Back
We would recommend the firm for converting to academy status or changing required legislative documents....
Academy Conversions.
Academy Conversion Solicitors.
As schools consider whether to convert to academies, either independently as a single school or as part of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), we are on hand to guide them through their options and help to ensure that they make informed choices based on what is best for their school.
We combine our local knowledge and connections with local authorities and the DfE with our depth of knowledge and experience in the education sector to deliver outstanding service to our clients. Our guide to academy conversion is a good starting point if you are considering conversion. You can download a copy below.
Our Academy Conversion Expertise
We aim to make your conversion to an academy as simple as possible. Our team of education lawyers has acted on over 130 academy conversions so we are well placed to assist your school.
Conversion experts
The legal steps that we will complete for your conversion include:
- setting up the academy trust and advising on governance matters;
- transferring land and buildings;
- transferring employees and any assets and contracts;
- agreeing the Funding Agreement with the DfE.
We will liaise closely with your SLT and the DfE and the Local Authority to ensure a successful conversion. Our experience of converting schools to academy status gives our clients peace of mind that all their legal needs are properly looked after by experienced professionals.
Accessibility
We are particularly well placed to advise schools in and around Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales, with offices in Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Ludlow, Hereford, Bromyard and Conwy; we can readily see you in person at your school or, if you prefer, at one of our offices. This means our clients benefit from developing close working relationships with us, knowing we will be on hand when they need us.
Fixed fees
We undertake conversion work on a fixed fee basis, providing price certainty and total transparency.
Service level guarantee
We are committed to high standards of service and, to demonstrate this, a proportion of our fee will be in your hands. If you are in any way dissatisfied with the service that you receive in relation to your conversion (and we will work hard to try and ensure that you will not be), at our prior agreement, you may withhold part of our fee.
Post conversion assistance
For academies that we have converted and those who have come to us only after conversion, we have become a part of their team, providing practical day-to-day, and not so day-to-day, education legal advice as they become familiar with the responsibilities that come with running their own charitable company.
Testimonials
What our clients say.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
Michael
via ReviewSolicitors
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
Peter Weston
Shrewsbury
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
Eric
via ReviewSolicitors
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Ian Jamieson
Telford
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
Lee
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Heather
via ReviewSolicitors
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Lisa Thacker
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
Tim
via ReviewSolicitors
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors
Clear guidance.
Derwin College
Oswestry
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin
Contact our Academic Conversion Solicitors
If you would like a no-obligation chat about your legal needs, please contact a member of the team directly by phone by calling us or complete our online enquiry form.
For details of our wider education services visit our education law page, call the team or make an enquiry through the online contact forms.
Our people
Meet the team.
Knowledge
Case studies.
Case Study
Case Study
Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler were pleased to be able to support the formation of Shropshire’s first primary school mul...
Knowledge
Latest knowledge.
Blog
My Work Experience: 14 – 18 July at Lanyon Bowdler by Lucy Malin
Whilst studying law at university, I’ve always felt confident that I was on the right path but like many students, ...
Case Study
Following expert advice, we were successful in recovering the costs of a course of therapy to help with Mr X’s psychia...
Blog
National Give Something Away Day: Giving Back to the Community
July 15 marked National Give Something Away Day. This day was founded by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher in 2015 to mark a...
Blog
My Work Experience 7 -10 June 2025 by Eve Carpenter
On my first day I was nervous, I hadn't met the team and I did not know at all what to expect. However, these nerve...
Podcast
The Benefits of Attending Careers Events at Schools and Colleges: Cameron Petch and Emma Harrison
They talk about the variety of events from having a stand in a school hall to mock interviews and skills workshops....
Blog
Inheritance Tax and Succession Planning in North Wales: Why it’s Important to Act Now
The headlines are currently full of the news that Liam Payne, of One Direction fame, died leaving a £24 million est...
Podcast
Stroke Cases and What We Learn From The Wire: Martin Hood and Bryn Auger
Looking at legal cases involving strokes, the different types of strokes, along with the symptoms and treatments. Also d...
Blog
Who Keeps the Family Pet if a Relationship Breaks Down?
Breakups are hard enough, but when a beloved pet is involved, emotions can run even deeper. For many families, pets...
Podcast
Her Legal Story: Debbie Humphries
Today Debbie Humphries is in the hot seat. Debbie's a partner in the Personal Injury Team and based in the Telford offic...
Blog
Testicular Torsion – A Shift in Medical Opinion
Testicular torsion is a serious condition and should be treated as a medical emergency. It occurs when the testicle...
Podcast
Breaking the Mould – Training to be a Solicitor via the Apprenticeship Route: Cameron Petch and Emma Harrison
Cameron is redefining what it means to work in law without taking the traditional Uni route. We'll get into what Cameron...
Blog
Fundamental Dishonesty in Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claimants are people who have been injured as a result of another person’s (defendant) negligence a...
Accreditations
Our awards and accolades.
Contact us
Get in touch.
"*" indicates required fields