data needs to be managed carefully and protected – we can provide advice and guidance as well as complianee policies as part of our data protection law services.

  • Dispute resolution and debt collection

    Schools are no different to most other legal entities – they have suppliers, “customers” and legislation to comply with. We can assist with disputes arising from, for example, supply contracts, property issues and admissions.

We can also help with:

  • Policies and procedures
  • Health and safety
  • School funding
  • School mergers
  • Construction
  • Property transactions
  • Joint ventures
  • Local authority schools
  • Free schools
  • Independent schools
  • Multi-academy trusts
  • What is education law?

    Education law is the set of rules and regulations that govern how education systems operate. It covers issues like student rights, school policies, teacher qualifications, and school funding.

  • What is special education law?

    Special education law focuses on the rights and services for students with disabilities. It ensures these students receive appropriate education tailored to their individual needs.

  • What is the main law governing special education?

    The main law governing special education in the UK is the Children and Families Act 2014. This act includes provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Education law services with Hay & Kilner

At Hay & Kilner, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with navigating education law. Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child's educational needs, an educator needing guidance on regulatory compliance, or a school administrator dealing with policy issues, our team of dedicated legal experts is here to help. Don't let uncertainty stand in the way of achieving your educational goals. Reach out to Hay & Kilner’s education law experts, Tom Clarke and Adam Chaffer, today and let us provide you with the personalised advice and representation you deserve.

Meet the team

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Get in touch

For further information on how we can help, click below to leave us a message and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

‘Hay & Kilner’ and ‘Hay & Kilner Law Firm’ are both trading names of Hay & Kilner LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with registered number OC418767. Our registered office is at The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BZ and we are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Authorisation number 643191). We use the word ‘partner’ to refer to a member of Hay & Kilner LLP. A list of the members is available at our registered office.