Smita Jamdar

Partner and Head of Education

Stop press – OfS decision overturned

A significant win for the University of Sussex following a judicial review of the OfS’s decision to find the University in breach of registration conditions and fine it a record amount was announced yesterday, an outcome which will be watched closely across the higher education sector.

Given the importance of this case – and the potential implications for institutions, governing bodies, and regulatory expectations – it’s something we’re looking at closely to understand what it means in practice.

We’ll be sharing our thoughts and commentary shortly, once the picture becomes clearer, so watch this space for further analysis over the coming days.

Practical insights from AHUA

Smita Jamdar and Paul Greatrix recently attended the AHUA Spring Conference at the University of Exeter, coming away with lots of thoughtful (and reassuring) insights about how the sector is responding to ongoing pressure and change.

One of the strongest messages was how registrars, secretaries and COOs are not just coping but are finding smart ways to adapt – from refreshing governance approaches and making better use of technology, to rethinking how institutions work day-to-day. There was a real emphasis on the importance of confident leadership, trying new ideas, and taking people with you so change feels shared rather than imposed.

There were also thoughtful discussions on freedom of speech and the growing complexity of the regulatory environment – issues many of our clients are currently facing.

Overall, the discussions reflected exactly what we’re seeing across the sector, and they continue to shape the pragmatic, forward‑looking advice and support we provide to our clients.

Esther Maxwell, Emma Noble and Amy Richardson spent a lively and productive day at the Worcestershire Association of School Business Management Conference 2026, held at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

They delivered two practical workshops exploring how AI is being used by parents, and the challenges AI is creating in the world of employment law – topics that are increasingly relevant for schools and trusts navigating new technologies alongside evolving legal obligations. The sessions sparked plenty of discussion, with lots of thoughtful questions and shared experiences from attendees.

Introducing Midhika – a new face in our education team

We’re delighted to welcome Midhika Joseph to our education team as a legal director, based in our Birmingham office.

Midhika brings a wealth of experience advising education providers on academic partnerships, commercial collaborations and regulatory matters. She is dual‑qualified and has worked in the education sector in both India and the UK, including several years in‑house at a UK university. This gives her a strong understanding of how institutions operate day-to-day, so her advice is always practical, balanced and focused on what will work in the real world.

Boardroom Breach – The Critical Hours - London

Join us for a practical, immersive session designed for senior leaders who want to understand what really happens in the first hours of a cyber-attack or data breach, when decisions are made quickly, information is incomplete and the stakes are high.

Training | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm