Leading regional solicitors Wilkin Chapman Rollits provided legal advice for Franklin Sixth Form College’s conversion to an academy, which will cement its place in the community as a sector leader delivering outstanding post-16 education.
Franklin Sixth Form College in Grimsby has successfully converted to an Academy Trust, becoming only the second college in the UK to transition into an “empty Multi-Academy Trust”.
Wilkin Chapman Rollits, the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, oversaw the conversion, which marks a significant shift in the landscape of post-16 education across the region. The conversion comes at a milestone moment for the college, which officially opened its newest building on campus on 3rd December.
While schools are encouraged to join Multi-Academy Trusts to increase the scope of their resources, for sixth form colleges, this can present challenges given the differences between school and sixth form education provision.
As a result of this, the bespoke structure for this ‘empty MAT’ was approved by the Department for Education on the strength of Franklin Sixth Form College’s business case to develop and operate a partnership model working in collaboration with local schools. Essentially, this involves the college acting as a central hub which works closely with local secondary schools to deliver consistent, high-quality sixth form provision across the region.
Over time, the college anticipates further operational and procurement-based efficiencies that will act to strengthen wider, long-term impacts for students. The academisation process creates opportunities for the college to collaborate with more providers, sharing educational expertise, resources, facilities, trips and personal and professional development programmes to enrich the learning environment and culture. It also paves the way for increased partnerships with employers and wider community groups to ensure every learner in the community is successful.
Wendy Ellis, Principal and CEO at Franklin Sixth Form College, said: “Franklin Sixth Form College is incredibly grateful for the expertise and support provided by Wilkin Chapman Rollits throughout our academisation process. Their expert guidance and sector knowledge was exceptional, proactive, and tailored to our needs, ensuring a smooth and compliant transition.
“This was a collaboration based on a shared commitment and vision to achieve the best possible life chances for Franklin’s students and I would highly recommend their services to any institution considering this journey.”
Wilkin Chapman Rollits has supported Franklin Sixth Form College for more than 30 years, and its relationship with the institution runs deep. From 1992, successive partners, including Mat Dix, insolvency practitioner and currently Josh Briggs, head of disputes and regulatory have served as governors, with Josh having held the position now for nine years. Josh will also become one of the inaugural directors of the newly formed Franklin Sixth College Academy Trust.
Further to this, the firm has supported Franklin Sixth Form through a range of social value initiatives that help students prepare for successful careers. These include a mentoring programme, T-Level placements and work experience opportunities, aimed at giving students practical insights and the confidence to thrive in their future careers.
Led by Gerry Morrison, corporate & commercial partner and head of charity sector, the academisation brought together a wide range of specialists from Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The team supported Franklin Sixth Form College through every stage of the move, from consultation and governance to staffing, land and commercial issues, with contributions from both Grimsby and Hull partners including Katie Davies who is head of the education sector, Emma Ellinor, John Flanagan, Ralph Gilbert, Richard Frogson and senior associate, Harriet Wheeldon.
Interestingly, several members of the Wilkin Chapman Rollits team, including Katie, Emma, and Josh, also studied at Franklin Sixth Form College, bringing a personal commitment to supporting the college’s continued growth.
Gerry Morrison, Head of Charity Sector at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, said: “Franklin Sixth Form College has taken a bold and pioneering step by converting to an empty Multi-Academy Trust. It’s an exceptionally rare change, behind only the Heart of Mercia Multi-Academy Trust – but the benefits are significant and visible at scale. This is a transformative moment not just for Franklin, but for post-16 education across the entire region.”
The move is expected to attract attention from other colleges and secondary schools throughout the region that might be considering alternative structures.
The firm has a long history of advising the education sector on complex structural reform, strategic governance and legal compliance.
Image provided by Wilkin Chapman Rollits
