Education

Our Education team is comprised of specialist lawyers, some of whom are award-winning experts recognised in their field. We have in-depth knowledge of the area and an established track record, which is reflected in our rankings in the leading independent legal directories.

We have a unique place in the sector as we act for schools, colleges and institutions, as well as teaching unions. We have particular expertise in the schools sector and act on a wide range of matters. We conduct our own advocacy, including providing representation at exclusion hearings, inquiries and appeals, providing you with a seamless service.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Disciplinary issues
• GTC proceedings
• Exclusions
• School Status
• Equal pay/single status issues
• Challenges against admissions decisions
• Funding disputes
• Litigation, including judicial review
• Employment advice

Examples of relevant work

• European Schools test case litigation - we have recently conducted successful test case litigation at the Court of Appeal. Simon Henthorn appeared as the junior advocate. The litigation affects over 150 teachers employed by the DCSF at the European Schools
• Acting for the governing body of a school challenging its loss of specialist status, including pre-action negotiations and threat of judicial review proceedings
• Challenging the decision of a local authority concerning the single status agreement and job evaluation scheme and, in particular, its effect on bursars
• Acting for three further education colleges defending tribunal complaints for age, sex, race and disability discrimination
• Acting for a governing body of a voluntary aided school defending claims by excluded pupils
• Challenging the decision of a local authority regarding funding

Selected directory listings

• "'Accessible, responsive and reliable,' the team has expertise in pensions, employment law, real estate and construction matters and governance issues. It is 'always entirely professional and accurate, and works within the specified timeframe and budget'" - Chambers UK 2013
• "RPC provides ‘excellent advice’" - The Legal 500, 2012 edition
• "This growing team advises a comprehensive range of clients... It is great at keeping in touch, it pays attention to its instructions and it doesn't charge for the sake of it" - Chambers UK 2012
• "Responsive, constructive and practical" - The Legal 500, 2011 edition
• "Praised for its litigation work" - Chambers UK 2011
• "The group's expertise has a definite emphasis on the independent sector, where it represents schools, institutions and teaching unions" - Chambers UK 2010
• "Its work on behalf of the unions has created a deserved reputation" - Chambers UK 2010
• "Geraldine Elliott's advice to institutions and schools on educational law is highly regarded and complemented by additional employment and employee benefit expertise" - Chambers UK 2010
• "A well-respected practice" - The Legal 500, 2009 edition
• "Responsive and pro-active team" - Chambers UK 2009
• "Education employment is the standout strength at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain L LP, under the 'pragmatic and reassuring' Geraldine Elliott" - The Legal 500, 2008 edition

For more information please contact Simon Henthorn (simon.henthorn@rpc.co.uk), Geraldine Elliott (geraldine.elliott@rpc.co.uk) or Cath Thorpe (cath.thorpe@rpc.co.uk)