Who we help
We are a nationally recognised education law firm with legal experts who are trusted by schools, academies, education providers and dioceses across the country.
We believe education is of fundamental importance for human flourishing and the common good. Our clients tell us that the service they receive from us is unique. We believe this comes directly from our commitment to the purpose of our firm: 'to improve lives, communities and society'.
Our goal within the education sector is not to maximise profit, but to become the leading national adviser partnering with individuals, organisations and policy-makers, to build a strong, more connected society.
Our dedicated team offers academy conversion services and annual legal support packages on a highly competitive fixed-fee basis, as well as general education law, employment and HR, and governance advice that's always tailored to the needs of your organisation.
Quite simply, we believe that the combination of our values and our expertise makes a significant difference.
Having Anthony Collins Solicitors as our legal advisers benefits TKAT in so many ways. Their education law team provide us with responsive, expert advice across the range of our Trust’s activities, from procurement, contracts, GDPR and employment, to admissions, child protection, land issues and anything else we might need. ACS have a strong social conscience: they do what is right. They understand our business and always respond quickly with pragmatic advice tailored to our needs. Quite simply, we trust ACS and we take action on their advice with confidence.Belinda Clack, Director of Business Development, The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT)
The quality of service we received was outstanding. A highly professional, yet personal service. I would highly recommend Anthony Collins Solicitors to any educational institution.Mark Heuston, Executive Principal, South Newscastle Trust.
Anthony Collins Solicitors has become part of our extended family, with support and service of the highest quality being offered to us and our schools and value-for-money and excellence at the heart.Canon Linda Wainscot, Diocesan Director of Education, Coventry Diocese.
Find out more about the services we provide to dioceses, schools, multi-academy trusts and academies...
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Multi-academy trusts (MATs)
Helping you when forming or joining a multi-academy trust (MAT).
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Academy conversion
A market-leading, fixed-rate academy conversion service.
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Due diligence
We've have created a due diligence checklist to help multi-academy trusts when an academy or school wants to join the MAT.
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School collaboration
Helping educational providers explore formal collaboration.
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Construction and capital projects
Guiding educational organisations through the legal process.
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School leadership and governance
Supporting schools with developing governance arrangements.
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Data protection and information sharing
Offering pragmatic advice and data audits.
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Commercial contracts
Advice on creating business contracts with suppliers or collaborators.
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Income generation
Advising educational organisations on trading and income generation.
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Land and buildings
Clear, pragmatic advice on land and buildings legal issues.
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Employment
Advice on resolving employment and pension issues for education providers.
Download resources
Sector lead
Chris Whittington
Partner
View sector lead profile
Leader of the education team, with extensive education and public law experience.
Managing absenteeism in education
In a challenging economic climate with continuing budget cuts and increasing expectations of staff, sickness absence remains an ongoing problem that is important to address.
Pensionable service and contractual employment – not always the same
A recent case stands as a good reminder to employers to be careful when distinguishing between pensionable employment under a pension scheme’s rules and employment under a contract of employment.
Refusing to follow instructions
Even those of us with zero football knowledge will most likely know of the shenanigans at a Chelsea FC game this season.
Employment status... where are we?
The gig economy, the tensions between it, and our more established ways of working are rarely far from the news these days.
Compensatory rest – equivalent not identical
The case of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd v Crawford [2019] EWCA Civil 269 will not win awards for excitement but is useful guidance when dealing with workers’ rest periods under the WTR 1998.
Brexit...of course
Non-UK nationals will surely be worried about an uncertain future, with much still unclear. These feelings will inevitably accompany people to work, and so employers need to be prepared.
Pension disputes & the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Pension disputes in the LGPS need to be dealt with through the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure. Join Doug Mullen for a free 45 minute webinar on getting the process right.
Proposed cap on public sector exit payments
The Government has this week resurrected its proposals to cap exit payments for public sector workers at £95,000.
Join us at the CIH Annual Conference 2019
Join us at the CIH Annual Conference 2019 at Manchester Central from 25-27 June.
Thank you for the music…and the music teachers?
The tribunal decision in the case of Scott v Chigwell School last week might cause school managers and bursars some sleepless nights as they process its ramifications.
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