Trio Join drb Ignite Multi Academy Trust

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham and Sheffield offices have advised on the conversion of three West Midlands schools to academy status.

The Bromley-Pensnett Primary School in Dudley, Jervoise School in Weoley Castle and Wychall Primary School in Northfield have all joined the drb Ignite Multi Academy Trust.

Based in the West Midlands, drb supports a range of educational settings from nursery, primary, secondary and special schools, with its expertise covering matters from consultancy, school improvement, training to strategic planning.

Laurence Gavin, Mark Evans and Graham Walker led Irwin Mitchell’s team of specialist business lawyers in both Birmingham and Sheffield who provided advice and support on the conversion. The law firm also recently sponsored drb’s Building Futures conference held at the NEC last month.

Earlier this year, the team also advised on the conversation of Maltby Lilly Hall Primary School and Ravenfield Primary School in Rotherham into academies.

Expert Opinion

“These schools are joining a well-respected and forward-thinking MAT, which has a focus on the core of improving teaching and learning across the West Midlands.

“Both our Sheffield and Birmingham teams have been delighted to support this work and wish the best to all three schools as they look to further develop their offering in the best interests of pupils.” Laurence Gavin - Partner

Robert Bowater, Chief Executive of The drb Group, said: “These are the first three academies to join our recently formed drb Ignite Multi Academy Trust. As everything we do at drb is focused on the educational well-being of the children and young people in our communities, this is an important achievement for everyone at drb.

“Having these schools join our MAT so quickly after it came into being is very pleasing. It gives us a solid platform from we which we can work closely with these academies to enhance and improve the opportunities for the pupils, their families and teaching staff, as well as strengthening relationships with the local communities and stakeholders.

“We are very grateful for the professional support of Irwin Mitchell throughout the conversion process, especially for the work they undertook in managing the legal processes.”