Archive of: 2016
The Consumer Rights Act and Higher Education
Salima Mawji and Salise Dourmoush consider the practical value of consumer rights legislation for university students dissatisfied with the service provided by their institution
I need to make a written submission for an Academic Appeal. What do I need to include?
Whatever your reason for wanting to make an academic appeal, it's very important that you follow official procedures and submit all required information and evidence in a timely manner. It's crucial that your academic appeal sets out your arguments and evidence clearly and succinctly.
The secondary school application deadline has arrived, but what happens if you can't find a suitable place for your child?
The deadline for secondary school applications is upon us. Places will then be allocated at the beginning of March on National Offer Day. However, on this day, many parents may not be happy with the school place their child is offered. If your child does not get the place you hoped for, you do have the option to appeal.
It has just come to light that my child has dyslexia. I am concerned that this wasn't spotted earlier by the school. Is there anything I can do?
It is very common for children to go for many years without being successfully diagnosed with dyslexia. In the case of state schools, this is normally because the system lacks money and the necessary resources to identify dyslexia more promptly. However, if you feel that your child's school has not offered your child the support they need - whether because of a lack of understanding or a lack of funding - you are within your legal rights to question their judgement.
My student fee status has been questioned by the university and I'm worried that my fees will go up. Is there anything I can do?
There are two sets of fees because UK universities are eligible for government funding to help support the cost of providing education to home students, but not for overseas students.The government has established regulations that decide into which category students must fall. However, there can be problems concerning interpretation of the regulations.
Stress at university has caused me to fail an examination and now I may be withdrawn from my course. What can I do?
Failing an exam can have severe consequences. Often failure is not merely the result of poor academic performance but rather of exacerbating circumstances such as a high degree of external stress. Every student is able to appeal against a decision of the Board of Examiners and you can appeal against being withdrawn from your course as a consequence.
Some other parents and I believe that our children's school is failing on a number of levels. How do we complain to Ofsted about this?
If you wish to make a complaint against your child's school, there are a variety of things to consider before you go to Ofsted. If you're not satisfied with your child's education, it is important that you do make this known. However, to whom you complain depends on what the problem is.
What allowances should universities make for students with autism?
The amount of autistic students attending higher education institutions has increased dramatically in recent years. Universities have an obligation to make sure that autistic students have as much help and assistance as possible. The 2010 Equality Act ensures that higher education institutions do not discriminate against or victimise disabled students.
My tutor has been repeatedly absent from classes. What action can I take?
The majority of lecturers and tutors at university or college do a more than satisfactory job. However some students may feel that their tutor is uncommitted, doesn't mark their coursework promptly or fails to communicate effectively with them. If you have an issue with your tutor, there are practical steps you can take to try and resolve this situation.
I believe that my child's school is failing to make reasonable adjustments to deal with their disability. What can I do?
The Equality Act 2010 has extensive measures in place regarding discrimination in UK educational institutions. It says that educational institutions must provide "reasonable adjustments" for pupils and students with disabilities to prevent them being placed at a disadvantage by their disability.
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