Academies, MATs & Maintained Schools
At Geldards, we have a wealth of experience advising a range of educational institutions, including schools, academies, alternative providers and multi-academy trusts (MATs). Our dedicated education lawyers provide pragmatic, timely and practical advice to help leaders make confident decisions in a complex and highly regulated sector.
We act as trusted legal partners for education providers across England and Wales, offering expert guidance on the full range of issues schools and trusts face. Whether you are managing the day-to-day challenges of a maintained school, considering academy conversion, or leading the growth of a MAT, our specialists provide clear, solutions-focused advice that enables you to focus on delivering high-quality education.
Our Education legal services
Our full-service education team provides advice across all areas of law relevant to schools, academies and MATs, including:
- Academy conversions and re-brokerage
- Ofsted inspection challenges
- Governance and regulatory compliance
- Employment and HR issues
- Construction and capital projects
- Data protection and information law
- Health & safety, safeguarding and child protection
- School admissions and appeals
- Pupil behaviour and exclusions
- Special educational needs and disability (SEND) matters
- School land, buildings and property management
- Procurement for academy trusts
- Commercial contracts and dispute resolution
- Intellectual property protection
- Support with inquests and regulatory investigations
Academy conversion
If you are considering becoming an academy converter, our team can guide you through the process from start to finish. Academy conversions involve complex legal, property, employment and governance considerations, and our lawyers are experienced in managing these transitions efficiently. We ensure schools have the legal clarity they need to make informed decisions, while supporting governors and senior leaders in achieving their long-term strategic goals.
Why choose Geldards?
We recognise that education leaders must balance financial pressures, governance responsibilities and compliance obligations, while always prioritising students. Our lawyers have in-depth sector knowledge and deliver practical solutions tailored to the realities of school life.
From acting for single maintained schools to advising growing MATs with nationwide operations, we provide specialist sector expertise and proactive support. Our clients value our responsiveness, clarity and commitment to their institutions.
Support tailored to your Institution
Alongside one-off instructions, we also provide flexible retainer packages for schools and MATs. These are designed to ensure compliance and best practice, and give leaders access to expert legal support when it’s needed most.
