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education

 


experience

The following is a statement of FSP’s education experience. The matters are described in general terms to protect confidentiality. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but illustrative. Our specialist lawyers have an extensive range of experience in advising in this field. Please contact us for further information.
 


Employment advice

Acting for a number of schools and colleges giving a wide range of employment advice, particularly in the context of educational establishments’ obligations to minors. Examples include giving guidance on disciplinary action against a teacher using offensive language in front of students, advising on a complaint of inappropriate behaviour on the part of a teacher and advising on the obligations of colleges under the Disability Discrimination Act to disabled students. We have also advised on the consequences of a TUPE transfer on the terms and conditions of teachers whose pay was previously established by reference to the School Teachers Pay and Conditions but who were no longer employed in an establishment governed by such conditions and the degree of flexibility which the current employer had to change salary terms.
 

Recovering
school fees

We have considerable experience of assisting private schools in the recovery of unpaid school fees. These cases not infrequently give rise to sensitive issues and we work closely with schools to ensure that appropriate and effective action is taken.
 

Disputes

We have acted for schools and colleges in disputes with suppliers, press complaints and admissions issues.
 

Property

We have very extensive experience of acting for schools and colleges in relation to property matters, including property disputes. We have obtained expedited possession orders against travellers trespassing on playing fields. We have also obtained emergency injunctions to prevent access to school property by individuals who may constitute a threat to pupils. We act frequently for schools and colleges in property transactions (sales, purchases and leases) and giving general advice on property law.
 

Licensing

We are often called upon to advise on the need for entertainment and alcohol licences for school/college events and functions. Our licensing specialists can assist schools and colleges in obtaining the necessary licences thereby facilitating events which are often an important element in the financing of modern educational establishments. Our experience and contact with local authorities ensures that licensing issues are dealt with smoothly and efficiently.
 

Governance

A number of lawyers at FSP hold positions as governors, clerks and company secretaries within educational establishments in the state and private sectors.
 

City Academy

We acted in the setting up of the John Madejski Academy Trust in Reading. Members of the education group at FSP were involved in the setting up and registration of the charity, the building and construction issues, the funding agreements and the lease with the local council. We continue to advise the Academy on governance issues.
 

Terms and conditions We have acted for a number of schools in the drafting of terms and conditions of admission.