Further & Higher Education

Our specialist education law solicitors are passionate about guiding educational institutions towards a better understanding of how to fulfil their legal duties. The education law team are highly experienced advising and representing further education and higher education institutions on all aspects of education law.

We understand the increasing pressures faced by establishments of funding cuts, coupled with the challenge of rising competition and the urgent need for commercialisation, all set against a backdrop of increasing regulation and a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Our deep-rooted knowledge of the Education sector means we have the understanding and insight to respond quickly and find inspired legal solutions for today’s challenges. Our work with Further Education and Higher Education Institutions over the years has given us a thorough understanding of the funding, governance and regulatory issues faced by colleges and universities. Many of our education solicitors have first-hand experience volunteering as trustees and governors of schools and are also parents themselves.

We work closely with a wide range of sector organisations, including leading universities, and our experience allows us to support any legal issues arising from complex governance and constitutional changes, student complaints, sensitive safeguarding issues, employment and HR matters, or commercial opportunities for collaborations in the UK or Internationally.

We regularly advise on acquisitions and property developments, estate management, disposals as well as the impact of new legislation for example, data protection.

In addition to specialist advice on education law, we offer full-service legal advice including employment law, litigation and we have specialists who can advise on day-to-day issues of college/university life such as Intellectual property, Employment, Information technology and Construction and Procurement.

Like to talk about Further & Higher Education?

What clients say

"They are fantastic and feel like an extension of the team. They are incredibly responsive and understand the issues that we face."

Chambers & Partners 2024

"The team has incredible strength and breadth in advising the public sector. They understand law in Wales and the differences that now exist with the law of England and Wales."

Public Sector Wales, Legal 500 2023

"Geldards have a pool of experienced, knowledgeable lawyers who have been immensely helpful to us on various local authority matters."

Public Sector East Midlands, Legal 500 2023

"The team is always on hand to answer queries and has consistently demonstrated they have the College’s interests at heart, taking time to understand the business of FE and the ambitions of the College. "

Heather Simcox, Deputy Chief Executive, DCG

"The ability of the team to respond to complex legal challenges against tight time frames was second to none, and ensured the project ran smoothly and efficiently. "

John van de Laarschot, CEO, Nottingham College

To Top