HCR Law strengthens its Education team with four strategic hires

HCR Law has further strengthened its national Education team with four strategic appointments during 2026.

Victoria Guest joined the firm as Legal Director in September 2026, alongside Rebecca Stratford, who joined as Solicitor. Their appointments follow those of Solicitors Benjamin Weiland and George Grammer-Taylor, who joined earlier in the year.

The appointments support the continued growth of HCR’s Education sector team, supplementing its established capability across education law, governance, safeguarding, employment, pensions, corporate transactions, commercial contracts, data protection, real estate and regulatory compliance.

Based in the London office, Victoria Guest brings more than 20 years’ experience working in and advising the charity and education sectors. She specialises in school governance, regulatory compliance, safeguarding and pupil matters, and is actively involved in the sector through advisory roles with the Independent Schools Council and a children’s charity.

Also based in London, George Grammer-Taylor advises education providers on complex regulatory matters. He has particular expertise in equality law and supports clients with matters involving LGBTQIA+ children and young people, disability discrimination claims and judicial review proceedings.

In the Cheltenham office, corporate specialist Benjamin Weiland advises schools and other education organisations on sales and acquisitions, charitable mergers, collaborations, investments and wider strategic projects. His clients range from independent schools and charities to commercial school groups and other education businesses.

Joining him in Cheltenham, commercial specialist Rebecca Stratford advises education clients on data protection and commercial contracts, helping to manage risk and address complex legal requirements to support long-term resilience.

Rachel Parkin, Joint Head of the Education and Charities Team, said: “Victoria, George, Benjamin and Rebecca are fantastic additions to our Education team. We already have one of the largest dedicated education teams in the sector, advising clients across the full range of legal issues they face. These appointments further deepen that expertise and reflect our continued investment in meeting the evolving needs of education providers.

Oliver Daniels, Joint Head of the Education and Charities Team, added: “Their experience complements the breadth of expertise already within the team and reinforces our ability to provide joined-up, multidisciplinary advice.”

These appointments build on HCR’s established national education practice and further strengthen the firm’s ability to support schools, academies, colleges, universities and other education providers across the full spectrum of legal and regulatory issues affecting the sector.