Leading law firm Ashfords LLP helps Taunton school achieve academy status

Ashfords' Education Team, led by Helen Tucker, advised Bishop Fox's School on all aspects of the conversion process. Helen worked closely with the Headteacher, Business Manager, and governing body, advising in relation to their new powers and duties, the relevant contracts, and providing support and advice in relation to governance, public consultation and obligations under the employment regulations.  

Headteacher Paul Scutt said: "Bishop Fox’s School converted as one of the new style successful Academies on 1 July 2011.  The school was impressed with the legal support it received from Ashfords and would recommend its services to other schools."

Helen Tucker said: “We are delighted to have been able to help the school achieve academy status within their desired timeframe. It has been a real collaborative effort and we have really enjoyed working closely with the school, who have made us feel very much a part of the team.

"There are a number of issues schools should consider when deciding whether to convert to academy status. Ashfords, in conjunction with accountants, recently held a seminar for heads and governors to tackle the legal, financial and practical implications of academy conversion and to discuss options for collaborative working.  We are therefore well placed to assist schools in this process. "

Helen is also currently assisting with commercial transaction agreements for a number of other schools converting to academies.

Ashfords LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.  The information in this note is intended to be general information about English law only and not comprehensive.  It is not to be relied on as legal advice nor as an alternative to taking professional advice relating to specific circumstances.