Wolferstans LLP’s Education Conference 2024

James Twine is an experienced Education and Employment Lawyer and Head of our Business Services team. James sits on the board for the Cornwall Association of Primary Heads and is one of the preferred legal partners of the Multi Academy Trust Association.

Victoria Sargeant, experienced Education and Employment Lawyer and is the Head of our Education team. Alongside James, Victoria sits on the board for the Cornwall Association of Primary Heads and is one of the preferred legal partners of the Multi Academy Trust Association. She is also the Chair of a local governor advisory board.

Alice De Coverley is a leading light in the area of School Exclusions, the co-author of of “The law in relation to school exclusions” and a Barrister at 3 Paper Buildings Barristers. Alice also works closely with Ofsted providing specialist advisory and advocacy services in all areas that the education sector regulator inspects and supervises. Alice’s experience has been used at Ofsted to focus on Equality Act matters and drafting guidance for their inspectors.

Emma Waldron is a sought after and skilled advocate in the field of Education Law. She has significant experience in conducting investigations on behalf of schools which have included safeguarding allegations of the utmost severity. Emma has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant and is a governor at a maintained school for children with SEND.

James Jarvis is a skilled employment barrister. He has previously taken groups of sixth-formers for a fully-funded tour of the Royal Courts of Justice, the Law Society and Middle Temple. He partakes in outreach for BarNone and is a judge for the schools Magistrates’ Court advocacy competition. James was part of a school Scout group, a Beaver and Cub leader, and now takes Scout Young Leaders on sailing experiences. James brings to his presentation a lot of human as well as legal experience.

Giles Blight is an award-winning Chartered Architect with over 18 years' experience, with a wide range of key skills and knowledge across a broad spectrum of sectors, including education.Giles will be discussing the pressures and rationalisation of school estates.

With experience both in the UK and overseas, Ian Newcombe has a broad set of skills and wealth of experience across muiltiple sectors, including education. Alongside Giles, Ian will be discussing the pressures and rationalisation of school estates.