Independent schools dealing with governance
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Legal advice for independent schools dealing with governance
The Governing Body is a key part of the school structure and Governors need to understand and be regularly trained and updated on their roles and responsibilities, including those which arise for them as Trustees if the school is a charity.
What is independent school governance?
Independent school governance refers to the management and oversight of private schools by a board of trustees or governors. These individuals are responsible for setting policies, making financial decisions, and ensuring the school operates in accordance with its mission and values.
How Moore Barlow can help
We regularly advise on governance issues from updating the governing document to mergers and collaborations and everything in between. We also provide training for Governors either on a bespoke basis or as part of our conference programme for Independent Schools.
Our expert team is based across our offices in Lymington, Guildford, Southampton, London, Richmond and Woking. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the team to discuss how we can help you.
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Moore Barlow distinguishes itself through a combination of expertise, innovation, and first-class relationships.
Legal 500, 2025
General overview advice is extremely useful and followed up by specific well thought out, personalised advice to your own specific situation. The Education Team has a wide and strong skill set and all the team are very approachable and knowledgeable. They will always ensure that the best suited team member’s advice is sought to provide you with well considered, sensitive and sensible advice.
Legal 500, 2025
Moore Barlow give superb, well considered and well thought-out advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Moore Barlow give very timely, practical, solution-orientated and constructive advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Moore Barlow possesses a deep understanding of employment law, pastoral care and commercial issues faced by schools. The team is particularly praised for its expertise in matters intersecting with education law such as data protection, IP and all manner of disputes. The firm is well known for its extensive independent school client base, and recommended for advice on parental complaints, disability discrimination claims and safeguarding issues.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The education team always give a personal touch and offer supportive advice. They are straightforward, fair and very competent. The team are friendly and respond to requests very quickly, and the quality of the written advice is excellent.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The practice provides a wide range of advice covering simple debt recovery actions to complex educational, charitable and employment matters.
Legal 500, 2024
I see the team as highly specialised, expert advisers. They have a deep knowledge of the sector and provide clear, concise, accessible and practical advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2023
A well balanced and dependable team, who provide a wealth of sound advice. They are friendly, customer-focussed, understand the sector and have good insight into the business side of a charitable independent school. They deliver good value and consistently high quality advice.
Legal 500, 2023
We have a close and strong relationship with both contacts at the firm who have dealt with HR issues at our school. They are quick to respond and clear in their explanations on what is possible and and not possible. Ben Collingwood and Adam McRae-Taylor are always personable in their approach and helpful with honest and practical solutions.