Disputes with Independent Schools Solicitors

Sending your child to private school is an investment in their future.  Independent school education creates many opportunities for your child to fulfil their full potential. If you feel your child’s school is not living up to their obligations, your expectations, or that they have treated your child unfairly, you have the right to raise a complaint.

Disputes with independent schools can be an arduous and time-consuming. In making a complaint it is important to make sure you have all of the evidence you need to support your case and that you are able to present it in the best possible light to protect your child’s education.

Thankfully, our team at IBB Law is here to help. We only act on behalf of children and their parents in cases against independent schools. We do not act for independent schools. All our lawyers spend 100% of their time on education legal work so you can be sure we have the expertise and dedication to seek the best outcome for your child.

To arrange your consultation, please contact our education law legal administrators, either Kinjal or Rachael, on 01895 207 961, or email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. Kinjal and Rachael can send you a link to an online booking suite so you can select a day and time that is convenient for your fixed-fee consultation.

At that online consultation the solicitor will listen to your concerns, consider any documents you have, and then advise what action can be taken.

Independent School Contracts

Parents who send their children to independent schools enter into a formal contract that, if breached, is actionable in law. Both parties must abide by the contract. Independent Schools are liable for their actions including the actions of any employees of the school.

We frequently advise on disputes in connection with payment of school fees.

IBB Law has  years of expertise in dealing with (amongst other things):

• Breach of Contract
• Negligence
• Exclusion, Suspension, or Removal Requests
• Advising parents on issues around non-payment of school fees
• Complaints and Grievance
• Bullying
• Discrimination, including persuading an independent school to reverse its decision to terminate a contract to educate a child with special educational needs.

The process of making a complaint can be intimidating for many and leave parents vulnerable to the potential power imbalance that can exist between an established, long-standing institution and your family unit. Having legal representation from specialist education solicitors can help guide you through the process and make sure that you have the best chance possible of achieving your specific goals as part of your dispute.

Our specialist educational law solicitors understand the importance of tact and resolution when it comes to resolving disputes with independent schools. Being able to amicably defuse or resolve a dispute is almost always more favourable to legal action. Our team will work with you to make sure that you are able to quickly and efficiently bring an end to the dispute.

If discussions stall or legal action is the only path remaining, we will work with you to provide first class care that ensures you are fully supported.

What type of independent school complaints do the IBB Education Law team deal with?

We most frequently deal with cases involving lack of special educational needs (SEN) support, insufficient support to enable a child to succeed and progress at school, bullying and discrimination.

Cases and claims against independent schools are frequently based on breach of the contract that the parents entered into with the independent school. Where there is a breach of contract claim against an independent school, there may also be a claim for a refund of school fees, if the school has failed to meet its obligations under the contract with the parents.

What do others say about IBB’s Education Law Solicitors?

Here are comments of what others have said about our Education Law legal team.

“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.”

“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 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.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the schools sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.’

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual clients needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease”

“…………. was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’

“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.’

“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.’

“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”

‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’

‘Focused and determined education team.’

“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves, “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.

“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”

How do I make a complaint against my child’s independent school?

All schools will have a policy setting out the details of how parents can make a complaint and how this will be handled by the school. If you cannot see this on the school website, ask the school for a copy of the complaints policy.  If, following your complaint, you feel it has not been handled properly you can consider appealing the decision to the board of governors.

Depending on the nature of the complaint and outcome you may want to take legal advice, to assist in presenting your complaint or making an appeal after the initial decision.

How much will it cost to pursue a complaint against a private independent school?

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with you, to hear your story and to consider documents you have in respect of your dispute, complaint or concern with your child’s private independent school. If you would like a fixed fee consultation, carried out on Microsoft Teams, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our legal administrators, who will explain how we may be able to help. Kinjal or Rachael will send you a link for you to choose a day and time for the online consultation, that is convenient to you.

Alternatively, telephone Kinjal or Rachael on 01895 207 961.

At the end of the fixed fee consultation, we will advise you on the prospects of making a successful complaint or claim against the independent private school and what the costs of achieving your objective will be. The cost of work, after the initial consultation, will be determined by how much work is involved. We will provide you with our estimate, based on experience, as to what that work is likely to cost. In some cases we are able to offer a fixed fee to deal with an entire complaint against a private school. If applicable, we will offer this to you at the end of the initial consultation.

Please note that we are only able to take on cases on a privately paying basis. If you are unable to privately fund your case, or you looking for general guidance on what actions you can take to protect you or your child’s education rights, we recommend you contact Citizens Advice.

Get clear legal advice and support for dealing with disputes against independent schools

To find out more about how our specialist education solicitors can help, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961, or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. They can arrange a fixed fee consultation and send you a link to our online booking suite, where you can choose a day and time most convenient for your meeting with the specialist education solicitor.