About

Provided by Doyle Clayton

  • Our education team is unique in advising both employers and individuals. We act for schools, FE/HE institutions, education representative bodies (both associations and unions) and examination boards as well as senior individuals in the sector. This provides us with a unique insight into the broad and connected issues that organisations in the sector regularly encounter which many law firm education teams working solely for schools, do not have experience of. It also enables us to advise individuals more effectively and strategically than firms which do not frequently work with education- based organisations. 
  • We are the lead education advisor for the majority of our clients providing their main and in many cases, their sole and only source of legal advice.
  • The “go to” law firm and trusted advisor for the most important education sector work. 
  • In recognition of our outstanding work in the education sector, Simon and his Education team were shortlisted by The Legal 500 in its Annual Awards for two straight years. Only two Education teams achieved this with other being Veale Wasbrough Vizards.
  • The quality of our advisors is unmatched by any other education team. All (100%) of the team’s senior lawyers are recommended by The Legal 500. Clients always work with an established expert – we do not have trainees or employ paralegals.
  • A highly experienced team. All (100%) of its members have at least five years specialist experience of education and related work.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Education: Individuals - UK-wide
3
Band 3
What the Team is Known For

Doyle Clayton is an impressive firm with proficiency in employment matters related to the education sector. The team frequently handles cases concerning discrimination, dishonesty, bullying and gross misconduct, as well as redundancy and retirement age disputes. The firm possesses additional expertise in immigration issues. It is also adept at providing representation in employment tribunals, judicial reviews and internal investigations and appeals.

Work Highlights

Provided by Doyle Clayton
  • Doyle Clayton assisted a private individual in suing their former employer on discrimination grounds relating to the individual's gender-critical beliefs and their belief in academic freedom.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Simon Henthorn
3
Simon Henthorn
Head of Education: Individuals
3
Band 3

Simon Henthorn has significant expertise in handling employment matters in the education sector for an array of clients, including teachers, students and the parents of children. He frequently deals with cases concerning bullying and disability discrimination allegations, as well as retirement age disputes.

"Simon Henthorn brings together intellectual acuity, a shrewd tactical sense, and a formidable work ethic that ensures fast responses to the most difficult and seemingly intractable of questions."

"He has a very clear, comprehensive knowledge, and times all interventions correctly."

"Simon gave accessible and thoughtfully-expressed advice."

Amara Ahmad
Associates to watch

Amara Ahmad is a senior associate in Doyle Clayton's education law team, who specialises in SEN and safeguarding matters. Her expertise extends to assisting schools on all aspects of education law, specifically exclusions, safeguarding and discrimination matters.

"Amara has a great eye for detail and knows her cases back to front. She is also a class act for client management."

"She is an amazing individual with a wealth of experience and is an expert in her own field of education law."

"Amara is really incredible. Her strong point is her client management and care."

Ranked Lawyers at
Doyle Clayton

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Education: Individuals

Simon Henthorn
3
Simon Henthorn
Head of Education: Individuals
3
Band 3
Amara Ahmad
Associates to watch

Members

Provided by Doyle Clayton

Amara Ahmad

Anna Blackden

Simon Henthorn

Simon Henthorn

Head of Department