In the UK, we’re blessed to have access to one of the best education systems in the world. With countless schools, colleges and universities to choose from, it only makes sense that there’s a team of education law solicitors and attorneys behind the scenes to keep all the legalities in check.
This is why we have created our own insight led guide on education law. At Hay & Kilner, we have built our reputation by providing clear, effective legal guidance across a range of specialities, with our education law specialists standing out as a cornerstone of our practice.
If you’re a business owner, a teacher, or a part of the UK education system looking to learn more about the legalities and services involved in education law, our team is here to give you a well-rounded understanding.
The law on education deals with schools, government policies, and the rights of everyone within the education system. The goal of education law is to ensure that schools operate fairly and offer equal educational opportunities to all students — we’ll go into the specific types and areas of education law a little bit later on within this guide.
If you’re involved in education in any way — whether you're a stakeholder, part of a governing body, teacher, or learning support assistant — it's important to understand the basics of education law. Why? To make sure you're meeting your responsibilities in full and respecting your students' rights while doing so.
In the UK, education law can be structured into several categories, influencing how educational institutions operate across the country. Each category focuses on different aspects of the education system, ensuring that all students receive appropriate support and opportunities.
Primary and secondary education law: This area deals with rules affecting younger students, from the moment they apply to a school until they finish secondary education. It covers everything from how students are admitted to schools, to their welfare, to what they learn in their classrooms.
Higher education law: Higher education law focuses on the management and regulation of universities and any other institutions that offer advanced education. It includes how these institutions are run and focuses on the rights of university students.
Special education law: This is dedicated to making sure students with disabilities are given the essential resources and support needed to succeed in their educational journey. This also includes tailored learning opportunities and other necessary accommodations.
Each category has its own nuances and legal frameworks that need to be followed. Our team of education solicitors are aware of the details of these faculties, making us a trusted choice in your search for educational law services.
It’s time for us to dig a little bit deeper into the basics of these law sectors by explaining our role in the framework.
We offer educational law advice, represent clients in disputes, and help draft policies that comply with the current legal standards. Whether it’s a dispute over university admissions, a case involving special education needs, or employment issues within an academic context, our education lawyers play a significant role in ensuring fairness and compliance with the law.
We’re proud to have a multi-disciplinary team of lawyers to give you advice on a range of education law issues.
Admissions and exclusion appeals: We can help schools and any relevant employees handle appeals when a student's admission or expulsion comes into question. Our team can provide extra help to ensure fairness during these complex processes.
Training for appeals panels: We offer in-house training for Independent Admissions Appeals Panels, ensuring members are prepared to handle appeals fairly and effectively (with both in-person and virtual training options).
Employment law guidance: Educational institutions can be faced with unique HR challenges. Hay and Kilner can advise on issues like performance management, disciplinary actions, and compliance.
Data protection advice: We can guide your institution in managing sensitive information securely, helping ensure compliance with data protection laws, and crafting policies that safeguard all parties' privacy.
Dispute resolution and debt management: We can assist you with any legal disputes that may arise from supply contracts and property disagreements. We can also help you manage any financial obligations or debts that could impact your organisation.
Comprehensive legal support: We’re proud to extend our legal services to cover school funding, mergers, construction, property transactions, and more, ensuring that we cater to a variety of educational institutions. These can also include local authority schools, independent schools, and multi-academy trusts.
You should never feel like you have to navigate the world of UK educational law alone. Our team of expert solicitors have a passion for helping clients like you understand their legal rights and responsibilities, ensuring that your work always complies with the law.
Ready to find out how our legal solutions could benefit you? Get in touch with our team, including education law specialists Tom Clarke and Adam Chaffer, today to begin receiving expert advice in education law.
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