Polly Kerr

Legal Director

Dispute Resolution

Biography

I qualified as a solicitor in 2009 after completing a two-year training contract with Tees. I was promoted to Senior Associate in June 2016 and advanced to the role of Legal Director in November 2023

I have extensive experience acting for and advising schools and parents in educational matters—both contentious and non-contentious—in reputational risk management (defamation), and I have acted in commercial and civil disputes.

Being the only lawyer from a family of teachers, the highly specialist field of education law was a natural career progression for me, and one I thoroughly enjoy and embrace. I have experience and have advised in respect of:

    • School Admission and Exclusion Appeals and Independent Review Panel Hearings;
    • Special Educational Needs, including needs assessments, Education Health and Care Plans, statutory provision and appeals to the First Tier Tribunal;
    • Discrimination of all types – both in the First Tier Tribunal and the County Court;
    • Data protection and compliance with Educational Record and Subject Access Requests;
    • Increasing published admission numbers and public consultation;
    • Changes to the status of a school, extending years of intake and property disputes, including successfully opposing an application to register a school’s playing field as a new town or village green under the Commons Act 2006;
    • Allegations of professional misconduct by the Disclosure and Barring Service and National Council for Teaching and Leadership;
    • Policy Drafting and consultation;
    • Complaints to the Local Authority and OFSTED;
    • Safeguarding;
    • Allegations of Education Negligence;
    • Advising independent schools on recovery of fees and allegations of breach of contract

Delivering what you really need

The litigation team at Tees boasts a wealth of experience. As part of that team, we draw on each other’s expertise to provide a full wrap-around service for our clients. I can see clients at any one of our six offices, and we have videoconferencing facilities, making client access easier than ever before. The litigation team has forged close relationships with our colleagues in Tees’ other departments to ensure we draw on their skills as and when required.

 

 

Expertise

Consumer RightsEducation Legal Advice for ParentsEducation Legal Advice for SchoolsEmployment Procedures and Policies

Polly Kerr was fast reacting and showed expertise in her field to help us too many times to count in our pursuit of an education for our child when the local authority was determined to give her nothing.

Awards and accreditations

  • Accreditation logo

Further information

I am a member of the Education Law Association and have served as a governor and associate member of the governing body of a Lower School in Central Bedfordshire since 2010. I also sit on the committee of the Royston Chamber of Commerce.

I have also participated in many fundraising activities with Tees, including “Walk the Thames” – a 26-mile walk through London to raise money for the Eastern Legal Support Trust.

 

“The public law team at Tees is highly approachable and composed of dedicated professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results for their clients. In particular, Polly Kerr and Charlotte Middleditch stand out for their outstanding expertise and commitment to their roles – they are unmatched.” Legal 500 UK, 2026, South East – Public sector

“Polly Kerr really stands up for her clients.” Legal 500 UK, 2026, East Anglia – Private Client – Contentious trusts and probate

“Outstanding lawyer, really has a grasp of the law, her clients needs and which barrister is the right fit. Polly really is the definition of a go-to solicitor.” Legal 500 UK, 2025, 

“Polly Kerr is a stand out solicitor.” Legal 500 UK, 2025 

“Polly Kerr is one of the most dedicated lawyers. Her passion for helping parents in special educational needs appeals is remarkable. She goes above and beyond, and her hard work ensures that every case that gets to tribunal is advanced on as strong a footing as possible.” Legal 500 UK, 2025 

 

 

Articles from Polly

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