Breach of Contract Solicitors

University is becoming more and more expensive, and with rising costs come rising expectations. Every student is entitled to attend a university which is well staffed, professionally run, and considers the health and safety of its students to be a top priority.

Please note: we are only able to take on cases on a privately paying basis. If you are unable to privately fund your case or you looking for general guidance on what actions you can take to protect you or your child’s education rights, you can refer to the Education section of the Citizens Advice website.

When these expectations are not met, the university may be accused of breach of contract, negligence, and/or discrimination. In such cases, it may be possible to secure outcomes such as:

• Some of all of your fees refunded
• Additional support provided to rectify the situation
• Compensation paid for breach of contract

At IBB Law, our higher education law solicitors have operated in the academic sector for many years, so have the expertise to provide clear advice on whether a breach of contract, negligence and/or discrimination has occurred and your options.

We can assist with breach of contract, negligence and discrimination at universities, including in relation to:

• Absentee tutors
• Administrative errors which cause pain or inconvenience for the student
• Lack of adequate supervision for PhD candidates
• Failure to ensure the health and safety of the student while on university premises

We have dealt with a number of these types of cases, achieving favourable outcomes for our clients. We work with some of the top education law barristers and mediators to put together a detailed legal analysis of your case and advise you on next steps.

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help. We will then provide a costs estimate for further work you may wish us to undertake, following the initial fixed fee consultation.  We endeavour to provide certainty over the costs involved.

Looking for quick answers about university breach of contract, negligence and discrimination? Take a look at our FAQs.

Common questions about university breach of contract, negligence and discrimination

What counts as breach of contract by a university?

There is a contract at the heart of any university course: as the student, from 1 August 2025, you pay £9,535 per year and in return you expect to receive a higher-level education which hopefully results in the qualification you are seeking.

The details of this contract are laid out in the rules, regulations and handbooks of the university, and both parties agree to follow this contract until the completion of the degree, or until one or both parties decide to part ways. It is important to remember that the contract exists to protect both the student and the university in the event that there is a breach, an accusation of negligence, or an instance of discrimination.

Can I make a claim against my university for breach of contract?

While each case is unique, there is often precedent which has been codified into the law and can be used as a guiding principle for any legal defence. For instance, the case of Clarke v Lincolnshire & Humberside resulted in an Appeal Court ruling established the concept of a contractual relationship between the student and the university, describing it as a hybrid relationship which is subject to both public law and private law.

Can I make a claim against my university for discrimination?

Regarding disability cases, we would primarily refer to The Equality Act of 2010, which contains specific advice on dealing with discrimination in the further and higher education sector.

We also help students who have suffered sex discrimination at university.

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.”

Get clear legal advice and support to take action over university breach of contract, negligence and/or discrimination

To find out more about how our university breach of contract solicitors can help, or if you need help from university negligence solicitors and university discrimination solicitors, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators.

Telephone either Kinjal or Rachael on 01895 207 961, or make contact 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.