EHCP Appeal Solicitor Fees: Fixed Fee Costs Explained

Every education dispute, priced stage by stage, VAT included. You pay only for the stage you are in, and choose whether the next one begins. Here is exactly what things cost.

How much does an EHCP appeal cost?

It depends on what you are appealing:

• Refusal to assess: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message./li>
• Refusal to issue an EHCP: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Contents appeal, Sections B and F: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Contents and placement, Sections B, F and I: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• School or placement only, Section I: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Cease to maintain an EHCP: whole case cap, ask for the schedule of fees when you message.

Every figure is fixed, agreed in writing before work begins, and includes VAT.

Do I pay it all upfront?

No. Each case is broken into stages, typically: papers reviewed and merits advice, grounds drafted and appeal lodged, evidence and negotiation with the authority, then hearing preparation and advocacy. Each stage is paid for before it starts, and you decide whether the next one goes ahead. Authorities frequently concede once a solicitor is on record; when they do, the remaining stages are never billed.

What's included, and what costs extra?

Each stage includes preparation, drafting and consideration of papers, plus up to 20 routine letters, emails and calls. It covers up to 150 pages of source papers per stage, or up to 700 pages across a whole case cap. Non-routine correspondence, substantive written advice, expert fees, counsel's fees, meetings and formal complaints are itemised separately, so you see exactly what each element costs before it's agreed.

How much does a school exclusion appeal cost?

• Urgent advice on the exclusion: Ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Representations to the governing board: Ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Independent review panel submissions: Ask for the schedule of fees when you message.
• Advocacy at the panel hearing: Ask for the schedule of fees when you message.

Where the exclusion involves disability discrimination, a Tribunal claim is priced separately.

Is legal aid available?

I do not hold a Civil Legal Aid Contract. If you believe you may be eligible, the Civil Legal Advice helpline at gov.uk/civil-legal-advice can advise you. My fees are fixed and confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Why fixed fees rather than hourly billing?

The 2026 court guideline hourly rate for a solicitor of eight or more years' experience is £288 to £579 plus VAT, and a contested case can run 40 to 60 hours before a barrister is even involved. Fixed fees remove that uncertainty: each stage is priced and agreed before it starts.

What if my case needs more, such as Upper Tribunal or judicial review?

Novel points of law, Upper Tribunal appeals and court proceedings are quoted individually in writing before each stage, ask for the schedule of fees when you message. You always receive a written estimate first.

Discuss your case

Fees are confirmed in writing before instruction. One point of contact throughout: me. If I am booked for your hearing, I am at your hearing.

Message me on WhatsApp or call 07513 915226.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Prices valid at publication and confirmed in writing before instruction.