The UK’s Leading Education Property Specialists
Over 30 years specialising in the sale, letting and acquisition of education property across the UK: nurseries, schools, colleges, universities and specialist SEN and SEND facilities.
Specialist Property Sales, Lettings & Acquisitions
Our expertise has grown over the years to support commercial property across the UK, with a particular focus on the education sector. Bernard Gordon & Co. specialises in the sale, acquisition, and leasing of educational properties, including day nurseries, primary and secondary schools, SEN schools, and specialist learning facilities. We also advise clients across a range of sectors, including religious and community buildings, medical and dental facilities, gyms, fitness studios, and other specialist uses.
Our tailored services assist landlords, vendors, tenants, buyers, investors and developers, with expert guidance at every stage of the property journey. What matters is how a building will actually be used: the access a nursery needs, the safeguarding a SEN school requires, the space a community needs to grow into. That is what we find for our clients.
Latest Property Listings
Old Oak Common, NW10
5,000 sq. ft.
Use Class E
Ideal For: Day Nursery, Medical, Fitness & Alternative uses STP
View DetailsOur Areas of Expertise
SEND & SEMH School Property
We specialise in sourcing and securing properties for Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) schools across the UK. As demand for specialist education provision continues to outpace supply, finding the right property requires sector expertise, market knowledge, and a clear understanding of operational needs. A SEN or SEMH school falls under Use Class F1, so we identify sites and buildings that work for that use: accessibility, safeguarding, outdoor space, and appropriate accommodation. We have delivered sites for providers across the UK.
Day Nursery Property
Day nurseries are one of our core specialisms. We advise start-ups, independent operators, franchises, and established nursery groups on the acquisition and leasing of properties to support growth and expansion. From location and accessibility to outdoor space, parking, and layout, we understand the key factors that make a nursery setting successful. Our team identifies properties that align with operational needs and Ofsted requirements, so you are not discovering a problem after you have committed.
Religious & Community Property
Our roots are in religious and community property. Established in 1993 through the sale of vacant synagogues, Bernard Gordon & Company developed specialist expertise in a sector that was often underserved. Today, we advise organisations from a wide range of faiths on the acquisition, disposal, and leasing of places of worship, community centres, and multi-use buildings. With a deep understanding of Use Class F1, the category that replaced much of the former D1, we know how these buildings are valued, used and regulated, which matters in a market where comparable evidence is thin.
Other Specialist Property Sectors
Our expertise extends beyond education property to include a wide range of specialist uses, including health and medical facilities, dental practices, gyms, fitness studios, and other commercial premises.
Property Use Classes Explained
D1 and D2 use classes no longer exist. Since September 2020, these former categories have been replaced, with many education, community, and commercial uses now falling within Use Classes E, F1, and F2, while some uses are classified as Sui Generis. Understanding these changes is essential when buying, selling, or leasing specialist property. See our full guide to the use class changes.
We act across all of them. Browse Use Class E, Use Class F1 (the former D1) and Use Class F2 & Sui Generis properties, or read the questions we are asked most often.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
“Ben and the team were very helpful in securing our new provision in Wandsworth. They negotiated the purchase with the vendor’s agent, which made the process very seamless. Their professionalism and attention to detail were a real asset.”
TH
★★★★★
“Brilliant from start to finish. Their specialist knowledge of this market and their extensive contacts ensured we identified the best tenants for our building and minimised our void.”
SK
★★★★★
“Bernard Gordon were a pleasure to work with and went above and beyond to ensure the deal completed successfully. It was a complicated transaction, managed with professionalism and calm throughout.”
DG
Trusted Expertise
Enhanced DBS Verified
Providing added reassurance when working with schools, nurseries, SEN providers, and other children’s settings.
Award-Winning Specialists
Recognised for our expertise in education and specialist commercial property.
Professional Standards
Committed to the highest standards of ethics, governance, and client service.
Personal Service
Speak directly to our trusted agent Ben Goldstone for confidential advice on your property requirements.
How It Works
1
Tell Us Your Requirements
Get in touch to discuss your property needs. Whether you are buying, leasing, selling, or seeking specialist premises, we take the time to understand your objectives.
2
We Find the Right Property
Our team searches the market, identifies suitable opportunities, and provides a tailored shortlist based on your operational, planning, and location requirements.
3
We Guide You Through to Completion
From negotiations through to completion, we provide expert advice and support at every stage, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
Can’t find the right property? Register your requirements with us and we’ll contact you when suitable opportunities become available.
Specialist Sectors We Serve
Education and community property specialists across the UK — explore the sectors we cover.Common Questions
Do you act for landlords as well as occupiers?
Both. Until 2019 we acted only for landlords and vendors, and we now act for buyers and tenants as well. We can only act for one party in any given transaction, to avoid a conflict of interest.
Which areas do you cover?
London and the South East are our core coverage: all London boroughs, the area within the M25, south towards Brighton and north to Milton Keynes. We take enquiries UK-wide, particularly for SEND and SEMH school premises, where suitable buildings are scarce.
What replaced the D1 and D2 use classes?
They were revoked in September 2020. Most former D1 and D2 uses now sit within Use Class E, F1 or F2, and a few are Sui Generis. Schools and places of worship generally fall under F1, while day nurseries usually sit within Class E.
What if the right property isn’t currently listed?
Register your requirement with us. We are often instructed on buildings before they are openly marketed, and a standing requirement means we can approach you first.
Thinking of selling or leasing a specialist property?
Do you have plans to buy, lease or acquire?