Education

At Civitas Law, we offer representation to local authorities, students, parents, teachers and academic institutions (including schools, academies and institutes of higher education) in a variety of Education law matters and provide training on new developments in education law.

Members of the team provide expert advice relating to a variety of issues including challenges to decisions relation to admission, exclusion, examinations, the provision of special educational needs, as well as challenges to failure to provide any or suitable school transport. The team further has experience in matters relating to employment, teacher disciplinary/misconduct and discrimination.

The Education Law team is composed of highly skilled and experienced barristers who offer comprehensive legal services covering all areas of Education Law. Their diverse expertise ensures clients receive expert advice and representation at all levels, from local disputes to high-profile judicial reviews and appellate work.

The Education Team write the Nodi No-Nonsense Guide to ALN Law in Wales (click to view), which is co-ordinated by Cathrine Grubb. We would be happy to receive comments on any aspect of the Guide and address them in future updates. Please send these to: Cathrine.grubb@civitaslaw.com

	Cathrine Grubb is a specialist in Public and Administrative Law, with extensive experience representing government bodies, local authorities, and individuals. Her work spans the Court of Appeal down to first-instance tribunals. Cathrine has a deep interest in Equality and Human Rights issues and has significant experience in both English and Welsh Education Law. She is particularly adept at handling cases involving SEN/ALN provision and discrimination claims. Her ability to navigate complex legal frameworks makes her a cornerstone of the team.
	Owain James brings a wealth of experience, representing public bodies at the highest levels. A native Welsh speaker, Owain is passionate about Welsh law and devolution, and regularly provides legal advice and representation in Welsh. His practice spans all areas of Education Law, including school closures, transport decisions, admissions, and exclusions, as well as ALN appeals and discrimination cases. Owain’s bilingual abilities and his expertise in public law challenges make him an invaluable asset to the team, particularly for Welsh-speaking clients.
	Alys Williams’ highly regarded for her ability to simplify complex legal issues, has earned her recognition from the Legal 500. A native Welsh speaker, Alys specialises in Education and Police Law, regularly advising on school admissions and exclusion appeals. She also provides strategic guidance to public bodies, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements. Alys has delivered training on admissions and Education Law to local authorities, helping them improve their understanding. Her clear, thorough approach makes her an essential part of the team, enhancing its capacity to manage intricate legal challenges.
	Isabelle Knight has quickly established herself as a rising star, as recognised by the Legal 500. Known for her analytical and logical approach to complex issues, she is often instructed to advise admission and exclusion panels. Isabelle’s expertise in panel advisory work ensures the integrity of judicial processes in Education Law, leading to fair and compliant outcomes. Her growing experience in Additional Learning Needs (ALN) cases, where her attention to detail and strategic thinking are key, makes her a versatile asset, ensuring compliance across a range of education law matters.
	Crash Wigley is committed to improving access to justice and public understanding of the law. Previously serving as interim chair of Young Legal Aid Lawyers, she is also Chair of Trustees and a founder of North Wales Community Law. She recently returned from a prestigious role as Judicial Assistant at the Supreme Court, working on high-complexity cases. Crash’s growing practice in Education, Housing, Immigration, and Public Law makes her a valued addition to the team. She also serves as legal clerk to school admission appeal panels, offering expert legal guidance. As a Welsh speaker, Crash enhances the team’s capacity to serve clients across Wales

Specialisms

Judicial Review (such as relating to ALN, School Closures, Transport, Welsh language)
Appeals to the Education Tribunal for Wales (ETW) on issues relating ALN and discrimination.
Advice and representation relating to admissions, exclusions and exam results
Committee hearings before the Education Workforce Council Wales and National College for Teaching and Leadership professional conduct panels
Appeals to the Office for the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (‘OIA’)
Civil claims against the educational institutions, for example breach of contract claims concerning universities and independent schools, negligence claims