Legal expertise for your school or academy

Wrigleys has advised on over 750 academy projects for both primary and secondary schools across all school categories. We act for numerous multi academy trusts including some of the most high profile and many who are growing.

Unlike many law firms we work with MATs in establishing their offering, their ways of working and their unique approach to leading school governance and school improvement. We do not merely do a conversion project and then disappear.

We also advise free schools, foundation schools, trust schools, faith schools, and teaching school alliances.

How can Wrigleys Solicitors advise your school or academy?

Our expert services include the following:

Academy conversions

Single & multi academy trusts
Trust schools and foundation schools
PFI, PSBP & BSF
Church schools & faith schools
Free schools
Fixed prices to ensure you have budget certainty

Academy transfers

Sponsored and voluntary transfers.
Fixed prices and discounts for multiple transfers.

Legal support

Employment law & HR
Academy governance
School improvement SLAs
Contracts / SLAs and procurement rules
Land & buildings
Collaborations
Charity law
Company law
Pensions law

School expansion advice

Collaborations & partnerships
Trading companies
Teaching Schools
Academy Trust to Academy Trust transfers
Expansion projects, change of category, acquisition of a trust and other prescribed changes

Tailored training

Breakfast and twilight sessions for governors & staff
Regular events covering education, governance, regulatory, HR and commercial issues

You may find the following articles helpful:

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“The combination of professional integrity, response, wisdom and expertise is unique.”

“Graham Shaw is unique. He has worked with our school supporting us on an arduous journey from maintained school to academy, offering well-reasoned advice and guidance and sharing our queries with specialist staff who have ensured we have achieved our goals in good time and best results.”

Legal 500 (2021)

"The team at Wrigleys have a depth of experience that provides school leaders, including governors, with the confidence to know that they are in safe hands. They are always available to offer direction and guidance and, if needed, working beyond their remit without hesitation to make sure that education institutions are getting the highest quality and best value."

Andrew Shaw, Executive Principal and CEO The Talentum Learning Trust, Staffordshire