Academic Failure

Students may face academic failure due to exam results, allegations of plagiarism, poor attendance, or other academic challenges. If you believe your university has treated you unfairly—whether in awarding grades, determining your degree classification, or terminating your place—our specialist education law team is ready to support you.

Our education team has extensive experience supporting students through academic failure disputes. We provide clear, strategic advice to help you challenge university decisions and protect your academic future.

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

We regularly assist with disputes arising from:

• Appeals and exam results
• Degree classification
• PhD supervision
• Attendance
• Allegations of plagiarism or academic misconduct
• Fitness to practise concerns
• Complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)
• Breach of contract
• University negligence
• Discrimination
• Non-academic misconduct
• Disputes over university fees

FAQ - Academic Failure

What is academic failure?

Academic failure refers to situations where a student is unable to complete their degree, either due to academic issues such as failed exams or plagiarism allegations, or non-academic factors like poor attendance or personal challenges.

Can you challenge academic failure?

Yes, in many cases it is possible to challenge academic failure. If you believe your university made an unfair or incorrect decision—for example, regarding your grade, degree classification, or by withdrawing you from your course—you may have grounds to appeal. Whether your appeal will be successful will ultimately come down to your particular situation, so it is essential to seek early legal advice.

Do universities allow you to make academic appeals?

Yes, most universities do permit you to make academic appeals, although the specific grounds and procedures can differ between institutions. Appeals are commonly considered when there is evidence of extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic performance or ability to meet certain requirements. These circumstances might include serious illness, bereavement, or other unexpected personal difficulties. In addition, you may have grounds to appeal an exam result if you believe there was an error in the calculation of your grade or if you suspect the outcome was unfairly influenced .

How do you make an academic appeal?

Most universities set out a clear, accessible route for academic appeals and are required to follow their appeal procedures in a fair and lawful manner. The process is usually explained on the institution’s website.

Typically, you will need to submit a formal written appeal to the university’s admissions or appeals office. Your appeal should:

• Set out the grounds for appeal.
• Explain any extenuating circumstances that affected your performance or ability to meet requirements.
• Be supported with evidence.

Be sure to follow the university’s guidance on the type and format of evidence and submit within the stated deadlines. The university will then review your submission, may request further information from you, and will issue a final decision.

What evidence is needed for an academic appeal?

The evidence required depends on the basis of your appeal, but generally you should provide documents that substantiate any extenuating circumstances. For example, medical evidence (e.g., GP or hospital letters) for illness or injury; bereavement documentation; or letters from professionals confirming personal or practical difficulties that affected your studies.

Most universities will also expect a clear written explanation detailing the circumstances and how they impacted your academic performance. Always check the institution’s specific guidelines on acceptable evidence and formats—some use a dedicated appeal form, while others require a formal letter.

What are the effects of academic failure?

Academic failure can have serious, long-term consequences. It may limit access to career paths that depend on specific qualifications (e.g., medicine, law, teaching, accountancy). This can, in turn, reduce future earning potential and impact self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

Given these implications, if there is any opportunity to challenge a decision, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice and acting promptly.

How do I maximise my chances of a successful academic appeal?

• Seek expert advice as soon as possible
• Ground your appeal firmly in the relevant rules and regulations
• Include all of the relevant evidence
• Keep your expectations realistic

What if I’m unhappy with the university’s decision?

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the university’s review, you may have the option to request an independent review through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).

What does legal advice cost for academic failure at university?

We offer a fixed-fee consultation to discuss your circumstances and advise on possible next steps—this could include appealing exam results, coursework decisions, degree classification, withdrawal from university, or PhD-related issues. If you decide to instruct us further after the initial consultation, we will provide a cost estimate based on the nature, complexity and urgency of the work required.