English
Education & Children's Rights Solicitor
London
Sabrina Simpson is a Solicitor within our Education and Children’s Rights team. She is based in London.
Sabrina represents children, young people, and their families in education law and public law matters, helping them challenge decisions made by schools, local authorities and other public bodies. Her work includes advising on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), school exclusions and discrimination claims, as well as representing clients in SEND appeals and judicial review proceedings.
Sabrina works closely with families to understand their circumstances, explain their legal rights and identify the options available to them. She has experience challenging decisions by public bodies and resolving disputes involving access to education, educational support and the treatment of children and young people within the education system. Her approach is empathetic, child-centered and informed by an understanding of the impact that educational disputes can have on families.
Before joining Simpson Millar, Sabrina worked as a Senior Education Solicitor at Coram Children's Legal Centre, where she also held the position of supervising solicitor for the School Exclusion Clinic. Through her involvement with the School Exclusion Clinic, Sabrina contributed to work addressing wider issues within the education system, including strategic litigation and policy reform. This included contributing to the 2026 report Fairness in School Exclusions: A Roadmap for Change, which examined the need for improvements in the school exclusion processes.
Sabrina has also been involved in important judicial review proceedings concerning children's rights and equality within education. Her experience includes cases examining the public sector equality duty and a landmark case on access to legal aid for school exclusion appeals R (CWJ) v Director of Legal Aid Casework & Lord Chancellor [2025] EWHC 306 (Admin). She has successfully resolved complex discrimination claims and delivered specialist training to multi-academy trusts on their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, helping education professionals better understand their legal obligations.
Sabrina has contributed as a keynote speaker and written articles about school exclusions and access to legal support for children and families, drawing on her experience representing those affected by decisions within the education system. Please see link here for Sabrina’s article for Mission 44, Lewis Hamilton's charity on securing legal aid victory for families challenging unfair school exclusions
Cases Dealt With
Sabrina acted as the instructing solicitor in this landmark/judicial review challenging the lack of legal aid available for school exclusion appeals. The case examined whether families could access legal aid to challenge school exclusions, particularly where children and young people faced barriers to obtaining legal representation. The judgment marked an important development in access to justice by opening a route to Exceptional Case Funding for certain school exclusion appeals. Sabrina's involvement reflected her commitment to improving access to legal support for families and addressing inequalities within the education system. Further information about the case is available in Coram's coverage of the High Court challenge.
Sabrina was involved in this Court of Appeal case concerning the application of the public sector equality duty when schools make decisions about excluding pupils. The case considered the extent of a school's obligations under equality legislation during the exclusion decision-making process, raising important questions about how schools should take account of their responsibilities towards pupils with protected characteristics. The judgment has implications for the way schools approach exclusion decisions and consider their duties under the Equality Act 2010. Judgment: TZA, R (On the Application Of) v A Secondary School (Rev1) | England and Wales Court of Appeal (Civil Division) | Judgment | Law | CaseMine
Sabrina is a certified civil and commercial mediator; her training supports her approach to resolving complex disputes and helping parties identify constructive solutions.
She is also admitted to the New York Bar.
Sabrina studied law at the University of Westminster, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and achieving a 2:2. She then attended BPP Law School, where she graduated with a Commendation. Sabrina was admitted as a solicitor in 2005.
Sabrina's interest in education law was shaped by her personal experience of supporting her child with special educational needs. This gave her first-hand insight into the inequalities that can exist within the education system and the challenges faced by families when trying to secure appropriate educational support.
She is committed to promoting a more inclusive education system and helping families feel that their concerns have been heard and their rights respected. Sabrina believes that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and this principle remains central to her approach when advising and representing clients.
Throughout her career, Sabrina has also mentored young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in professions where diversity remains limited. Her commitment to fairness and equality extends beyond her legal practice and reflects her wider interest in helping young people overcome barriers to achieving their ambitions.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on:Â 0800 260 5010
