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.

Edward Burrell
Edward Burrell
Partner
Corporate Law | Business Contracts | Business Sales & Purchases | Leisure & Tourism | Education
Gráinne Walters
Gráinne Walters
Partner
Corporate Law | Business Contracts | Business Sales & Purchases
Matthew Bowering
Matthew Bowering
Partner
Commercial Property | Education | Renewables | Leisure & Tourism
Hannah Johnson
Hannah Johnson
Solicitor
Commercial Property | Agriculture
David Ashcroft
David Ashcroft
Consultant
Corporate Law | Business Contracts | Business Sales & Purchases | Leisure & Tourism
Gemma Workman
Gemma Workman
Solicitor
Employment Law for Employers | Employment Law | Education
Jemma Groves
Jemma Groves
Solicitor
Corporate Law | Business Contracts | Business Sales & Purchases | Education
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study

Severn Bridges Multi Academy Trust, Shrewsbury

We would recommend the firm for converting to academy status or changing required legislative documents....
Edward Burrell • 02 Jul 2024
Case Study
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Multi-Academy Trust

Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler were pleased to be able to support the formation of Shropshire’s first primary school mul...
Gráinne Walters • 26 Feb 2024
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