Education overview

We can help you keep pace in the fast changing world of education

The UK education sector is extensive, diverse and fast changing. There is huge pressure on budgets and the Coalition are pressing ahead with their proposals - on tuition fees, free schools, etc. To keep pace, you need constantly to adapt to the demands of the marketplace and political and cultural environment. With our flexible approach and full range of services, we can help.

Drawing on our long experience of acting for key institutions and organisations in the sector, our solicitors provide informed commercial advice on varied and complex transactions.

Our clients range from public bodies to schools, higher education institutions and private sector organisations. Clients include Oxford University, Surrey County Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Brunel University, The University of the Arts - London, Sheffield Hallam University, Middlesex University, Laureate Education Inc and UNITE Group plc.

We focus on the following areas:

  • Corporate services - we add value to clients exploiting the growing investment and expansion opportunities within the higher education market. We act on corporate and business acquisitions and disposals and advise on and coordinate joint ventures, both in the UK and in overseas jurisdictions for international education bodies.
  • Projects - we specialise in PPP schemes in the education sector. We have been a lead player in the Building Schools for the Future programme, having acted on nine schemes. We also act on the delivery of academies in Kent, are working on the Free Schools programme, and work on National Framework procurements.
  • Human resources and discrimination – employment issues are currently high on the agenda, particularly in the area of discrimination. We frequently advise institutions and private and public sector bodies on employment issues ranging from complex TUPE issues through to discrimination and dismissal claims.
  • Real estate and student accommodation – we regularly work on major property assignments for higher education clients, including large-scale rebuilding and refurbishment schemes for university campus sites. We also negotiate design and build contracts for development schemes. In addition, we increasingly act for providers and developers of student accommodation.
  • Dispute Resolution – we are experienced in dealing with disputes for clients in the education sector and, in particular, have taken several student disputes to mediation and subsequent settlement. We also advise clients on risk management, including advising on internal policies aimed at minimising the risks of litigation.
Our latest alerts, briefings & reports
Nabarro briefings and reports
  • New planning rules in force from 30 May 2013  
The Government published legislation at the end of last week that will relax the rules on when planning permission is needed for change of use. View full briefing
  • ONEL: what constitutes genuine use of a Community Trade Mark?  
On 19 December 2012, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) handed down its long-anticipated judgment in the ONEL/OMEL case. This reference from the Court of Appeal of the Hague sought guidance on the question of whether use of a Community Trade Mark (CTM) in a single member state constitutes genuine use in the Community.  View full briefing
  • OHIM's box-ticking approach to class heading filings fails to tick all the right boxes  
Community Trade Mark (CTM) applicants beware. OHIM (the CTM office) has again (15 October 2012) changed its practice on filings for "class headings". View full briefing
  • The application of the procurement rules to develop agreements: the debate continues  
A decision by the High Court last week has provided further confirmation on the test which determines when a development agreement will be subject to the public procurement rules and when it will be a land transfer outside of the rules. View full briefing
  • PFI is dead? Long live PFI!   
Last week the House of Commons Treasury Committee published its report on the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The report is critical of PFI in many respects and calls for urgent reforms.  View full briefing
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