Grimsby sixth form college joins academy trust

8 Dec 2025Announcements

Franklin Sixth Form College in Grimsby has converted to an Academy Trust, leading post-16 education

Franklin Sixth Form College in Grimsby has taken a significant step by converting to an Academy Trust, becoming only the second college in the UK to transition into an "empty Multi-Academy Trust". This landmark decision was facilitated by leading regional solicitors Wilkin Chapman Rollits, who provided expert legal advice throughout the process, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition. The conversion is not just a procedural change but a reaffirmation of the college's commitment to delivering high-quality post-16 education and its ambition to work collaboratively with local secondary schools.

The college had recently celebrated the opening of a new building on campus, further enhancing its educational offerings. By transitioning to an Academy Trust, Franklin aims to serve as a central hub for educational excellence in the region, providing a model for collaboration among schools. The Department for Education approved the bespoke structure of the empty Multi-Academy Trust, reinforcing the strength of the college's proposal to develop partnerships that enrich the educational landscape.

Wendy Ellis, Principal and CEO at Franklin, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Wilkin Chapman Rollits, stating, “Franklin Sixth Form College is incredibly grateful for the expertise and support provided by Wilkin Chapman Rollits throughout our academisation process." The relationship between the college and the law firm stretches back more than 30 years, with key members having served as governors, including Josh Briggs, who will take on a role as one of the inaugural directors of the new Academy Trust.

Further collaboration through social value initiatives has equipped students with the skills and confidence needed for successful careers, including mentoring programmes and T-Level placements. The breadth of support from Wilkin Chapman Rollits was led by Gerry Morrison, who noted, “Franklin Sixth Form College has taken a bold and pioneering step by converting to an empty Multi-Academy Trust". He acknowledged the transformative implications not only for Franklin but also for the wider education sector in the region.

As this transition garners attention, other colleges and schools in the area may explore similar structural reforms, potentially reshaping the educational landscape of post-16 education. For more information about Wilkin Chapman Rollits, potential partners can visit their dedicated education sector page.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Trust, transparency and the limits of legal self-regulation

Transparency reforms were meant to empower consumers, but uneven delivery now risks undermining confidence across the profession

Government scraps audit reform

What the collapse of the Audit Reform Bill means for regulation, accountability and legal practice

Sewage pollution litigation after Manchester Ship Canal

How the Supreme Court’s ruling is reshaping nuisance claims, protest litigation and regulatory limits across England and Wales

FCA non-financial misconduct rules clarified

The FCA’s final guidance on non-financial misconduct offers clarification, but leaves firms grappling with judgement-heavy implementation

Judiciary launches new diversity strategy initiative

The judiciary's new strategy aims to enhance diversity in the UK judicial system over five years

Personal injury claims numbers plummet dramatically

The number of personal injury claims in the UK has hit unprecedented lows, especially motor injury claims

Government urged to review legal costs

A senior costs lawyer has called for an independent review of fixed costs in the legal industry, highlighting the detrimental impact on firms and access to justice.

Building Safety Act litigation redefines investor risk

Recent case law shows how courts and tribunals are extending Building Safety Act liabilities beyond what investors originally anticipated

US musicians lose challenge over UK performers' rights restrictions

High Court rules treaty obligations non-justiciable in domestic law without parliamentary incorporation.

Actinon PTE Limited v Char Biocarbon Inc: Affirmation and contractual obligations

Commercial dispute highlights principles of waiver by election and contract interpretation

Matthew Haydon v R: Court of Appeal clarifies "likely" in explosive substances offences

Court confirms "likely" means "could well happen" rather than "more probable than not"

Cloisters Business Centre v Anvari: mixed-use premises and service charge protection

Court confirms tenants of mixed-use properties qualify for statutory service charge controls.

NHS commissioning activities fall outside TUPE protection, Court of Appeal rules

Employment law case clarifies when healthcare reorganisations trigger transfer protections for staff.

BTR Core Fund v HMRC: Upper Tribunal clarifies overpayment relief exclusions

Stamp duty land tax overpayment relief and the meaning of "mistake in a claim"

Court of Appeal rules criminal earnings count as income for ESA purposes

Criminal activity constitutes work and generates income for benefits assessment purposes.

SJ Interview: Joelle Grogan

Dr Joelle Grogan is a legal scholar specialising in the rule of law in times of crisis. She presents The Law Show on BBC Radio 4, and is Co-Academic Director of the Rule of Law Clinic at the CEU Democracy Institute (Budapest), and a Senior Research Fellow at the UCD Sutherland School of Law. Her work focuses on constitutional accountability, emergency powers, and legal misinformation. In this interview, she examines the pressures facing the rule of law in the UK, from executive power and court delays to media narratives, emergencies, and the impact of AI on legal practice.

Justice reform risks targeting the wrong fix

As 2026 approaches, ministers eye jury trials while ignoring deeper causes of England’s criminal justice crisis