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VWV
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Education: Institutions (Schools)

About

Provided by VWV

We are trusted legal advisers and friends to a great many heads, bursars and chairs of governors of independent schools who rely on our proactive advice and 24/7 support. Every client relationship is managed by a Partner who commits to knowing your school's unique culture and is supported by a large team of specialist lawyers who all understand your perspective and have a genuine passion for schools.

Our experience over more than 30 years acting for the full range of independent schools enables us to identify common issues and difficulties and means that we will never have to reinvent the wheel for you. We are best known for the strength and depth of our expertise and proactive support for issues facing the sector. Our fixed price tailored products and services, including the parent contract and school fees recovery scheme, give you cost effective and affordable solutions to areas of custom and practice that are common throughout the sector.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Education: Institutions (Schools) - UK-wide

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

VWV has a highly respected education team with considerable expertise in sensitive matters, including safeguarding issues. The team regularly provides advice on a range of complex issues faced by both multi-academy trusts and independent schools. It also demonstrates strength in data protection, employment and charity law matters. The team is noted for pastoral advice on the legal risks faced by schools, covering pupil welfare, inspection readiness and regulatory compliance.

Work Highlights

  • VWV acted for two majority shareholders in the sale of Finborough School to Forfar Education.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

VWV has a strong sense of leadership, which combines insight into existing regulations with clarity and foresight regarding changes and outcomes.

Education: Institutions (Schools) respondent
UK

The VWV team has excellent knowledge, is very approachable and supportive.

Education: Institutions (Schools) respondent
UK

VWV has very strong ownership of the complexity of a case.

Education: Institutions (Schools) respondent
UK

VWV has expertise and extensive experience in the education sector and provides strong personal support.

Education: Institutions (Schools) respondent
UK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Alice Reeve
2
Alice Reeve
2
Band 2

Alice Reeve focuses her practice on employment matters, particularly cases involving unfair dismissal and disability discrimination allegations. Her clients include academy trusts and independent schools.

Alice Reeve is very good with clients.

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Barney Northover
2
Barney Northover
Head of Education: Institutions (Schools)
2
Band 2

Barney Northover is highly regarded for his representation of charitable independent schools and has extensive experience handling mergers and acquisitions in the sector. He frequently advises on governance and charity law issues.

Barney is an excellent speaker.

We received a superb level of insight and wisdom from Barney, demonstrating a high level of sophistication.

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Graham Shaw
2
Graham Shaw
2
Band 2
Graham Shaw specialises in assisting clients with conversions and transfers involving individual academies, as well as faith, maintained and free schools. He also has significant expertise in relation to contract disputes, safeguarding matters and funding arrangements.

Graham is my main point of contact and is just a brilliant partner.

Graham is always excellent to work with.

Graham's support has been excellent. He is keen to find ways of supporting in an efficient and effective manner.

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4
Tabitha Cave
4
Band 4

Tabitha Cave specialises in regulatory compliance and advises a number of independent schools on an array of safeguarding and employment matters. She regularly assists with internal and external investigations, serious incident reporting and governance matters.

Tabitha has excellent legal knowledge but also cares deeply about the ethics of educational leadership and empathises with the challenges.

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Ranked Lawyers at
VWV

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Education: Institutions (Schools)
Alice Reeve
2
Alice Reeve
2
Band 2
View Profile
Barney Northover
2
Barney Northover
Head of Education: Institutions (Schools)
2
Band 2
View Profile
Graham Shaw
2
Graham Shaw
2
Band 2
View Profile
4
Tabitha Cave
4
Band 4
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Members

Provided by VWV

Andrew Gallie

Barney Northover

Barney Northover

Head of Department

Chloe Brunton

Head of Department

Kris Robbetts

Natalie Wargent

Richard Hewitt

Robert Collier

Robin Rajanah

Simon Linnitt

Clients

Provided by VWV

Bellevue Education International Limited

Cheltenham Ladies College

Clifton College

Creative Education

Diocese of Gloucester

King's School in Macclesfield

Lancing College

Malvern College

Millfield

Roedean School

Rugby School

The King's School, Canterbury

United Learning

Industries

Provided by VWV

Charities/Not for Profit

Education

Government