Educational Consultancy-does it have to be limited company?

[ScarlettJah]

When setting up a consultancy that deals with government bodies (e.g. local education authorities) is it a legal requirement that it is set up as a limited company even though in essence you may be a sole trader that could use your Tax Self Reference number as proof that you will declare payments?

What is the position if you use the name of Scarlett Jah Associates?

Many thanks

[buildersmate]

It may be a contractual requirement of the LEA that they deal only with Ltd Cos - you will have to ask them.
What you will almost certainly require is professional indemnity insurance - but you can get that as either a sole trader or a limited company.
Using SJA could mean anything - it could be a trading name, or a Ltd - as in SJA Ltd. It's up to you.