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.

‘As a client of Wrigleys, I can confidently say that their legal team is truly exceptional. What sets them apart is their unparalleled expertise in private client and charities law, which was evident in the personalised advice and solutions they provided for our Academy Trust.’

Legal 500 (2025)

"Wrigleys' responsiveness to enquiries is truly commendable."

Chambers and Partners (2025)