Academies & Maintained Schools
Successful maintained schools, academies, multi-academy trusts and alternative providers need experienced legal partners who understand the complexity of education law.
We deliver on-point, expert legal advice on all legal matters affecting the sector, with transparent fees, fixed rates wherever possible, and innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
At VWV, we understand the unique challenges that school leaders face.
With industry-leading expertise in the sector, we provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to your needs. Our team is here to support you in navigating the complexities of parental complaints, school governance, safeguarding, staff matters, and much more.
As a trusted adviser, we offer pragmatic solutions to help you manage disputes, regulatory challenges, and expansion projects with confidence. Whatever your size or structure, we are committed to understanding your goals and delivering advice that fits your budget, so you can focus on leading your setting effectively.
With deep sector expertise and strong connections to the Department for Education, Ofsted, and sector associations, we stay informed of the latest developments in education.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do, ensuring these values are central to our approach and services.
Our expertise
Academies and maintained schools want legal support that is practical, reliable and easy to access. Our expert education lawyers provide tailored advice to help senior leaders, trustees and governors navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By working closely with you, we give you the confidence to make informed decisions that help your organisation thrive.
Our team advises on the following areas:
Our products
From managing policies and recruitment to data protection, you’ll have the tools and support you need to handle these with confidence. By simplifying complex guidance, we free you up to focus on what matters most - your pupils, your staff, and your success.
Explore our range of legal education products, designed to meet your setting's unique challenges so you can lead with confidence and peace of mind.
The team are very down to earth and pragmatic. They clearly explain risks when there are options available. They have a wealth of experience we were able to benefit from.
Our work highlights
Successful conversion of 13 schools into a Multi-Academy Trust
Supported 13 maintained schools to form a new Multi-Academy Trust, a project that was both educationally and organisationally significant for the schools. The group comprised both Church of England and community schools and required a comprehensive approach to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Provided expert guidance across every aspect of the process, including drafting governance documentation, and navigating complex staff structuring and transfer issues. Managed land matters and contractual negotiations, ensuring that every detail aligned with both educational goals and regulatory requirements.
We continue supporting the Trust as it grows, providing ongoing legal assistance.
Multi-team support for a MAT dealing with safeguarding allegations
Supported two schools within a MAT in relation to urgent safeguarding allegations made against pupils involving an extensive police investigation. Provided the schools' SLT with crisis management support and prompt advice on necessary steps, reporting obligations and multi-agency working via regular meetings. Advised on communications with the LA during safeguarding review meetings, alongside mitigation of the risk of Ofsted intervention. Together with the client, devised an action plan including two separate investigations for staff (with input from the employment team) and pupils, and reviewed policies/processes at school/trust level. Provided draft communications for external use assisted by our reputation specialists. Following our advice no further action was taken against the schools and the matter was robustly investigated and lessons learnt.
Comprehensive win in complex employment tribunal claim
Assisted a single academy trust with a complex employment tribunal claim brought by an ex-employee. The claim involved allegations of race and sex discrimination and harassment, freedom of information and subject access requests, referrals to external regulatory bodies, allegations of criminal wrongdoing and liaising with the police. We made successful applications for costs and anonymisation orders, successfully resisted all applications made by the Claimant and successfully resisted attempts to appeal. The case entailed proofing, co-ordinating and supporting 14 School witnesses. The School comprehensively won the case.
