Legal Advice for Independent Schools
Running a successful independent school demands expert legal advisers who truly understand the unique challenges of education law and best practice.
We know you want pragmatic, hands-on support that helps your senior management team and governors navigate challenges and seize opportunities. With the right legal solutions, your school can confidently deliver the best outcomes for your entire community.
For school heads, bursars, and governors, having a trusted legal partner makes all the difference. Many rely on our proactive advice and round-the-clock support to ensure their schools thrive.
Our team of dedicated education lawyers shares your perspective and passion for independent schools. With decades of experience in the sector, we bring a deep understanding of the complexities you face. This expertise allows us to identify common challenges quickly and provide solutions that are not only practical but timely - helping you stay ahead in an ever-evolving education landscape.
Within the wider VWV group, Cairneagle, Narrow Quay HR and Narrow Quay Solutions, offer our clients expert consultancy services from strategy and investment to HR, business, compliance and operations.
With a proactive approach and deep sector knowledge, we help you navigate complex issues smoothly, leaving you free to focus on delivering the best outcomes for your school community.
Our expertise
Independent schools need education lawyers who understand their challenges and provide clear, practical solutions. From compliance and governance to employment, safeguarding, and commercial matters, our team offers a "one-stop shop" for all your school’s legal needs.
Our team of independent school lawyers is consistently ranked at the top by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for school and charity law, with many of our lawyers recognised as leaders in the field. But it is not just about rankings - it is about ensuring you receive the expert guidance you need when you need it.
Beyond expertise, we’ve built strong, trusted connections with key sector organisations like ISC, ISBA, and HMC, which means you get access to tailored training, guidance, and resources to help your school thrive. We also work closely with regulators such as the Charity Commission, ISI, and the Department for Education, smoothing the way when challenges arise.
These trusted relationships provide you with valuable insights into the latest education law and policy developments, along with legal products for independent schools, so you are always ahead of the curve and fully prepared for what’s next.
Barney Northover has huge experience in the schools sector and the unusual ability to genuinely listen and learn from clients prior to coming forward with innovative and creative solutions.
Our work highlights
Navigating pension scheme options for independent schools
Advised an independent school on participation in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), including options for withdrawal, phased withdrawal, or a hybrid pay and benefits model. We supported collective consultation, managed industrial action, and negotiated a trade union recognition agreement.
Strategic sale of an independent school to secure long-term success
Worked with the Board of Governors to assess all strategic options in response to political and financial challenges. With our guidance, the charity decided to sell the school to a commercial group, ensuring a sustainable future for them.
Safeguarding and reputation management in a sensitive allegation case
Supported an independent school in handling serious allegations of harm against a teacher towards current and former pupils. Our advice covered pupil welfare, employment procedures, referrals to the LADO, police, TRA and DBS, civil liability, and reputation management, while helping to strengthen internal safeguarding processes.
