John Clarke, currently Head of Education and Charities at Rickerby's in Cheltenham will be joining Bevan Brittan’s national education practice as Head of Education on 1 May.  John will work closely with the firm’s Head of Government Bethan Evans.

Bevan Brittan’s education practice already has a strong reputation in the education field, acting for clients across the sectors including central governmental bodies, Children’s Services Authorities both generally and on the delivery of the Building Schools for the Future programme and Academy schemes, advising Higher and Further Education institutions on major schemes of construction, outsourcing and all aspects of their operation. John’s appointment will further reinforce the firm's commitment to this sector and will help drive forward the growth of this practice area.

Bethan Evans, Head of Government said: "We are delighted that John is joining us.  Education is again going through a period of intense change which will give more autonomy to maintained schools, create new models of delivering education through academies and trust schools, increase investment in the education infrastructure and bring amalgamations and changes to all institutions.  It is the right time for us to recognise the strength in having a practice which can provide skills to clients right across the new landscape of education.  To schools in the independent, state and academy/trust school sectors, to Further Education and Higher Education Bodies and to associated education providers.  This approach builds on the firm's already successful focus on the public private interface in the delivery of public services.”

Stuart Whitfield, Bevan Brittan's Chief Executive and Chair of the CBI's Public Services Education and Children’s Services Panel added: "John's arrival further demonstrates our focus on this sector and places us firmly as one of the major providers of legal advice on the education scene."

John Clarke commented: "I am tremendously excited at the prospect of leading and growing the excellent education team at Bevan Brittan.  As a sector, education is constantly evolving and advisors to clients in this area need continually to be reviewing the skills and approaches required to give innovative and relevant advice and support.  I am delighted to have the opportunity join a practice which is best placed to do this.”