Degree Classification Issues

Did you get the degree classification you expected?

With such a large percentage of the population now attending university, the classification you receive for your degree has never been more important. If you believe you did not receive the degree classification you deserved, it is important to take specialist advice, as degree classification issues can often be resolved quickly with the right approach.

Employers take a particular interest in a degree classification, and increasingly, failure to secure at least a 2:1 can mean you don’t gain access to a further programme of education or training scheme. In a competitive marketplace for genuine graduate employment, the best opportunities are going to candidates with the strongest degrees.

For this reason, candidates must be confident they have received the classification that their work has deserved. With universities charging ever-higher fees for courses, an error in degree classification can be costly in more ways than one. We have helped countless students with degree classification issues, including helping with:

• Advice on whether you have grounds to challenge your degree classification
• Borderline candidates
• Appealing a degree classification

We only act on behalf of students, young people and their parents. We are 100% committed to helping young people.

What is the cost of degree classification legal advice?

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with one of our solicitors specialising in education law to discuss your needs and see how we can help. If you require our assistance beyond the consultation meeting we will advise the likely cost involved, based on the nature of the work required, the time that the work will take to complete and the lawyer carrying out the work.  Our aim is to provide certainty over the costs involved.

Types of degree classification issues with which our university education law experts can help

Borderline candidates

Most degree classification issues develop because a candidate has received grades that fall around the threshold for two different classifications. In some instances, you may miss a higher classification by a very slim margin.

Universities will usually have to follow set procedures in the case of borderline candidates. If you haven’t performed in a way that was predicted, the Examination Board is required to consider any extenuating circumstances for degree classification. If you feel that an important factor hasn’t been considered, this may be grounds for an appeal.

Making an appeal

Issues around degree classifications can often intersect with broader concerns about the nature of the course, the facilities that were made available, reasonable adjustments and the quality of the teaching. These may result in a complaint about the course, which may, in some instances, be serious enough to warrant legal support to secure a refund or fee reduction. All of these factors can impact the overall performance of a student and may ultimately result in the degree classification being reviewed.

However, when it comes to academic appeals, there is a strict code of practice produced by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) that universities follow. An appeal is when the university board of examiners is asked to review a decision, such as mitigating circumstances or an error in calculating your marks. A legal specialist can advise you on how to proceed if you wish to challenge your degree classification.

Our education law specialists can assess the strength of your claim and advise you on whether or not to proceed and how best to do so.

Frequently asked questions about degree classification

What can I do if I feel there’s been a mistake with my degree classification?

If you believe there has been a mistake with your degree classification, you should first review your university’s procedures for challenging academic decisions. This will provide information on the process for reviewing your degree classification.

Typically, this involves submitting a formal request for a review or appeal, along with any supporting evidence that supports your case (such as exam results, coursework, or extenuating circumstances, including medical evidence).

It is advisable to consider seeking advice from a solicitor experienced in educational law at this point in the process. Our specialist education solicitors can assist with setting out clearly why you believe the mistake occurred and how you think it should be resolved.

The university will have specific procedures and deadlines for appealing a degree classification, as there is a strict code of practice produced by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) that universities follow.  It is important to act promptly. Appeals committees usually consist of the university board of examiners, who will review your case impartially.

Can I appeal my degree classification?

Yes, you can appeal your degree classification. You can check your university’s specific appeals process, which is usually outlined on their website or in your student handbook. An appeal must typically be based on procedural errors, administrative mistakes, or mitigating circumstances that were not considered at the time of assessment.

You should gather all relevant evidence to support your case, such as exam results, coursework and medical certificates. Then, submit a formal appeal within the specified timeframe, clearly explaining the grounds for your appeal and the outcome you are looking for. The appeal will be reviewed by the university board of examiners, who will make an impartial decision.

What are the grounds for appealing a degree classification?

There are several common grounds for appealing a degree classification, including:

• Where there are circumstances that impacted the candidate’s performance which the examiners were unaware of and which the candidate could not reasonably have been expected to disclose at the time. Our experience is that illness is a common explanation from students.
• Where there are procedural irregularities or administrative errors in the conduct of the examinations or assessments.
• Where there is clear evidence of prejudice, bias, or inadequate assessment by one or more of the examiners.

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.’

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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.”

“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.’

“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.”

Our degree classification issues legal advice fees

We offer a fixed fee initial online consultation with our legal experts, a specialist education solicitor.

Email Rachael, our senior legal administrator, or telephone her on 01895 207230 for more information. If you would like to proceed with a fixed fee consultation, Rachael will send a link to our online booking suite where you can choose a day and time convenient for you, to meet online with one of our education solicitors.

Should you wish us to undertake work after the initial consultation, we will provide a realistic cost estimate for dealing with your matter. Any work carried out will always be agreed upon with you in advance, giving you complete certainty and transparency over the costs involved.

The exact cost of our support will depend on the nature of the degree classification challenge, including the amount of time required to undertake the work and the level of expertise needed to support you effectively. We will be happy to discuss this with you when you contact our team.

For more information on our education law pricing, please get in touch.

Get personal legal advice and support for degree classification issues

If you would like to know more about how we can help you with your education law enquiry, please contact our education law senior legal administrator, Rachael, on 01895 207230 or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk