Withdrawal from University
Students may be withdrawn from university for a range of reasons including poor attendance, failing to submit coursework, not meeting a university deadline, not progressing with their studies, not paying fees, not attending exams, breach of a university’s regulations, particularly relating to behaviour (eg violence, plagiarism or sexual misconduct), and academic failure.
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Have a fixed fee consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors.
Your reason for being withdrawn may have been due to extenuating circumstances outside of your control. If you would like to resume your university studies and you require guidance to explain your position and your extenuating circumstances, we can help you.
Our team of higher education solicitors, specialising in withdrawals from university, have the skills and the knowledge to help you return to your studies. We only act for university students. We do not act for universities or other higher education institutions. You can be confident that we are on your side. We will consider your case from all angles to identify how an appeal against withdrawal from university should be framed.
We can assist students in a range of circumstances including where you would like to appeal a university’s decision to withdraw or exclude you.
Complete support for withdrawal from university
At IBB Law, we have extensive experience supporting individuals who have been withdrawn from university. Our expert solicitors can support clients in various situations including where you have been:
- Withdrawn from university
- Excluded from university
Call today to discuss your case with our higher education solicitors
We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors to discuss your needs and see how we can help.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you with being withdrawn from university, please contact our education law senior legal administrator, Rachael on 01897 207230 or educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk
How our solicitors can support you with being withdrawn from university
Withdrawn from university
Being withdrawn from university means that the university has decided to terminate your enrolment or studies. This decision to withdraw can also be made by the student and can happen for various reasons.
Academic underperformance is a common cause for university withdrawal. If a student consistently has poor attendance, does not submit coursework, does not turn up for exams, or fails to meet academic standards, the university may take the step of withdrawing them.
Universities typically have established procedures and guidelines for withdrawal. Before taking such a step, universities should provide students with opportunities to address concerns, seek support, and rectify any issues contributing to their potential withdrawal.
If you feel that there were extenuating circumstances that led to your withdrawal or you weren’t given a chance to rectify the situation, our solicitors can help you appeal the university’s decision.
The appeals process is different for each university, so it is recommended to read the policies and procedure on your university website. The process of making a university appeal will usually involve submitting a written letter or form to the university explaining why you wish to appeal the decision and the circumstances that have led to your withdrawal by the university.
Our higher education solicitors can help you complete the appeals process, to give you the best chance of overturning the decision and achieving a positive outcome.
Excluded from university
Being excluded by a university means the formal termination of a student’s enrolment and participation in academic programmes. There are several reasons why a student may face exclusion.
Our experience is that academic reasons often include engaging in plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct. Behavioural or disciplinary issues can also lead to exclusion if a student breaches university policies or engages in serious misconduct, such as sexual harassment, violence, or illegal activities.
Appeals are more likely to succeed when there is evidence of extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness, bereavement, or other unforeseen personal challenges. Where, for example, the appeal is in response to being withdrawn due to plagiarism or sexual misconduct, the appeal will be more challenging. Skilled and experienced lawyers will be required to formulate persuasive arguments as to why the university should allow your appeal. You may also wish to appeal your exclusion if you feel there was a procedural error made by the university or that you were unfairly discriminated against.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the university’s review, in most cases you can request an independent review from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA). We frequently take cases to the OIA, so are familiar with their procedures.
If you are considering making an academic appeal, our higher education solicitors can help you carefully follow the university’s appeal procedures and provide the necessary advice to support your case.
Common questions about withdrawing from university
What is the process of a student withdrawing from university?
Withdrawing from university means ending your enrolment and no longer being a registered student. If you later decide to come back, you’ll need to apply through the admissions process again.
If you have chosen to withdraw yourself from university, there are several steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition.
Students are required to formally notify their university’s relevant department or office about their decision to withdraw. This notification can often be done in writing, via email, or through an official withdrawal form provided by the university.
Universities will then typically provide a formal withdrawal form that the student needs to complete. This document may outline the reasons for withdrawal and acknowledge the date for the termination of enrolment.
Once the withdrawal process is completed, the university will update the student’s records to reflect their withdrawal status.
Why might someone withdraw from university?
There are various reasons why someone might consider withdrawing from university, often related to health, personal, academic, or financial concerns. If you’re contemplating this decision, support is available and it can be helpful to speak to advisors at the university before you make the decision.
For financial issues, universities often have specialist financial support and advice available, such as short-term loans or hardship payments to help you complete your course.
For health-related concerns, most universities offer wellbeing services such as counselling and can make academic adjustments for your circumstances.
If unforeseen circumstances affect your assessments, you can apply for an extension allowing you to defer or retake an assessment.
If you wish to return to your studies in the future you may wish to consider a leave of absence, which offers an alternative to withdrawal, allowing a potential return when circumstances change.
You may also wish to transfer to a new course at the same university or transfer to a different university and start a new course.
Why might the university suspend you, ask you to leave or exclude you?
Universities may consider asking a student to leave or exclude them for various reasons, including academic failure, academic misconduct or disciplinary issues.
Academic reasons could include consistently poor performance, repeated failure to meet academic requirements or plagiarism. Non-compliance with university regulations or failure to abide by the terms of the student code of conduct could be grounds for exclusion.
Disciplinary issues, such as serious breaches of university policies, disruptive behaviour, or engaging in illegal activities, may also lead to exclusion.
It’s essential for students facing potential exclusion to seek support from expert higher education solicitors to have the best chance of a positive outcome.
Examples of our Work
- Persuaded a university to give a student a second chance in a module, so the student could achieve a 2:1.
- Successfully defended a student in respect of allegations of sexual misconduct. Allegations were not upheld by a Student Disciplinary panel.
- Successfully defended a student in response to allegations of plagiarism.
- Persuaded university to grant student more time to complete her degree, due to mental health issues.
You can read here of more examples of the work we do, across schools and universities, and here.
Contact our education law specialists.
Call today to discuss your case with our higher education solicitors
If you want to learn more about how we can help you with being withdrawn from university, please contact our education law senior legal administrator, Rachael, on 01895 207230 or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.
Rachael will advise you on how we can assist. If you would like to have an initial fixed fee consultation, Rachael will send you a link to online booking so you may select a date and time that is convenient for you.
What do clients and other professionals say about IBB Law’s Education Solicitors?
Here are a few comments from others about our Education Law legal team.
“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 the 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.”
“I would like to say thank you and the wider team for all the support over the last 3 years to enable me to complete my degree, as without your help the process would have been far more stressful”
“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”
“…………. was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’
“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.”
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.
