Department profile
VWV

Education: Institutions (Schools)

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Share profile

VWV

Rankings

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.

Clients (13)

  • Clifton College
  • United Learning
  • Cheltenham Ladies College
  • Malvern College
  • Rugby School
  • Roedean School
  • Bellevue Education International Limited
  • King's School in Macclesfield
  • The King's School, Canterbury
  • Diocese of Gloucester
  • Creative Education
  • Millfield
  • Lancing College

Industries (3)

  • Charities/Not for Profit
  • Education
  • Government

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Education: Institutions (Schools) - UK-wide

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.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • 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) respondentUK

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

    Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

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

    Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

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

    Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alice Reeve
    Alice Reeve

    Alice Reeve

    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.

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK
    View profile
  • Barney Northover
    Barney Northover

    Barney Northover

    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.

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

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

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK
    View profile
  • Graham Shaw
    Graham Shaw

    Graham Shaw

    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.

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

    • Graham is always excellent to work with.

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK

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

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK
    View profile
  • Tabitha Cave
    Tabitha Cave

    Tabitha Cave

    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.

      Education: Institutions (Schools) respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at VWV (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by VWV

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership