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Sectors

Education Solicitors

The education sector is managing significant challenges and opportunities as the market continues to evolve rapidly in response to competition and the country's economic circumstances.

The further and higher education sectors have become fiercely competitive with the liberalisation of degree awarding powers moving higher up the agenda than ever before.  The larger FE colleges have been on the merger and acquisition trail and have become powerful organisations with strong brands and an international presence, with all colleges considering how best they can manage their estates, control costs and work more closely in collaboration with each other and the private sector. Many universities, in response to the gaps created by funding cuts, are focusing on creating wealth through their research capabilities. Research and innovation are the hallmark of these organisations as they strive to thrive in a tough economic environment.

Schools have seen a huge shake-up, with an increasing number being awarded academy status, giving them greater autonomy and control over budgets. It is likely that we will see an increasing cluster of these academies coming together to create branded federations and to partner with education providers further up the age range. The Academies Act 2010 has also paved the way for the coalition government's 'free schools' model, which will allow parents and other groups to open schools as not-for-profit limited companies, whilst studio schools offer further opportunities for targeted provision.

  • The Education team at Rollits provide us with a regular and trusted source of advice on an increasingly wide range of matters. We have a good, personal relationship with the team of solicitors. They are extremely responsive and will always get back to us same day, and in an emergency they are usually available on demand.

    The UK Legal 500 2023 edition

  • Professional yet friendly and approachable.

    The UK Legal 500, 2023 edition

  • Local knowledge and responsiveness to queries and in the provision of advice. Very accessible with a dedicated and named team.

    The UK Legal 500, 2023 edition

  • "We have access to a knowledgeable team who are very familiar with the issues facing the sector and indeed our particular college. A small team with whom we have built a strong relationship and who are very reactive to our ongoing requirements."

    The UK Legal 500 2022 - Education

  • Excellent responsiveness, professional, comprehensive communications and thorough understanding and awareness of the education sector.

    The UK Legal 500 2022 - Education
Ed Heppel
Gerry Morrison
Harriet Wheeldon
James Peel
Donna Ashbridge
Craig Engleman
Richard Field
Libby Clarkson
John Flanagan
Ralph Gilbert
Caroline Hardcastle
Caroline Neadley
Chris Crystal
Meet the team

Our sector experience

The lawyers at Rollits, through their long-standing involvement in the sector, are well versed in all of the educational issues and opportunities requiring legal expertise.

We work for some of the most ambitious and innovative institutions in the country, including substantial colleges in all parts of the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region that are recognised nationally and internationally for their best practice and influence on the sector. Our other education clients include leading universities and independent schools, as well as state schools, sixth-form colleges, academies, student unions, nurseries, local authorities and private training providers. We work to develop a deep understanding of how each client’s team operates and share both best practice and lessons learned from across the sector.

Rollits is proud to have carried out an acquisition for a 157 Group college that was held up as a model of best practice by the Department of Education and through our highly-regarded and well-known charity law specialists we are  able to give sound advice in relation to constitutional and governance issues.

Why use Rollits?

Our partner-led approach is key to the manner in which we deliver our services, because we know that our clients want to deal on a daily basis with highly experienced lawyers who know the education sector inside out.

At Rollits we make good on our promise of being ‘more than a law firm’. We help to inspire students through hands-on involvement in our clients’ initiatives including one-to-one mentoring, providing legal training to groups of students and running site visits at our offices.

Get in touch with our education solicitors in York and Hull

To speak to one of our experts please call one of our offices in Hull 01482 323239 or York 01904 625790 or simply fill in the form and we’ll get back to you.