Emma Swann

About me

I have specialised in education law for over two decades and I have been fortunate to have been immersed in the key changes over this period. By developing key contacts within the sector, I can keep schools up to date with prospective changes and make sure that I support them with practical and innovative solutions.

I have worked with a wide range of schools, advising on hundreds of academy conversions and MAT expansions. I have extensive experience advising Church of England Diocesan Boards, diocesan multi-academy trusts (MATs) and local schools forming mixed MATs. I help with pastoral issues such as parental complaints, exclusions, safeguarding, SEN and disability discrimination claims. I also provide strategic advice on governance and significant change applications.

I provide commercial advice on many day to day agreements such as school transport and hire facilities agreements. I also advise schools on collaborative partnerships across sectors, including on establishing trading subsidiaries.

Outside work, I love spending time in the countryside with my family.

My Case studies

Case study

Gloucestershire school given “the best support and guidance” from academies team

Read case study →

Case study

My Awards

The Legal 500

Education Investor Awards 2022 Winner

Top Tips & FAQs

Discover my top tips

We can prepare a full school policy audit to ensure compliance with education law and best practice.

Your board of trustees should regularly review governance structures – are they working?

Ask questions before taking controversial decisions rather than afterwards!

Read questions I’m frequently asked

How do we carry out a Governance review?

We are well versed in supporting schools with external governance reviews. These are recommended at regular intervals – the SLT, members and governors should be interviewed to find out what works. Governance documents and papers will be reviewed and committee structures considered. A briefing paper will be prepared on best practice and recommended changes.

How do we expand our Multi Academy Trust (MAT)?

Assess the capacity of your MAT to expand (including performance/financial issues). Do due diligence on potential schools that might join your MAT. Engage with the Regional Director at an early stage and with your lawyers to ensure that your Articles of Association and Funding Agreements are up to date.

How do we deal with a vexatious parent?

Review your school complaints procedure to ensure it best protects your school from vexatious complaints. Ensure that you keep a paper trail of communications. Follow procedure and due process correctly. Keep a strategic overview of all elements – complaints are increasingly complex with SARs, exclusion appeals, safeguarding referrals and complaints to Ofsted and the ESFA combined.