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.
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Sector lead
Chris Whittington
Partner
View sector lead profile
Leader of the education team, with extensive education and public law experience.
“Holiday, celebrate”…but not if you employ term-time-only employees or use zero-hours contracts
The decision of the Court of Appeal in The Harpur Trust v Brazel & Unison has made clear that employers can no longer legally calculate part-time holiday based on 12.07% of hours worked over a year.
Modern slavery – looking out for shackles in the supply chain
The Government commissioned an independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in July 2018. The outcome was published in May 2019 which highlighted areas for improvement.
Dispute-related legal services excluded from the need for tendering
The European Court has upheld the long-standing principle that parties to a dispute should be able to choose their lawyers without having to go through a tender process (or use a framework).
Intentions to fine BA and Marriott – a harbinger of what’s to come or a tempest in a rather large teacup?
On 8 July, news broke of the staggering fine of more than £183m the ICO intended to levy against British Airways as a result of a hack that took place in 2018, compromising 500,000 customers' data.
Storm clouds are gathering for public sector pensions
The Government has been refused permission to appeal a decision ruling that transitional arrangements in public sector pension schemes are discriminatory.
Contracts – paying the price for unachievable targets
The Lifeline Project was a well-regarded charity. Failure to carry out the targets within the contracts led the charity into insolvency and resulted in a personal, 7-year disqualification order.
Trainees hosting Social Mobility Foundation event on 23 July 2019
On 23 July, trainees from Anthony Collins Solicitors will host an ‘experience day’, which will involve various activities and presentations, with lawyers and non-lawyers from across the firm.
Proposed cap on exit payments in the public sector – taking the pension strain
The Government has resurrected its plans to cap the termination payments for exiting employees in the public sector.
Mum’s the word and gets the enhanced maternity package…
A recent case in the Court of Appeal will no doubt bring a sigh of relief for employers, but a corresponding sigh of disappointment may be uttered for equality and gender balance in the workplace.
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.
Radisson Edwardian Blu, Peter Street Free Trade Hall, Manchester M2 5GP
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Malmaison Manchester, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3AQ
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Malmaison Manchester, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3AQ
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Anthony Collins Solicitors, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES, United Kingdom
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Anthony Collins Solicitors, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES, United Kingdom
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Anthony Collins Solicitors, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES, United Kingdom
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