11KBW remains a leading set in the education market and it houses barristers who advise and represent an array of clients across the full spectrum of education law issues. Aileen McColgan has extensive experience in the education sector, with a particular focus on advising and litigating in cases related to gender-questioning children, equality and contractual claims. Peter Oldham KC was counsel for the defendant in R (British Medical Association and Dr Karmakar) v Royal College of GPs, which involved a disability discrimination claim in relation to the college's exam resit policy. Zoe Gannon acted as junior counsel in The King (on the Application of Free Speech Union Limited) v Secretary of State for Education, which is a high profile judicial review case involving the decision of the Labour government to not commence the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which was passed in the previous parliament. Tom Cross KC took silk in the 2025 round.
Education in
London Bar
11KBW
Les références
‘The clerks are very responsive. Michael Smith in particular is extremely supportive.’
‘The service from the clerks is always consistently excellent.’
‘Excellent clerks’
Principaux dossiers
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is well-recognised for its expertise in the education sector, with a varied practice the barristers work on education claims for judicial reviews, tribunal appeals, discrimination, educational negligence and employment matters. Rory Dunlop KC acted for the school in Wells v Eastbourne College, which concerned the definition of disability as applied to teenagers at school. Steve Broach KC represented the claimant in R (AA and CC) v Secretary of State for Education, concerning the ability of the first-tier tribunal to order schools to pay damages for disability discrimination. Jennifer Thelen acts as junior counsel for the defendant in Free Speech Union v Secretary of State for Education, where the claimant challenged the Labour government’s decision not to commence the Higher Education (Free Speech) Act. Matthew Wyard joined the team in August 2025.
Les références
‘The strong clerking team at 39 Essex Chambers is one of the reasons that they stand out from their competitors. In particular, Theo Mitchell, is incredibly proactive and competent.’
‘Fantastic set, with a great location and great clerking team.’
‘The clerks are all brilliant and very helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Matrix Chambers
The barristers at Matrix Chambers possess significant expertise in education law, and they regularly advise and represent clients in a wide range of education law matters encompassing individual students, parents, the Department of Education and other statutory bodies. David Wolfe KC, represented the claimants in Holland Park School Parents & National Education Union v Secretary of State for Education, challenging a decision to turn the school into part of a multi-academy trust. Helen Mountfield KC - in addition to serving as principal of Mansfield College, Oxford - advises a variety of clients on free speech issues in higher education, equality, scholarships and welfare. Claire Darwin KC acts as counsel for the claimants in Hamon and others v University College London, a high-profile case group action bought by students after their studies were impaired by COVID-19 lockdown measures. Raj Desai acts as junior counsel to the National Union of Students Charity in various issues relating to free speech in higher education.
Les références
‘The clerking is professional and efficient.’
‘My view is that Matrix are No1 chambers for education law. Significant strength at all levels.’
‘The barristers we instruct are responsive and easy going as well as technically brilliant.’
Principaux dossiers
3PB
The barristers at 3PB handle the full range of education disputes including SEN issues, school exclusions, discrimination, educational negligence and higher education disciplinary actions among many others. Alice de Coverley successfully represented the claimant in KG and KG v The Governing Body of B School, a disability discrimination appeal. Charlotte Hadfield represents various clients on education matters with particular expertise in discrimination claims, safeguarding, and freedom of speech. Matthew Wyard left the set in August 2025.
Les références
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable and respond to enquiries promptly. Matthew Scanlan was particularly helpful when arranging instructions and was always willing to answer any queries.’
‘We have a particularly good working relationship with Gemma Faulkner who always does her best to assist and ensure that a good range of counsel is available.’
‘The Clerks are fantastic, Gemma Faulkner in particular is first class. I always get a timely response and anytime they cannot offer counsel I had originally asked for I will receive good alternatives.’
Principaux dossiers
11KBW
Les références
‘The clerks are very responsive. Michael Smith in particular is extremely supportive.’
‘The service from the clerks is always consistently excellent.’
‘Excellent clerks’
Principaux dossiers
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is well-recognised for its expertise in the education sector, with a varied practice the barristers work on education claims for judicial reviews, tribunal appeals, discrimination, educational negligence and employment matters. Rory Dunlop KC acted for the school in Wells v Eastbourne College, which concerned the definition of disability as applied to teenagers at school. Steve Broach KC represented the claimant in R (AA and CC) v Secretary of State for Education, concerning the ability of the first-tier tribunal to order schools to pay damages for disability discrimination. Jennifer Thelen acts as junior counsel for the defendant in Free Speech Union v Secretary of State for Education, where the claimant challenged the Labour government’s decision not to commence the Higher Education (Free Speech) Act. Matthew Wyard joined the team in August 2025.
Les références
‘The strong clerking team at 39 Essex Chambers is one of the reasons that they stand out from their competitors. In particular, Theo Mitchell, is incredibly proactive and competent.’
‘Fantastic set, with a great location and great clerking team.’
‘The clerks are all brilliant and very helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Matrix Chambers
The barristers at Matrix Chambers possess significant expertise in education law, and they regularly advise and represent clients in a wide range of education law matters encompassing individual students, parents, the Department of Education and other statutory bodies. David Wolfe KC, represented the claimants in Holland Park School Parents & National Education Union v Secretary of State for Education, challenging a decision to turn the school into part of a multi-academy trust. Helen Mountfield KC - in addition to serving as principal of Mansfield College, Oxford - advises a variety of clients on free speech issues in higher education, equality, scholarships and welfare. Claire Darwin KC acts as counsel for the claimants in Hamon and others v University College London, a high-profile case group action bought by students after their studies were impaired by COVID-19 lockdown measures. Raj Desai acts as junior counsel to the National Union of Students Charity in various issues relating to free speech in higher education.
Les références
‘The clerking is professional and efficient.’
‘My view is that Matrix are No1 chambers for education law. Significant strength at all levels.’
‘The barristers we instruct are responsive and easy going as well as technically brilliant.’
Principaux dossiers
3PB
The barristers at 3PB handle the full range of education disputes including SEN issues, school exclusions, discrimination, educational negligence and higher education disciplinary actions among many others. Alice de Coverley successfully represented the claimant in KG and KG v The Governing Body of B School, a disability discrimination appeal. Charlotte Hadfield represents various clients on education matters with particular expertise in discrimination claims, safeguarding, and freedom of speech. Matthew Wyard left the set in August 2025.
Les références
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable and respond to enquiries promptly. Matthew Scanlan was particularly helpful when arranging instructions and was always willing to answer any queries.’
‘We have a particularly good working relationship with Gemma Faulkner who always does her best to assist and ensure that a good range of counsel is available.’
‘The Clerks are fantastic, Gemma Faulkner in particular is first class. I always get a timely response and anytime they cannot offer counsel I had originally asked for I will receive good alternatives.’