Education projects

We work with our public sector clients to implement partnering arrangements with private sector companies to build and operate new education establishments.

We have built up considerable experience of advising on PFI / PPP arrangements in relation to new schools, colleges and academies. The education sector is a natural one for our Projects Team as we have experience of the full range of funding structures for capital projects as well as the skills and expertise to advise on long term commercial contracts.

We have set out below a few of the education projects that lawyers within our Education Team have advised on:-

	West Sussex County Council on a series of four projects to provide Academy Schools in the County of West Sussex. The first of the academies opened to students in January 2009 (Midhurst Rother College) with a further three openings in September 2009 (The Littlehampton Academy, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy and the Shoreham Academy).
	Telford and Wrekin Borough Council on the procurement of various IT services and hardware including advice on use of lots for catalogue of prices for different hardware and using it as central purchasing catalogue for schools (including means to evaluate) and procurement of electronic equipment for BSF schools.
	West Sussex County Council in relation to the variation of a PFI Schools Scheme involving the addition of a new £4million (funded using additional PFI credits from DCSF) multi-purpose facility and associated services at one of the schools procured under the original scheme.
	Bridgend County Borough Council on its £15 m secondary school development.
	Ceredigion Council on a new £10m school development.
	Pembrokeshire County Council on a £15m schools and offices development.
	Wiltshire County Council on a £13m school build and infrastructure.
	Gwalia Housing Association on the drafting and negotiation of extensive contract documentation relating to the construction of student accommodation at Bangor University including a 30 year facilities maintenance services contract.
	Swansea University in relation to a public/private partnership regarding the refurbishment and maintenance of existing accommodation blocks.
	West Sussex County Council in relation to proposals concerning its adult and community learning service under which the Council intend to establish a social enterprise into which the service can be hived off.