36 Education is our team of barristers within the 36 Group who specialise in Education Law. We are known for providing effective, high quality advice and representation and have been involved in shaping some of the most important jurisprudence in the field.

Experience

Members have particular experience in the following:

  • Special Educational Needs
  • Exclusion Appeals
  • Admission Appeals
  • Discrimination
  • Human Rights
  • Judicial Review

Our Clients

We advise and represent schools, academies, local authorities, teachers, pupils and parents.

Scope of Our Work

We act in all areas of Education Law, and at every level of seniority. Members of the 36 Education team have acted in some of the leading cases in Education Law, a recent example being R (otao Sharp) v Office of the Schools Adjudicator [2023] EWHC 1242; ACD 94, currently the leading decision on fairness in school admission policies.

Special Educational Needs

Members of the team have particular expertise and experience in complex special educational needs matters before the Special Needs and Disability Tribunal.

We are able to advise on the contents of Statements of Special Educational Needs and Education, Health and Care Plans, and the evidence needed to ensure effective representation.

Admissions and Exclusions

Members of the 36 Education team frequently act as legal advisers in both admissions and exclusion appeals before the Independent Appeals Panel.

We represent parents at admissions appeals at both primary and secondary school level, and also regularly act for local education authorities and parents in exclusion appeals before the Independent Appeals Panel.

Human Rights, Discrimination and Judicial Review

We have particular expertise in claims involving human rights and discrimination, and judicial reviews in the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal.

Direct Access

We are direct access qualified barristers and may provide advice or advocacy services direct to clients, without the expense of them having to go through a solicitor as a first step.

Geographical Presence and Accessibility

36 Group is a London-based set of Chambers with a strong connection with London, the Midlands, and the South-East, and this is reflected in the London base of our Education Law practitioners. However our members can be consulted from anywhere in the world by videoconferencing to reduce cost and travel time at an advisory/preparation stage, and we travel to provide high quality representation to clients anywhere in England and Wales.

Training

Our members are able and willing to conduct training seminars by arrangement for solicitors, local authorities and other public bodies.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The 36 Group has a panel of accredited mediators and arbitrators who may be able to assist the parties settle disputes without the need to resort to the courts and incur the expenses legal action might entail. Click here for more information.

Languages

Individual team members are fluent, or have a high level of proficiency, in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Support Team

Our barristers are supported by a dedicated team of Clerks and Fees Clerks, who can be seen on the Chambers staff page.

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