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Ben Collingwood

Partner | Independent schools, Charities | Charities, Independent Schools

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About Ben

I specialise in advising independent schools and other charities on wide ranging areas of education law, with particular focus on reputation issues, pastoral, safeguarding, historic abuse allegations, SEN, exclusions, parent/pupil complaints, data protection, parent contracts, admissions and staff matters of all types.

I have written and spoken widely on issues facing the independent schools sector, providing comment in The Times, The Guardian, The Lawyer and Law Society’s Gazette and at the national conferences and training programmes for the various associations that support independent schools including BSA, ISBA, HMC, IAPS and AGBIS.

I live with my wife and three children in West Sussex. I have been a devoted surfer since my childhood and I love to spend as much of my free time as possible in the sea and walking our pointers with my family.

Specialisms

Memberships

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Association
  • Employment Lawyers’ Association
  • Institute of Directors
  • Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship

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Contact Ben

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Ben’s accreditations

Don’t take our word for it…

Ben Collingwood is highly regarded, has an astute understanding of the sector and is clear in his approach. He is supportive and highly knowledgeable.

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Ben has provided wise, sensible and reliable advice.

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Ben always provides well thought-out and sophisticated advice. He makes you feel like you are calling an old friend when you need advice.

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Ben is brilliant. His intellectual take on matters is superb and this is provided with balance and client-focused solutions. His perspectives on problems are incredibly thorough and nuanced. He gives his time generously and is friendly and approachable.

Chambers and Partners, 2024

Ben Collingwood simplifies complex issues with consummate ease. He is supportive and quite brilliant in his ability to communicate effectively, with the advice I need. Nothing is ever too much and Ben will always make himself available quickly when the need arises. His advice is specific and totally reliable.

Legal 500, 2024

Ben is highly responsive, engaging and easy to trust. His advice is clear and always high quality.

Chambers and Partners, 2023

Ben always cuts through the complexity to the nub of the matter, giving a clear way forward.

Chambers and Partners, 2023

Ben never fails to take a personal interest in the matters he assists with. His empathy and sensitivity are infectious.

Chambers and Partners, 2023

Ben Collingwood quickly grasps complex issues and reduces them to their essential components without over simplifying. He is responsive and gives clear, sound advice.

Legal 500, 2023

Explore Ben’s latest articles

How should schools handle transgender issues in the absence of long-awaited government guidance?

Ben Collingwood

Partner

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) – An update

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) – An update

Ben Collingwood

Partner

SEN exclusions – the Tribunal’s power to revoke discriminatory exclusions

SEN exclusions – the Tribunal’s power to revoke discriminatory exclusions

Ben Collingwood

Partner

Department for Education publishes draft Relationships and Sex Education statutory guidance

Department for Education publishes draft Relationships and Sex Education statutory guidance

Ben Collingwood

Partner

Salary sacrifice school fees – last chance saloon!

Salary sacrifice school fees – last chance saloon!

Ben Collingwood

Partner