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Our schools 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 Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) to rural voluntary aided schools, our large, multi-disciplinary team of experts in education law advises schools across England.

With a reputation for high-quality work across a range of specialisms, we 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 school.

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

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

Members of:

Recent work examples
  • Academy conversions and re-brokerages
  • PFI support
  • Child protection and safeguarding issues
  • Clerking Independent Review Panel Hearings
  • Clerking School Admission Appeal hearings
  • Commercial contracts with third party suppliers and contractors
  • Construction contracts and disputes
  • Data protection and freedom of information issues
  • Employment and HR advice
  • First Tier SEN Tribunal Claims
  • Fraud investigations
  • Governance of schools and academy trusts
  • Health and safety
  • HR Protect for Schools
  • Immigration matters
  • Insurance and RPA matters
  • Intellectual property
  • Parental and third party complaints
  • Policies and procedures in schools
  • Procurement advice
  • Pupil behaviour and school exclusions advice
  • School admissions and admissions appeals advice
  • School land, property and buildings
  • Special educational needs and disability matters
  • Regulatory issues
  • Trading companies and subsidiaries

Contact a specialist

Graham Vials

Partner | Employment & Head of Education

+44 (0) 330 137 3168

+44 (0)752 580 2955

Email Graham Vials

Read bio

Tim Care

Partner | Public Sector

+44 (0) 330 137 3458

+44 (0) 752 590 3378

Email Tim Care

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Katy Milner

Director | Built Environment

+44 (0) 330 137 3506

+44 (0)752 522 5477

Email Katy Milner

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Rachel Blythe

Director | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3184

+44 (0) 773 268 8242

Email Rachel Blythe

Read bio

View all contacts

What people say

  • ‘Working with Ward Hadaway is more of a collaborative experience, which sets them apart from their competitors. They are always willing to take ownership of issues and offer solutions, rather than pass the issue over to ‘discuss internally’. In Saji Bratch we have a Partner hugely experienced, readily accessible who provides clear and concise advice.

    Legal 500
  • High calibre partners with detailed knowledge of the public sector, particularly higher education and health care. Their strength is being able to navigate the pitfalls of working with other public sector bodies as they have an understanding of their drivers and limitations.

    Legal 500
  • Very pro-active and problem solving, brilliant insurance backed advice which gives real reassurance and support.

    Legal 500
  • Graham Vials – depth of knowledge and experience is great, always available to us when we need him to be and responds swiftly.

    Legal 500
  • The people are approachable, responsive and offer sound balanced advice and guidance. Strong knowledge regarding the Education Sector and understanding of the complex terms and conditions.

    Legal 500
  • Graham Vials – a real fighter for his clients. ready to go the extra mile.

    Legal 500
  • Jamie Gamble – technically very adept.

    Legal 500
  • Paul Scope is very well regarded in the market. has the trust of his clients.

    Legal 500
  • One of the strongest employment teams in the north east. Excellent strength in depth and a well deserved stellar reputation.

    Legal 500

What we're thinking