Simon Henthorn

Practice Areas

Simon is an expert in education and employment law. He has over 15 years’ experience advising schools, colleges, associations and individuals on all aspects of education law, including employment and safeguarding matters.

Simon is one of the UK's outstanding Education lawyers. He is ranked by Chambers for his Education work for both Institutions (Schools) and Individuals. He is also listed a Leading Individual for his work advising schools, colleges, universities and other Education sector organisations by The UK Legal 500. Under his leadership, the firm's Education team has achieved the highest possible ranking (Tier 1) with The Legal 500 saying -

"Doyle Clayton is renowned in this area of education for its breadth of expertise, with practice head and standout practitioner Simon Henthorn being described as 'a class act'".

For two consecutive years, the Education team has been shortlisted by The Legal 500 in its Annual Awards - one of only two UK Education teams to achieve this.

As well as being an expert in the education field, Simon has Higher Rights of Audience and has appeared as an advocate at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the reported education case of Duncombe -v- DCSF. Simon acted for Mr Duncombe and other members of the teaching unions belonging to the NASUWT and ATL.

Career

Qualified in January 2000.

Specialist in Employment since 2000.

Specialist in Education since 2004.

Professional Memberships

Education Lawyers Association.

Employment Lawyers Association.

European Employment Lawyers Association.

Publications

Simon has had a number of letters and articles published in the Times and the Sunday Times relating to age discrimination at Oxford University. He has also had articles and comments published in Education Today, The Gazette and New Law Journal.

Languages Spoken

English

Expert in these Jurisdictions

United Kingdom

Industry Sector Expertise

Education

Work Highlights

Advising five emanate Oxford professors on claims for age discrimination against Oxford University and challenging the University’s statutes.

Defending a teacher at Eton against allegations of professional misconduct before the teachers’ regulator (the TRA).

Advising the Governing body of a large independent school about the removal of its Headteacher following the issuing of a S47 notice and a series of anonymous complaints.

Advising several independent schools on their exit from Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including advice about potential industrial action.

Advising an independent school concerning a multi-agency safeguarding matter following the sharing of nude images and sexting by pupils.

Advising the largest teaching union in the country following its amalgamation.