University Exam Appeals
If you’re unhappy with the result of an exam at university, receiving support from expert solicitors is essential.
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Have a fixed fee consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors.
There are many reasons why you may not achieve the grades you were hoping for, but if you feel that your university has acted improperly, or not been fair, in the process of awarding your grade, there are options available to appeal your result. We can also assist with degree classification issues.
At IBB Law, we can assist with appealing grades and challenging decisions made by universities, helping you to protect your education and your future, if the university has not acted appropriately, including not treating you fairly.
We are specialist education solicitors. We only act for university students. We do not act on behalf of universities. Therefore, you can be assured that we are 100% committed to protecting your interests.
What are university exam appeals?
The academic appeals process allows you to request a review of a decision made by your university, the examination board, or an equivalent body.
You may wish to raise a concern about your assessment results, resits, progression to the next stage of your course or degree classification.
You have the right to challenge an exam board decision, examples of which could be:
- Unforeseen issues affecting your academic performance, which the exam board didn’t know about when making their decision and couldn’t have reasonably been raised earlier.
- A mistake or procedural error significantly impacting your results.
- Proof of bias or prejudice during the assessment process.
- Not acting fairly in the assessment process.
Call today to discuss your case with our solicitors specialising in university exam appeals
We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with one of our specialist education university solicitors to discuss your needs and see how we can help.
If you want to learn more about our ability to help you appeal exam results, please contact our education law legal administrators, either Kinjal or Rachael, on 01895 207 961, or email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. Kinjal and Rachael can send you a link to an online booking suite so you can select a day and time that is convenient for your fixed-fee consultation.
How our experts can help with university exam appeals
Academic appeals
Academic appeals can be challenging and require a high standard of evidence to have a decision overturned. It is therefore crucial that your appeal is prepared and presented in a compelling way.
Our university solicitors can help with preparing your appeal, ensuring all of the necessary evidence is collected and presented in the most persuasive way to support your position. We will assist you throughout the entire process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Independent review
If you have received the results of your appeal from your university and you still believe them to be inaccurate, you can request an independent review from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).
Once the university’s internal review processes have been completed, the student can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator to review the outcome of the academic appeal process.
If you wish to escalate your review, you should make a complaint to the OIA within 12 months of the date of the Completion of Procedures Letter from your university. We recommend that a complaint is made to the OIA at the earliest opportunity.
Our specialist university lawyers can assist you with a complaint to the OIA and a request for an external review, helping you prepare and submit the necessary documents and submission.
Common questions about university exam appeals
Can you appeal a grade in university?
Most universities will allow you the opportunity to appeal an exam result. Whether you can appeal your grade may be related to the exam board of the exam you’ve sat. It is rare that students are not allowed to appeal their grade.
If you believe there has been a mistake in the grading process or if you faced extenuating circumstances during your assessment, you can challenge the decision.
Most universities have a formal appeals process that you should follow. It typically involves submitting a written appeal with supporting evidence to your university within a specified timeframe. You should look at the policy and procedures of the university and ensure you comply with both requirements, including submission of your appeal within the timeframe.
Grounds for appeal may include procedural errors, inaccurate grading, or situations that affected your performance in the examination and assessment, which weren’t considered initially.
How do I appeal a university grade?
If you’re unhappy with your grade(s), you should start by discussing it with your university. They can provide guidance on your options and may initiate an appeal request to the exam board on your behalf.
For independent applicants, you should reach out to the centre that submitted your grades to discuss the appeal process.
Each institution has its own guidelines and criteria for grade appeals, including specific timeframes and limits on the number of appeals for a particular grade. It’s crucial to communicate with your university, as they can guide you through the process.
Once you have received the outcome of the review, if you still feel your result is unfair, you can ask for an independent review from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.
Can your grade go down if you appeal?
Appealing a university exam result won’t automatically result in a higher grade. When you appeal, your university will review your case to ensure fairness and accuracy.
While your grade could stay the same or even improve, there’s a slight risk in rare cases, it could go down. This can happen if, during the appeal process, it’s discovered that the original grade was higher than it should have been.
It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before deciding to appeal. Always consult your university’s specific policies and procedures and consider seeking advice from academic solicitors to make an informed decision.
How successful are university appeals?
The success of university appeals varies. The success will depend on the issue being challenged and, ultimately, the quality and persuasiveness of the appeal submission. While some students find success in having grades reassessed or overturned, it’s important to note that not all appeals lead to a change in the original decision.
Successful appeal cases include situations where there were errors in the grading process or if extenuating circumstances affected the student’s performance.
If you do decide to make an appeal, it’s important to carefully follow your university’s appeal procedures and provide clear supporting evidence. Our education solicitors can assist you with this process and give you the best chance of a positive result.
What do others say about IBB’s Education Law Solicitors?
Here are a few comments of what others have said about our Education Law legal team.
“…………. was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’
“I wish give my heartfelt thanks to education team at IBB Law for assisting me through a very peculiar education matter, with specific regards to and commendation for Victoria Denis, the solicitor who had represented my matter.”
“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”
“From the outset they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online and so I really feel understood and cared for.”
“Victoria successfully assisted me through an issue.”
“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”
“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, also they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”
“Throughout the months Victoria represented my matter, Victoria always gave me clear and detailed counsel and helped me explore all the options in terms of what action Victoria and I myself was able to take.”
“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”
“Victoria was attentive with keeping me updated in her correspondence.”
IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the schools sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.’
“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”
“Ultimately, the expeditious success of the matter speaks volumes to Victoria’s ability to navigate a rare and perplexing matter, especially as the matter took place in a transnational context.”
“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual clients needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease”
“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.’
“Victoria empowered me to both move forward with my home life in the United States and to amicably resolve my affairs.”
“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the clients outcome at the heard (sic) of what she does, and has a track record for achieving good results.’
“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”
‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’
‘Focused and determined education team.’
‘Celia Whittuck has growing reputation in the area.’
“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”
“She is amazing.”
“Celia has taken a particular interest in ensuring that the appropriate educational outcomes are achieved. Her commitment has been unwavering.”
“Celia Whittuck has been helpful, understanding, respectful and responsive.”
“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”
The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.
Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves, “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.
“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”
Call today to discuss your case with our solicitors specialising in university exam appeals
To find out more about how our university exam appeal solicitors can help, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961, or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. They can arrange a fixed fee consultation and send you a link to our online booking suite, where you can choose a day and time most convenient for your meeting with the specialist education solicitor.
At that online consultation the solicitor will listen to your story, consider any documents you have, and then advise what action can be taken to help you with your university appeal.
