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Academy Conversion Solicitors

Specialist Legal Support for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts

Converting your school to academy status is a significant step, one that brings new freedoms, responsibilities and legal requirements. Our experienced solicitors provide clear, practical legal advice to guide you through every stage of the process.
 
Whether you are a single school considering conversion or part of a group forming a Multi Academy Trust (MAT), we ensure your transition is smooth, compliant and tailored to your educational vision.

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Why choose oliver & co

Since 2011, we’ve successfully supported more than twenty schools across Cheshire, South Manchester, Shropshire and Merseyside through the academy conversion process. Our clients include community, church, primary and secondary schools, as well as trustees establishing new MATs.
 
We offer:

A free initial consultation to discuss your plans with governors and leadership teams;

Fixed fees where possible, so costs are clear from the outset;

Tailored guidance that minimises disruption to pupils, staff and parents; and

A dedicated team with deep experience in education law and governance.

Academy Conversion Legal Support

The academy conversion process: legal support at every stage

01

Choosing your structure

Decide between a single converter academy or joining/creating a multi academy trust. We advise on governance models, constitutional documents and compliance with the Department for Education’s requirements.

02

Regulatory compliance

Our experienced solicitors ensure you meet all statutory obligations, from company registration to charity law considerations.

03

Funding agreements

We review and agree the funding agreements that underpin your academy’s relationship with the Department for Education (DfE).

04

Moveable assets and staff transfers

We review and agree the commercial transfer agreement to move contracts and employees, under Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE), to the new entity

05

Property and leases

We review and agree any required transfers and/or leases of land and buildings.

06

Future-proofing your academy

We advise on ongoing contracts, service agreements and policies to support your academy’s long-term success.

Multi academy trust legal services

If you are forming or expanding a Multi Academy Trust (MAT), our experienced solicitors can:

Draft and register trust documentation;

Advise on governance and member/trustee responsibilities;

Support with due diligence when acquiring new schools; and

Ensure compliance with any relevant legislation and regulation.

Who We Help

Supporting education leaders, schools & trusts

Governing bodies & headteachers

With governing bodies and headteachers planning conversion.

Local authorities

In partnership with local authorities, transferring maintained school.

Trustees & MAT members

With trustees and members of existing Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) in relation to academy conversions and the creation of free schools.

Dioceses & faith schools

Collaboratively with the diocese, overseeing voluntary-aided or voluntary-controlled schools converting to academy status.

Need advice on academy conversion?

Speak with our experienced education solicitors about your academy conversion plans.

Related Services

Supporting your academy beyond conversion

Many education clients also benefit from:

Joint ventures

When partnering with external organisations.

Data protection

Ensuring GDPR compliance in pupil and staff data handling.

Contractual framework

For long-term supplier and service agreements.

Get in touch

Speak to our corporate solicitors in Cheshire today about protecting and growing your business.

Call Us

01244 312306

Email Us

law@oliverandco.co.uk

Office Hours

Mon – Fri | 8:45am – 5:15pm

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