School’s £300,000 legal bills revealed through freedom of information response
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Pensby High School, on the Wirral, has paid the money in legal battles, including against parents and a former staff member.
A school has paid more than £300,000 to two firms of lawyers in legal battles, including against parents and a former staff member, a Freedom of Information response has disclosed.
Pensby High School in Wirral, Merseyside, has paid £225,282.29 to Brabners LLP, the firm well-known for its involvement with the “Wagatha Christie” case, for legal work including support for its headteacher, Kevin Flanagan, in a harassment case against two parents.
The parents, Keith and Stephanie Critchley, were reported to have paid £10,000 after settling with Mr Flanagan, following mediation.
In addition, the school has paid another Liverpool-based legal firm, Hill Dickinson, £79,911.32 for work including over a dispute with a former member of staff.
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By Warwick Mansell for EDUCATION UNCOVERED
Published: 24 November 2025
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