University Fee Issues and Disputes

Higher education fees continue to rise, with the education being delivered in return sometimes being of variable quality. The relationship between the provider and the student is regulated by a contract that’s underpinned by public and consumer law principles. The imbalance that exists between students and their HE providers is reflected in a range of different consumer measures.

Poor quality teaching, disrupted teaching, lack of access to the services required to complete a course of study, lecturer absence, or a significant alteration to the course programme can all lead to an inadequate service being provided to the student. This can impact the student’s academic performance, which can have serious consequences for their long-term prospects.

While an imbalance remains between the university and the student, the latter is not entirely powerless to seek redress should the university fail to live up to its contractual obligations.

If you have a significant issue with your university’s service or are experiencing problems having your fees status recognised, then IBB Law can help.

Our education law experts can advise you on issues including:

• Raising concerns about the service your university provides and whether this represents “value for money”
• Disputes about student fee status
• Securing student fee refunds

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help. We then charge for our services on a fixed fee basis, providing certainty over the costs involved.

Types of university fee issues with which we can assist

Raising concerns if you’re unhappy with the service your university provides

Students who may be unhappy with the service delivered to them under the terms of their contract have the right to complain and seek redress. If adequate redress isn’t found internally, then students have the option to pursue a legal solution.

The law protects students who wish to make a legal claim for breach of contract. A student may seek statutory remedies in the case of an inadequate service being received. This may be a reduction in fees or the repeating of certain aspects of a course programme.

Student fee status disputes

Another common issue concerning the application of student fees is confusion or arguments over the national status of a student. Some students may carry British passports but have spent most of their lives living abroad. They may have returned to the UK with their parents or to study. In such instances, a university may not recognise the individual’s right to be classified as a home student and pay less substantial fees than their international counterparts.

Some students may start a course as a home student only to be notified later that their status is being changed to that of an overseas student. Others may not be able to enrol until their status has been fully investigated, which can be a lengthy process.

The law can be unclear in these circumstances and may require an examination of case law, regulations, and legislation.

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.”

Our university fee disputes advice fees

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help.

Should you wish to proceed, we will provide a realistic cost estimate for dealing with your matter. The cost of 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 services will depend on the nature of your problem, the amount of time required to provide assistance to you and level of expertise needed, to support you effectively. We will be happy to discuss this with you during our initial fixed fee consultation.

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

Get clear, expert advice on university fee issues and disputes

To find out more about how our university fee 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.