Archive of: 2017
My child is receiving online threats and threatening text messages from other pupils. What can the school do to stop this?
Online threats or threatening text messages are a form of bullying and some (but not all) forms of bullying are illegal. Bullying is generally understood to involve behaviour that occurs more than once; where the perpetrator has the intention to cause psychological or physical harm and which often seeks to target certain groups because of their race/religion/sexual orientation.
My degree classification is being withheld by my university. What can I do?
Withholding degree results can have seriously damaging consequences for students and their careers, often ruining their chances of gaining employment. Therefore, it's extremely important that universities are challenged when applying academic sanctions.
I have been advised that I need to participate in mediation before lodging a SEND appeal. Is this necessary?
The process of mediation entails you meeting with your Local Authority for an open informal discussion facilitated by a legally trained and fully qualified mediator. Being wholly independent, the mediator is not there to recommend any course of action to either of the parties involved. Rather, the process requires that both parties come to an agreement independently.
I don't feel confident in representing myself at an Academic Appeal Panel Hearing. How can Match help?
At Match Solicitors, we have a vast amount of experience representing students at appeal hearings and we have a high success rate in achieving favourable results for them, overturning unfair decisions made against them and getting their academic career back on track.
I have withdrawn my child from their independent school because I believe they are failing to provide the quality of education I expect. They are now demanding fees. Is there anything I can do?
When parents enter into a dispute with independent schools, they often feel especially vulnerable, imagining that they have no legal protection. Thankfully, this is not true and independent schools must still adhere to the rules of fairness, the Independent Schools Regulations and if they breach their procedures, you could have a claim for breach of contract.
My friend has been accused of plagiarising my assignment and I've been implicated for being complicit. Is there anything I can do?
if you suspect someone has plagiarised your work, then no matter how close a friend they might be, it is your responsibility to report their transgression the moment you become aware of it. Naturally, this can be enormously stressful and can come as such a terrible shock that many students feel completely unable to deal with it.
My child has been permanently excluded and I have taken the case to an Independent Review Panel. What can I expect?
The role of an Independent Review Panel is to review the specifics of your child's case, particularly with regard to the circumstances surrounding their exclusion. They will look into the interests not only of your child, but also other pupils and members of school staff.
I am currently facing a disciplinary issue at my university and don't know what my rights are. Can you help?
If you're facing disciplinary issues, it's important to remember that you have legal rights to appeal. Here at Match Solicitors, we have a highly experienced team of higher education solicitors who have an unparalleled track record in making sure students defend themselves in a professional manner.
My child has not been accepted into our first choice of secondary school. I don't believe that the school's admissions arrangements have been correctly adhered to. What can I do?
If your child has not been accepted into your first choice of secondary school and you believe that the school's admission arrangements have not been properly followed, you have the right to appeal.
Match successfully helps student with ADHD diagnosis fight exclusion decision
We represented our client whose daughter was excluded from an independent school, following an incident concerning substance abuse. Our client’s daughter was otherwise a good student, achieving well, though she had recently been diagnosed with ADHD. The incident leading to the exclusion took place after the diagnosis.
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Testimonials
“ We were very happy to hand over our case to Match Solicitors and allow them to do what they do best - they won our appeal. They make no guarantees but at least you know, whether you win or lose, they have done their best for your child. ”
“ Excellent service. Will recommend Match Solicitors to friends and fellow students. ”
“ The service was first class and I was encouraged by the Solicitors sound knowledge of education law. Having a child with special needs is a challenge to any parent and the whole process of going to an educational tribunal can be quite daunting. Match Solicitors was able to get the job done professionally and to the highest standard and yet still retaining a very caring and human side which was very reassuring. ”