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One of the things I deal with on a regular basis are contracts that auto-renew. So for example an academy trust enters into a services contract that looks like it's set up to run for two years. However buried in the terms and conditions is some drafting that says unless the client takes some specified proactive actions, then rather than come to an end after those two years the contract will automatically roll-over and the term will be extended - sometimes by a year, sometimes by more. (The 'worst' example I've seen was a contact that was auto-extended by an additional five years).

Whilst my fraud work is in the Civil Courts, I couldn't help but note with interest that Sir Brian Leveson has proposed a significant change to the way that fraud trials might be dealt with in the Criminal Courts - he has proposed abolishing trial by jury

Merger and acquisition activity in the independent schools sector has surged in 2024/25, marking an exceptional year.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 will be published next month, and will come into force on 1 September 2025.

Home Office guidance for sponsors is to be updated on 1 September, requiring holders of student sponsor licences who use agents to recruit international students to be signed up to the Agent Quality Framework.

The Government has confirmed when the major changes will take effect, with phased implementation running into 2027. Independent schools now have a valuable opportunity to plan ahead.