Disagreements about a child’s education, whether over the choice of school, the merits of boarding, or how best to support a child with particular needs, often arise at moments when parents are already navigating significant change.

These decisions can have long‑term consequences for a child’s stability and sense of continuity, which is why schooling disputes are among the issues the court treats with particular care.

When parents cannot agree, the question is not which adult’s preference should prevail, but how a specific child’s educational needs should be met in light of their individual circumstances. The court may take account of the child’s wishes and feelings, depending on age and maturity, but its analysis will always return to the child’s welfare, the evidence, and the practical realities of each option.

Stewarts advises parents at every stage of resolving education and schooling disputes, from early discussions through structured negotiation, mediation or arbitration, and, where required, determination by the court. Our work often involves assembling a clear evidential picture of the child’s educational, social and developmental needs, and assessing how each proposed school meets them.

Where specialist input is required, we work with experienced education professionals who can provide informed assessments of suitable schools and the factors most likely to support the child’s long‑term progress. The aim is to achieve an outcome that gives the child a secure and workable educational path and gives the adults responsible for the child clarity and confidence in how that decision has been reached.

• Contact our Children Team