We advise the education sector on procurement, governance, strategy, estate management and infrastructure projects. Our work includes major development and construction, the transfer of assets and real estate and the full range of commercial contracts relating to the operation of schools, colleges and universities.
We focus on schools construction and whole school infrastructure projects working on many school PFI projects, complex academy transfers, school expansion programmes and strategic projects focused on schools improvement and statutory duties. Our team members are used to dealing with project-specific issues that require a bespoke solution within the confines of a standard construction contract, for example where there are co-located facilities or where there are complex site issues.
We have experience in advising governing bodies who wish to change status, from community to foundation and acquire trusts, including in anticipation of sponsored academy conversion. We therefore have a full appreciation of the issues and concerns of governing bodies.
23 December 2025
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is finally here! Having received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, marking the most significant overhaul of UK employment law in decades. With reforms rolling out in waves from April 2026 through 2027, public sector employers, including local authorities and central government bodies, must prepare for sweeping changes that will…
Read more19 December 2025
This article explains the tax context, the practical implications and key issues to address when implementing or modifying arrangements. Background Historically, HMRC treated local authority leisure services as business activities for VAT purposes, on the basis that authorities were not acting as public authorities when providing such services. In 2022, following litigation brought by Local…
Read more18 December 2025
On the 15th August 2024, the Court of Appeal (“CA”) made a ground breaking decision in Providence Building Services Limited v Hexagon Housing Association Limited [2024] EWCA Civ 962: overturning the first instance judgment in the Technology and Construction Court concerning the validity of the termination of the contract. See our article for further information here….
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