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Education

Our market-leading team of education lawyers and solicitors assists clients in managing the complexities of the rapidly changing legal, commercial and regulatory landscape.

Education and research transform lives and play a vital role in the flourishing of the UK economy and civic society, operating at the forefront of scientific, medical and technological development. Educational institutions inhabit the intersection of the public, private and charity sectors, creating a unique combination of legal and regulatory issues. We have the breadth of experience to help our clients operate successfully in this challenging environment.

A little bit about our education lawyers

Our team of education lawyers is recognised as a leading provider of legal services to the sector, acting for over 120 universities, colleges, national agencies, academies, educational businesses and charities across the UK.

Unmatched sector reach: Acting for over 120 education institutions, including universities, colleges, academies, and independent schools across the UK. 

Comprehensive expertise: From governance and mergers to safeguarding, student issues and international campus development, our education lawyers cover every aspect of education law. 

Innovative financing solutions: Pioneers in developing bonds and private placements for leading universities and schools.

Global perspective: Advising on international collaborations, overseas campuses and cross-border legal challenges for education providers. 

Proven track record in complex projects: Delivered major student accommodation schemes, mergers of leading institutions, and strategic restructuring initiatives.

Our experience

As market-leading advisors to the sector, here are some examples of our work:

  • Strategy and conduct of matters: We advise on new institutions, commercial operations, acquisitions, finance/banking, campus redevelopment, student disciplinary issues, research misconduct, FOI and data protection issues, equality and human rights, consumer law, immigration compliance, fitness to practise, pensions and employment issues, charity law, education regulation, procurement, health and safety/inquests, mergers and restructuring, student union issues and litigation.
  • International issues: We collaborate with overseas partners, set up international campuses and handle contentious matters involving jurisdictions around the world. We guided London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in acquiring African research units and advise King’s College London on its international collaborations.
  • Bonds and private placements: We have developed these for the universities of Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Manchester and Southampton, and a number of leading schools.
  • Student accommodation projects: Work in this area includes a £130 million project for the University of Hull in collaboration with student accommodation provider, UPP and a £90 million project for UCL.
  • Mergers: We helped the Institute of Education merge with University College London. We advised on the merger between St George's, University of London and City, University of London to create a "health powerhouse".
  • Academies: We have acted for Academies Enterprise Trust and London Academies Enterprise Trust on every one of their academy conversions and rebrokerages.

Meet our education team

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you. Contact one of our lawyers today.

Our clients

Our education lawyers act for over 120 education institutions, including universities, colleges, independent schools and academies. Clients having received our education legal advice include:

  • Academies Enterprise Trust
  • Birmingham City University
  • Bolton College
  • City St George’s, University of London
  • The Association of Colleges
  • The British Council
  • The Royal Veterinary College
  • The University of Manchester
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Salford
  • Uppingham School
  • University of Sussex

What our clients say about us

 

  • Mills & Reeve’s attention to detail, expertise in higher education law, and solution-focused advice were invaluable in enabling us to navigate a wide range of complex legal matters, without which our merger would not have been possible.
    Professor Rachel Allen
    Interim Executive Dean of St George’s School of Health and Medical Sciences
  • It has been comforting to know that the team at Mills & Reeve were on top of the brief and giving us clear advice.
    A client
  • Whatever the issue, Mills & Reeve will have the expertise on hand to advise.
    Education client - Chambers UK

Did you know?

Chambers UK 

Chambers rank us "band 1". Noting we're a "market leader in further and higher education, advising clients on significant legal and policy developments."

75+ jurisdictions

We've supported clients in over 75 jurisdictions, through our links with over 145 law firms in other countries.

Ground-breaking campus development

Acting for the University of Northampton on its £330million Waterside Campus development.

University financial resilience taskforce

Our cross-disciplinary taskforce offer some practical tips on managing financial headwinds for universities.

Radical Collaboration report

Mills & Reeve and KPMG have released a practical playbook to help universities identify opportunities to collaborate with other organisations, reduce costs and improve operations.

Legal webinars you may find useful

Wonkhe's latest report

Wonkhe's latest report, in association with Mills & Reeve, considers how to create a resilient and sustainable higher education system in England.

Education blog

We bring together the latest public, private and charity law updates for the education sector.

Merger success

Advised St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London (SGUL) on its complex merger with City, University of London (City). 

Latest blogs from the education team

Frequently asked questions

Latest articles