Academy conversions and free schools

At Brachers, we know that obtaining academy or free school status is an exciting opportunity for schools to gain more independence, make positive changes and ultimately drive up standards in education.

Having helped over 30 schools achieve an efficient transition in the last five years, our Education team has the understanding and expertise to support you at every step of the conversion process and beyond.

Our Education team comprises specialist property, corporate and employment solicitors, who are each experts in their areas of law and work together to provide high quality advice across all aspects of your project. We can also call upon the expertise of other specialists such as construction or planning solicitors, if and when the need arises.

We work in partnership with schools to ensure you understand the responsibilities of being an academy or free school and how to effectively manage the associated ongoing compliance obligations.

We have extensive experience of delivering academy and free school projects on time and on budget. Our success comes from understanding that every academy and free school will have unique needs and ambitions and our ability to tailor our services to meet your individual aims and aspirations.

Our services include:

• Advice on contracts and legal documentation
• Advice on governance and related structures
• All commercial property work including disposition of land and buildings, transfer of freeholds and leases
• Support with TUPE consultations and processes
• Liaison with DfE and your local authority
• A comprehensive post-conversion support package