Academies

Academy trusts continue to grow, restructure and invest in their estates. Whether you are planning an academy conversion, managing a transfer, considering a merger or delivering a major capital project, the right legal support helps keep the project moving and reduces avoidable risk.

Our academy solicitors advise schools, single academy trusts and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across England on the transactions and projects that shape their future. We work closely with trustees, executive leaders, governance professionals and project teams, providing clear advice from the earliest planning stage through to completion.

Geldards Education brings together specialists in education, corporate, commercial, property, construction and employment law. This coordinated approach means that connected issues are addressed together, with advice focused on your trust’s objectives and the practical next step.

Academy conversions and transfers

Converting to academy status or transferring an academy to another trust involves detailed legal, operational and regulatory work. Early planning is important to identify potential issues, agree responsibilities and maintain momentum.

We advise schools and trusts on academy conversions, transfers and re-brokerage projects. Our support includes due diligence, governance and funding documents, land and buildings, commercial contracts, staffing and TUPE, and liaison with the Department for Education and other stakeholders.

We manage each workstream carefully and explain what is needed at every stage, helping clients reach completion with as little disruption as possible.

MAT growth, mergers and strategic collaboration

Trust growth is about more than completing a transaction. The proposed structure must support educational priorities, effective governance and long-term sustainability.

We help academy trusts assess and deliver MAT mergers, group restructures, strategic partnerships and other collaborative arrangements. This may include options appraisal, due diligence, constitutional changes, governance integration, property and contractual arrangements, staff transfers and stakeholder engagement.

Our advice helps trust leaders understand the opportunities, test the risks and put a clear and workable structure in place.

Property and capital projects

Land and buildings are often central to an academy project. Ownership arrangements, leases, historic rights and restrictions may all affect what a trust wants to achieve.

Our education property lawyers advise on academy land transfers, leases and licences, site acquisitions and disposals, estate rationalisation and rights affecting school sites. We also support new buildings, refurbishments and wider capital programmes, working alongside project managers, surveyors and other professional advisers.

From the initial property review to construction and completion, we help trusts protect their position and keep the project aligned with operational needs.

Governance, commercial contracts and implementation

Strategic change often requires new governance arrangements, constitutional documents and commercial agreements. These need to work in practice as well as meet legal and regulatory requirements.

We advise on articles of association, trustee and member arrangements, schemes of delegation, shared services, ICT and technology contracts, facilities management, outsourcing and procurement. We also help trusts plan implementation so that decisions, documents and responsibilities remain clear after completion.

How we help with academy transactions and projects

• Academy conversions
• Academy transfers and re-brokerage
• MAT mergers and group restructures
• Trust growth and strategic partnerships
• Legal due diligence and project planning
• Governance integration and constitutional changes
• TUPE and staffing arrangements
• Academy land transfers, leases and licences
• Site acquisitions, disposals and estate rationalisation
• Construction and capital projects
• Commercial contracts, procurement and shared services

Why choose Geldards Education?

Our academy project lawyers understand the education, regulatory and commercial context in which trusts make strategic decisions. We bring the right specialists together at the outset and provide one coordinated service across the project.

Clients receive straightforward advice, clear responsibilities and responsive project management. We identify issues early, keep stakeholders informed and remain focused on achieving a successful and sustainable outcome.