Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education)
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Contact number
0207 796 1007About
Provided by Stone King LLP
Spread across our offices nationwide, (Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, London and Manchester) our team of specialist lawyers offer support with the strength that comes from being part of a firm rated in the Top 200 by The Lawyer, consistently named a Best Law Firm by the Times and top-ranked by Chambers and Legal 500.
Our practice includes:
- Supporting colleges in both positive and challenging situations
- Helping with key stakeholder communications and conducting negotiations, including the ESFA at local and national levels, the OfS, Ofqual and Awarding Bodies
- Negotiating funding arrangements, for example with DfE, local enterprise partnerships and banks
- Student related issues
- Shared and managed services
- Collaboration/joint venture arrangements, social enterprise initiatives and place-based solutions
- Mergers
- Commercial contracts - e.g. with suppliers and employers
- Education contracts - e.g. apprenticeships and subcontracted provision
- Procurement
- State Aid
- Employment law
- HR advice
- Immigration advice
- Equality and diversity advice
- Estates issues - land sales, purchases, taking and granting leases, estate management
- Construction and facilities management
- Information law (data protection and freedom of information)
- Project management
- Innovative cost effective packaged services, including: - governance support - information law - employment law and HR retainer - legal retainer
Chambers Review
Stone King has a respected team with a strong track record of advising further education clients on an array of issues. The team is particularly adept at assisting with governance reviews, alongside broader expertise in handling data protection, intellectual property and employment mandates. The firm's clients include prestigious colleges from across the country and national sector organisations.
Work Highlights
- Stone King assisted the Luminate Education Group with the redevelopment of learning facilities across Yorkshire. This project involved advising the Group on a multi-million pound loan from the Department for Education.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Stone King have a depth of knowledge and experience in further education that enables a full consideration of risks, which are delivered in the context of what actually happens in real life."
"The lawyers have an excellent knowledge of the sector and a willingness to respond flexibly to emerging needs."
"Stone King have delivered excellent advice and support throughout."
"All the lawyers I have met at Stone King have been professional and trusted advisors."
"Stone King have a depth of knowledge and experience in further education that enables a full consideration of risks, which are delivered in the context of what actually happens in real life."
"The lawyers have an excellent knowledge of the sector and a willingness to respond flexibly to emerging needs."
"Stone King have delivered excellent advice and support throughout."
"All the lawyers I have met at Stone King have been professional and trusted advisors."
Notable Practitioners
Tom Morrison is the head of Stone King's higher and further education practice and is based in the firm's Leeds office. He frequently advises colleges on a wide variety of issues including governance matters, partnerships and funding challenges.
"Tom Morrison has great knowledge and experience in the further education sector, which shines through when he provides advice."
"As well as nailing the more general big picture advice, Tom also frequently picks up on the nuances and smaller details or risks of a potential decision, which can make all the difference."
"He is always extremely professional and helpful."
"Tom is able to deliver complex messages. He presents extremely well, with confidence, authority and a deep understanding of the subject."
Ciara Campfield is partner in the education team at Stone King who acts for a range of higher and further education providers. She advises clients on corporate, commercial and governance matters including procurement, joint ventures and commercial collaborations.
"Ciara is always alert to developments, very quick to respond and adapt, and has an excellent moral compass."
"Ciara Campfield is always extremely professional and helpful."
"She provides calm, considered but speedy advice and guidance."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stone King LLP
UK-wide