THE education practice at Watson Burton law firm has advised Gosforth High School and Gosforth Junior High School on their successful joint conversion to academy status.

Despite this being one of the most complex conversions of any of the UK’s new academies, the Newcastle-based law firm completed the process well ahead of schedule.

Gosforth Academy principal Hugh Robinson is delighted that the Gosforth Federated Schools have achieved academy status. He said: “The flexibility that academy status allows us will bring new opportunities and will help our students make the most of their years with us.”

He added: “Watson Burton’s advice has been excellent throughout this process. I understand that this is one of the most complicated, multilayered academy conversions to have been completed, with many major issues which have had to be negotiated. Despite the complexities, we achieved academy status in two months rather than the projected three.

“Watson Burton’s understanding of the sector and its sure-footed guidance made a significant difference to the outcome. Gillian Hall and her team were absolutely committed to driving this forward, and their expertise produced the best possible result for Gosforth Academy and its students, teachers and governors.”

The law firm had to negotiate all the legal documentation, including transfers of assets, funding arrangements and PFI issues.

Watson Burton head of education and skills, Gillian Hall, led the legal team. She said: “It’s rewarding to know that despite this being acknowledged as a particularly complex academy conversion, we got there in two-thirds of the estimated time.

“It’s great news that Gosforth Academy can now benefit from the flexibility its new status brings, and that staff and pupils will see positive results from our involvement with the Academy.

“Our education and skills group has worked with schools, colleges and universities for many years. Academies are relatively new, but we are acting on a number of conversions across the North East.”