The education sector is constantly evolving, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
From governance and safeguarding to employment and regulatory compliance, education providers need clear, expert legal guidance to make informed decisions with confidence.
Our specialist education lawyers understand the pressures you face. With decades of experience, we provide practical, tailored advice that supports your leadership team and helps your organisation navigate legal complexities. Whether you need immediate legal support or long-term strategic guidance, we deliver clear, actionable solutions with transparent pricing.
Recognised as a leading law firm in the education sector by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, we are proud to support early years providers, schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges, and universities across the UK, helping them operate successfully in an increasingly complex landscape.
Our expertise
We provide legal support to a wide range of education providers, helping them navigate legal complexities while responding to sector-specific challenges.
Academies, MATs & Maintained Schools
With increased regulatory scrutiny and financial pressures, strong governance and compliance are more important than ever. We provide clear, practical advice to help you manage legal responsibilities, from employment and safeguarding to funding and strategic growth.
Higher Education
Higher education providers must balance financial sustainability, student expectations, and regulatory compliance in an increasingly competitive landscape. We offer specialist legal support on governance, student matters, employment, and long-term strategy to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Independent Schools
Independent schools face increasing financial and regulatory pressures, from rising costs and demographic shifts to changes such as the removal of VAT exemption. Schools must also manage complex employment, safeguarding, and compliance requirements while maintaining strong governance.
Early Years Providers
Early years providers Changing government funding models and evolving regulatory requirements continue to shape the early years sector. We provide expert legal advice on staffing, safeguarding, inspections, and property matters, helping early years providers remain compliant and financially resilient.
Special Schools & Colleges
Specialist providers must navigate complex legal, funding, and regulatory frameworks while ensuring high-quality support for children and young people. Our team provides strategic advice on governance, compliance, and operational matters to help SEN schools and colleges meet their obligations with confidence.
The client service provided by VWV was professional and honest. Their transparency and integrity in dealing with us were particularly impressive.
Our work highlights
Higher Education – University of Reading Development
VWV advised University of Reading on its £100m+ redevelopment to house the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. We provided strategic advice on property, construction, and regulatory approvals, managing complexities arising from EU governance and site development. Our role was critical in securing a landmark investment in higher education infrastructure.
Academies – Safeguarding & Regulatory Compliance
We advised a national academy trust on safeguarding, compliance, and risk management following a high-profile peer-on-peer safeguarding incident. Our team provided urgent legal guidance, ensuring compliance with statutory reporting obligations, employment law, and governance frameworks. Our strategic support helped the trust manage stakeholder concerns, internal investigations, and long-term risk mitigation.
Independent Schools – Mergers & Restructuring
VWV is the go-to firm for independent school mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. With VAT on school fees and demographic shifts driving market consolidation, we have advised on an unprecedented number of mergers and acquisitions. Our work has shaped sector-wide strategies, and VWV was named ‘Legal Advisor of the Year – Education Institutions’ at the 2024 Education Investor Awards.
