Disputes & Complaints Against Schools

At NBB Waldrons, our specialist education solicitors provide dedicated support to parents navigating disputes and complaints against independent schools. We offer pragmatic advice, robust representation, and tailored solutions to achieve the best outcome for your child.

When Can You Take Action Against an Independent School?

Disputes against independent schools can arise in a number of areas, including:

Safeguarding failures: Schools have a duty of care to ensure the safety and welfare of every student. If a school has failed to provide a secure environment, leading to bullying, harassment or neglect, legal action may be available
Discrimination: Independent schools must comply with anti-discrimination law. Claims can arise from discriminatory admissions, unfair treatment, or failure to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities
Breach of contract: Disputes over tuition fees, quality of education, or failure to deliver promised services may give rise to contractual claims

How to Raise a Complaint Against an Independent School

Before pursuing legal action, it is usually necessary to follow the school’s internal complaints process. Key steps include:

Review the school’s complaints policy: Schools are required to have a formal complaints procedure; familiarise yourself with it before taking any steps
Document your concerns
Communicate directly with the school: Raise your concerns with the relevant teacher, headteacher, or complaints contact in the first instance
Submit a formal written complaint: If informal communication fails to resolve the issue, set out your complaint in writing, including the outcome you are seeking and a reasonable timeframe for response
Engage the complaints procedure: Follow the school’s formal process, attend any meetings required, and keep to any deadlines
Consider mediation: Some schools offer mediation to help resolve disputes without escalating further
Contact external bodies: If internal procedures are exhausted, the Department for Education (DfE) in England may be able to provide guidance or intervene
Seek legal advice

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Established We have over 150 years’ experience in providing specialist legal advice representing individuals.

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Disputes & Complaints Against Independent Schools

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Any solicitor can say they are experienced in what they do. We go the extra mile to demonstrate our expertise. Many of our specialists have undertaken independent assessments of their knowledge and skills. Our accreditations give you the assurance that you are dealing with a specialist.