Education Law

What is education law, and why might you need it?  

It may be that you are finding it difficult to place your child in the school of your choice, or your child has been threatened with exclusion, or your child has special educational needs that are not being properly met or that they have been discriminated against in some form. Whatever the issue, we can put you in contact directly with a barrister who will be able to offer you expert advice and, if required, represent you in any court, tribunal or panel hearing.

The issues on which your barrister will be able to assist you include:

• judicial review: judicial reviews are used to challenge decisions made by local authorities, governing bodies, schools or other public authorities.
• special educational needs: “special educational needs” refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. Your barrister can advise in cases where families wish to appeal against their local education authority’s assessment of their child’s special educational needs or ‘statement’ to SENDIST (Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal).
• schools admissions and exclusions: if you feel your child has been turned down unfairly for a place at the school of your choice, for example, because of their special educational needs or disability, your barrister can advise you and, if necessary, help you with appeals to the Independent Admissions Appeal Panel (IAAP).  
• discrimination: if you are the victim of discrimination on the grounds of your race and religion in an education context or disability, you may have a legal claim. The time limit to bring a claim in either the County Court or SENDIST is six months from the last act of discrimination. At the higher education level, if you feel you are being discriminated against on the basis of a learning difficulty or disability, you can raise your objections through your education provider’s complaints procedures. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you can also contact an independent organisation, such as the Office for the Independent Adjudicator.  
• plagiarism: colleges and universities are strict in their enforcement of punishments in the case of plagiarism and cheating. Barristers can ensure you are properly represented in any hearings before college or university panels.

Why should I choose a barrister?

Barristers are experts in the law. They deal in particular areas of law day in, day out. They are best placed to advise you on your legal position, draft legal documents, advise on formal proceedings and use his or her advocacy skills to represent you to the highest standard in any court, tribunal or hearing.

How to choose your barrister

If your business needs expert advice on an education law matter, choose a barrister on myBarrister. Barristers will provide you with guidance so you that you know where you stand and can take the right decisions about what to do next.