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thepartners@wrigleys.co.uk

Leeds: 0113 244 6100

Sheffield: 0114 267 5588

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Legal expertise for your school or academy

Wrigleys has advised on over 950 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:

Academy trust contracts

The role of the accounting officer - when the rubber hits the road 

To explore our collection of free, downloadable brochures, please see the Downloads tab at the top of the page.

IDPE_Kitemark_2025Forum Strategy

'Wrigleys Solicitors worked over and above to meet deadlines. Their skillset and ability to escalate is a real standout. There is always someone available to support.'

Chambers and Partners (2027) 


'The team responds promptly and immediately identifies a named person to support. They understand education-based organizations, including challenges and risks.'

Legal 500 (2027)

Chris Billington View Biography

Chris Billington

Direct Line: 0113 204 5734

Partner
Leeds

Tim Wrigley View Biography

Tim Wrigley

Direct Line: 0113 204 5743

Partner
Leeds

Meet the team

10 Nov 2026
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Internal suspensions: have your say on the proposed reforms

DfE launches call for evidence on use of internal suspensions for behavioural reasons.

03 Nov 2026
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Menopause at work: guidance for employers

Understanding the legal risks and steps to support employees experiencing menopause.

20 Oct 2026
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DBS checks for volunteers – new duties for schools and academy trusts

New rules require stringent checks on new and existing volunteers. Schools and academy trusts should act now to be avoid being caught out.