Lawyers for education and specialist schools.
There are unique challenges faced by education providers in an increasingly complex regulatory and legal environment.
Education is a specialist topic, we are specialist lawyers.
We are not generalists. Our team specialises in the unique legal needs and requirements of schools and education providers.
At RWK Goodman, we understand that schools and educational institutions operate in one of the most complex, regulated, and high-stakes sectors in the UK. From evolving safeguarding responsibilities to increasingly sophisticated regulatory frameworks, running an education provider today means navigating a minefield of legal requirements, compliance expectations, and reputational risks.
That’s why we don’t offer generic legal advice. Our dedicated Education Team brings sector-specific knowledge, years of experience, and a deep understanding of the operational realities you face. Whether you’re a nursery, independent school, academy trust, further education college, or a special school, we are here to support you with tailored, effective legal solutions that protect your institution, staff, and students.
We advise on all aspects of education law, including regulatory compliance, employment and HR issues, estates and property matters, governance, and crisis management. With RWK Goodman as your legal partner, you can focus on what you do best -delivering exceptional education- while we ensure your legal foundations are robust and your risks are managed.
We work with
Our clients span the full spectrum of educational provision, including:
- Early years and nurseries
- Independent schools
- Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
- Further and Higher Education providers
- Special Schools
Each of these settings faces unique legal challenges. Our team is structured to provide flexible, targeted support that recognises these distinctions while offering consistent quality and clarity across all areas of advice.
Our Core Legal Services for the Education Sector
- OFSTED registration and compliance
- Land consent applications with the ESFA
- Sale of land, leases, tenancies, Community Use agreements, development and construction
- Employment and immigration
- Supply contracts
- Troubleshooting and crisis management
- Parental complaints
- Admissions and funding disputes
- Debt recovery
- Data protection
- Governance
- Estate management and energy
- EHCP disputes
We understand the unique challenges of the education sector that's why we are the legal partner for the National Association for Special Schools.
Recent success stories
Advised the three shareholder / founders of a children’s services group in the sale of a specialist school and 6 children’s homes to Keys. The pre-sale structuring involved the disposal of a fostering business to a third party, on which we also advised.
Acted for the shareholders of Sandude Limited and its trading company, Budwood Limited, in the sale of a group of 10 children’s homes (both regulated and unregulated) to Polaris. The homes were a mixture of freehold and leasehold.
Advised the shareholders of a group in the sale of 6 registered children’s homes to a national, private equity backed operator.
Acted in the refinancing of a Specialist School Group at their flagship site in Gloucestershire.
Acted in the merging of two substantial Specialist School group.
“A brilliant team who provide comprehensive guidance and take the time to discuss the needs of the client. They’re also very friendly and approachable.”
"Rob Walton struck me immediately as someone who listened with acuity to our members, sought to build effective relationships with schools and Trusts, and offered insight and advice without prejudice. He unfailingly provided perspicacious insight and support, understood the landscape of special schools with fluency and, when warranted, was always prepared to other further support to individual schools."
Our sector expertise
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