Celia Whittuck
Celia’s 20 years experience of acting on behalf of children and parents means she is well placed to address the full breadth of legal issues thrown up across the education system. Celia is ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in Education Law by Legal 500. Legal 500 describes themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors in the UK.
Schools and Children
Celia’s empathetic approach enables her to assist parents of school children, of all ages, with complaints against both state and independent private schools.
Celia is driven to enable all students to reach their full potential, whether at school or in higher education. Consequently, she specialises in academic appeals, disability discrimination, university degree classification appeal and appeals relating to special educational needs and Education Health and Care Plans.
Celia is also well adept at advising parents in relation to school admission appeals and has provided training to external bodies on the law surrounding school admissions and appeals.
Celia has an interest in child safeguarding. Her many years of experience in children law means she is expertly placed to represent parents and their child when dealing with sensitive issues related to safeguarding children. Celia’s experience is that there is a close link between child behaviour, special education needs, suspensions and exclusions. Celia says a holistic approach is required, to understand the causes of suspensions and exclusions, rather than the blunt tool of disciplinary action. One of Celia’s clients fed back in 2024, writing, “Thank you so much for all your work on this. I have heard from staff and parents that safeguarding is now a huge priority for the school so I feel that the action we took has had the desired effect.”
Similarly, Celia’s experience in childcare law, coupled with her knowledge and skills in education law, has strengthened her ability to advise parents of children with Special Educational Needs, to navigate the processes involving Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal. Celia is well versed in negotiating and preparing documents in SEND cases. As Celia spends a lot of time dealing with special educational needs cases, she is quick to recognise where a child’s Special Educational Needs and Disability are misunderstood and wrongly interpreted by a school as bad behaviour, requiring discipline.
Celia has successfully advised and supported parents, to overturn decisions to exclude their children from schools, whether for a fixed term or permanently. See how Celia can help with issues arising from safeguarding in schools. Celia is available to provide views to the media on the issue of safeguarding in schools, including bullying and peer to peer abuse.
She has also able to successfully argue for the recovery of private school fees for parents where their child has experience sub standard teaching.
Further and Higher Education
Celia’s analytical mindset enables her to draft creative and persuasive legal arguments against Further and Higher Education institutions in relation to:
- Academic Misconduct;
- Academic Appeals including Degree Classification issues;
- Fee status issues; and
- Issues relating to PhDs.
Celia deals with complex cases involving multiple legal strands straddling both University internal procedures and Regulations and the court system. For example, cases involving students with Special Educational Needs and Disability who require reasonable adjustments to be made by the University, the absence of which results in the student failing exams. This type of case encompasses the University’s complaints procedures, academic appeals processes as well as issuing a claim for disability discrimination. Celia’s organised approach enables her to keep on top of the various procedures and deadlines.
Whether pursuing cases involving schools or universities, Celia frequently argues claims for breach of contract, negligence and discrimination, whether gender, racial or disability.
Celia has written various education articles and blogs. She speaks on a variety of education law topics.
Celia is a member of the Education Law Association.
What others say about Celia and the Education Team
‘Celia Whittuck – unrelenting commitment, working weekends to prepare advice and papers.’
Celia Whittuck – just excellent all round. Calm and professional. Kind and understanding.”
‘I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, also they are clear and concise regarding the fees.’
“Thank you so much for all your work on this. I have heard from staff and parents that safeguarding is now a huge priority for the school so I feel that the action we took has had the desired effect.”
“Salima Mawji and Celia Whittuck stand out particularly for their detailed assessment and conveying the intricacies of my case. I value their ability to get the job done in a timely and in a manner which are very important qualities for dealing with sensitive legal issues.’
“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.’
I found the team to be excellent – if one was away, another would always be able to pick up the thread and run with it. They were prepared to put in the hours, particularly when facing a ridiculous deadline in the middle of the night. Hugely impressive.’
‘From the outset they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online and so I really feel understood and cared for.’
“Celia Whittuck is an education law specialist that I hold in high regard, and she has real strengths when it comes to schools-related work.”
“Celia Whittuck is totally dedicated, with unrivalled attention to detail. She is wonderful with vulnerable clients and brings with her a huge amount of litigation experience, which is used to excellent effect.’
“I also highly recommend Celia Whittuck.”
“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the clients outcome at the heard (sic) of what she does, and has a track record for achieving good results.’
‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’
‘Celia Whittuck has growing reputation in the area.’
“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive”
“She is amazing.”
“Celia has taken a particular interest in ensuring the appropriate educational outcomes are achieved. Her commitment has been unwavering.”
“Celia Whittuck has been helpful, understanding, respectful and responsive.”
“Hi Celia. To say I am so thankful and happy with this outcome is an understatement. The best best news. Thank you again”
