Education | UK Bar

11KBW retains its reputation as a leading set for education matters, and houses a deep bench of barristers experienced in handling the full range of disputes. Particular areas of strength for the team include cases concerning SEN, discrimination claims and examination disputes, and members are regularly called upon to act for universities, schools and local authorities, as well as teachers, parents and students. The set's barristers also field expertise in school reorganisations, admissions and exclusions, and employment disputes arising in the education sector. 11KBW appeared before the Supreme Court in a test case, Re T (A Child) 2022, considering the circumstances in which a child below the age of 16 can be deprived of liberty for the purposes of Article 5 of the ECHR. A commentator notes: "11KBW is a very strong set for any education law matters, student disputes and responding to regulatory or inspectorate actions."

Matrix Chambers houses a deep bench of experienced barristers who are noted for their extensive expertise in education law matters. The set's enviable client base includes several local authorities, the Department for Education and Ofsted, as well as schools, colleges, universities and individual students and parents. Members are regularly called upon to act for and advise on education judicial review challenges and disputes concerning SEN, discrimination, safeguarding, exclusions and school closures. Recently, Matrix Chambers represented Holland Park School Parents Collective and the National Education Union in challenging the government's decision to close the school and turn it into a multi-academy trust. An interviewee remarks: "Matrix Chambers is our go-to for education disputes because they are able to offer us a number of options at different levels. All the barristers who are put forward have significant experience in education matters."

39 Essex Chambers offers extensive expertise covering a wide range of education matters. The set's barristers are particularly well regarded for their handling of cases concerning the higher education sector, including challenges to grant decisions and admissions, and claims involving allegations of discrimination and procedural unfairness. Members have additional expertise in claims for judicial reviews concerning SEN funding and employment claims within the education sector. The team acts on behalf of a enviable roster of clients, including the Secretary of State for Education, higher education institutions, local authorities, schools and parents. Recently, 39 Essex members acted in Sixsmith v Secretary of State for Education in challenge to the government's consultation on its Special Education Needs Green Paper, which outlines proposals for reform. An interviewee comments: "39 Essex is a leading set of chambers in all respects. Its barristers are highly competent and quickly able to pick up and get to grips with detailed instructions."

3PB Barristers is a well-regarded set with an impressive offering in the education sector. Members are experienced in the handling of a broad range of matters, including school admissions and exclusions, special educational needs and discrimination claims. The team also offers expertise in disciplinary matters arising in the higher education sector. The set's varied client base encompasses several education institutions, such as schools, universities and academies, as well as pupils, governing bodies and NGOs, and its barristers regularly appear before the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. 3PB acted for the claimant in London Borough of Croydon v K-A 2022, in an appeal relating to the statutory interpretation of 'unreasonable public expenditure' in relation to Section 9 of the Education Act 1996. One interviewee remarks: "The quality of legal advice, detailed submissions and clear sensitivity towards vulnerable clients have been impressive. 3PB also has strong and calm conduct of contentious cases."

The barristers at Landmark Chambers are regularly called upon to act for and advise on a wide range of education matters. Areas of strength for the team include discrimination claims, school closures and safeguarding issues. Members are also well regarded for their expertise in advisory work concerning children with special educational needs, and have significant experience of appearing in SEN hearings. The set's client base includes several further education institutions, academies and universities, as well as local authorities, government organisations and individual parents. Members at Landmark acted for the Westminster School in an extensive independent review into sexually harmful behaviour between peers. An interviewee remarks: "Landmark Chambers produce fantastic work. They are approachable and always deliver extremely high standards."