SPECIALIST ADVICE FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS AND INSTITUTIONS
We advise on the multitude of issues and disputes that can arise in the education sector and strive to find workable solutions for our clients, regardless of whether litigation follows or a negotiated outcome is possible.
As recognised experts in this area we understand the legal and regulatory framework in the education sector, and are attuned to commercial and reputational considerations that affect our clients.
We act for individuals as well as educational bodies. Students and parents turn to us in connection with allegations of misconduct or when facing suspension or exclusion, often involving the most prestigious UK and international schools and universities. As trusted advisers to educational bodies we provide pragmatic advice managing legal challenges, alive to each institution’s unique positioning, its values and standards.
We are acutely conscious of the many sensitive issues affecting our clients, be it facing allegations or being the victim of misconduct. We are experienced in navigating these often highly charged situations. Our institutional clients value our pragmatic advice and know they can rely on our specialist knowledge which can draw on expertise from colleagues in other specialist areas such as criminal, privacy & media and employment law.
"Ane Vernon is probably one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with – and I have been working with law firms both UK based and global teams for over 30 years. She is technically excellent, supportive and empathetic (rare in a lawyer), available out of hours whenever her wise counsel was required and perhaps the most important element, non-judgemental."
WHAT WE CAN HELP YOU WITH
We regularly represent students and their parents attending independent schools in connection with a wide range of matters including:
- suspension and exclusion
- alleged misuse of drugs or alcohol
- allegations of sexual abuse and harassment
- social media and private information
- bullying and cyber-bullying/trolling
- disputed qualifications (including examination appeals, A level and GCSE grading results)
- complaints and panel hearings
- breach of contract (including fee disputes)
- discrimination
- applications for judicial review (claimant or defendant)
- safeguarding concerns
Please note that we do not take on legal aid work.
We regularly education institutions in connection with a wide range of matters including:
- allegations of sexual abuse and harassment
- social media and private information
- bullying and cyber-bullying/trolling
- complaints and panel hearings
- breach of contract (including fee disputes)
- discrimination
- school administration policies
- applications for judicial review (claimant or defendant)
- safeguarding concerns
- UK independent private and international school problems
Please note that we do not take on legal aid work.
Key Contacts
insights
February 23, 2026
The Spear’s 500 2026 has been published. The latest edition sees Payne Hicks Beach lawyers include...
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The vulnerabilities of school-issued digital devices – Dominic Crossley and Ane Vernon for Spears Magazine
February 10, 2026
Education disputes expert Ane Vernon, together with our Head of Dispute Resolution and privacy expe...
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Do you know what your pupils are viewing on school computer kit? – Ane Vernon for Schools Week Magazine
February 03, 2026
Education expert Ane Vernon, Partner in our Dispute Resolution Team, wrote in Schools Week Magazine...
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Only suspend pupils for most serious behaviour, DfE tells schools – Ane Vernon for Schools Week
February 03, 2026
Education expert Ane Vernon, Partner in our Dispute Resolution Team, wrote in Schools Week magazine ...
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EdTech in Schools: A Modern Minefield?
January 30, 2026
Education disputes expert Ane Vernon, Partner at Payne Hicks Beach wrote an article for Tatler on th...
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Exam blues
August 18, 2025
With A-Level results released last week and GCSE results day approaching this Thursday, Ane Vernon, ...
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