Search

How can we help?

sector

Education lawyers in London & Thames Valley

Schools and academies face ever-changing commercial and political challenges. Our lawyers are experienced in the legal issues that affect both the public and private education sector and will identify and support opportunities for development.

We provide tailored, pragmatic and relevant support across a full range of legal services to the operators and managers of schools, colleges and universities. Our team has extensive experience of high-profile projects for higher and further education and are experienced at working closely with Headteachers, Bursars and Governors.

We can also offer:

  • Liaising with Charity Commission, advising clients on the Charities Act and setting up charitable trusts.
  • Regulatory documents such as student charters and formulating academic rules and regulations and handling data protection issues including requests for information.
  • Safeguarding legal responsibilities, staff discipline, involvement of police and whistleblowing matters.

“The education practice has extensive experience advising schools, higher education institutions and local authorities on the full spectrum of issues.”

Legal 500

Key contacts

Katie Glendinning

Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4610

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 29 October 2026
  • Immigration

UK Immigration shake-up: More flexibility for skilled workers, but at what cost?

The UK Government has outlined further changes to its immigration system, with new measures affecting international graduates, sponsored workers, and businesses employing overseas talent.

art
  • 28 October 2026
  • Privacy and Data Protection

Remote working: 5 key data protection risks for employers

Remote working has become more prominent in modern business. While flexible working arrangements can improve productivity and employee wellbeing, they also create new data protection risks. Regardless of the physical location in which work is done, compliance with UK GDPR does not change.

art
  • 27 October 2026
  • Employment

Fire and Rehire update: Key changes delayed

The Government has published two documents giving key updates to the anticipated changes around ‘fire and rehire’ and restricted contractual variations, coming about as a result of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”). We now understand that these changes will now be delayed to March, rather than January 2027.

art
  • 26 October 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Shareholders’ Agreements for Founders and Investors – SHA Series Part 3 of 5

A shareholders’ agreement is arguably one of the most valuable corporate governance agreements (along with articles of association) in any private UK company with more than one shareholder.

art
  • 23 October 2026
  • Litigation and dispute resolution

Section 172 Companies Act 2006: Key lessons from Saxon Woods v Costa

The Supreme Court’s decision in Saxon Woods v Costa UKSC 21 clarifies directors’ duties under Section 172 Companies Act 2006, confirming that good faith requires both honest belief and appropriate conduct.

art
  • 19 October 2026
  • Immigration

Right to Work Checks: Are UK businesses becoming immigration enforcement officers?

The UK’s Right to Work regime has undergone a significant expansion, with changes taking effect from 1 October 2026.

“Excellent support for decades, including innovative and groundbreaking projects. We are always grateful for their straightforward commercial advice, their real commitment to understanding our objectives and values and their desire to ensure a close working relationship with us as a client.” 

University of Reading 

“Clarkslegal have always provided a highly professional legal service to CfBT. The team are highly skilled and able to cut to the ‘heart of the problem’ very quickly. Their written work is of a consistently high standard and all the team are a pleasure to work with.”

Hilary Isham, Head of HR and Facilities – Education Development Trust