Education Law

Education Law Services

New Walk Chambers offers expert legal representation for parents and schools in education-related proceedings. Our barristers have extensive experience acting in school admission appeals — including nursery, infant class, in‑year, and secondary school admission challenges — before Independent Appeal Panels.

With admission appeals rising significantly across primary and secondary levels, many families now seek alternatives to costly private education, especially following the recent VAT changes. Our team can support you throughout this process.

We also have specialist expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) cases. Where a child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, and a school place has been refused, we can provide expert representation before the First‑tier Tribunal (SEND).

In addition, New Walk Chambers can help with:

• Infant class size appeals
• In‑year and secondary school admission appeals
• Complex and routine school exclusion cases, including pupil disciplinary proceedings
• School and parent relationship matters
• School attendance prosecutions, including family holiday cases
• Exclusion appeals

We accept instructions via solicitors or through direct access. If required, we can also provide written advice or consultations via TEAMS.

We can also advise and represent:

• Teachers/Lecturers who are accused of inappropriate behaviour in schools and Higher Education who may be subject to disciplinary hearings.
• Students who are subject to hearings or appeals whilst attending Colleges and Universities.

Education Team

Romasa Butt

Deirdre Smyth