George Davies’ lawyers advise Primary School on Academy conversion
George Davies’ senior partner Anne Fairhurst led a team of lawyers in the Education team, including partners Nicky Collins and Sara Barrett, who advised Parbold Douglas Church of England Primary School on its conversion to an Academy.
The school converted on 1 August ready for the start of the new academic year in September. The George Davies team advised the school on all legal aspects of the conversion including advising the school in its response to employment issues raised by the Unions. The conversion also required the team to liaise with both the local diocese and the local authority as respective owners of the land on which the former church school buildings sit and the playing fields.
Anne commented “Academy conversions are on the increase in the North West and we have been advising a number of schools and sponsors on conversions. This is the first primary school conversion that we have advised on but we feel there will be many more on the horizon.”
For help and advice in connection with converting to an academy please contact:
Anne Fairhurst on 0161 234 8807 or send an email

Nicky Collins on 0161 234 8837 or send an email

Sara Barrett on 0161 234 8848 or send an email

