Academic appeals
Assess the published appeal grounds and the reasons given for the decision. A strong response identifies the specific issue with the process or evidence.
Test the process. Protect your progress.
An assessment or progression decision can change the direction of your studies. We examine the reasons, the relevant regulations and the evidence before identifying a focused response.
Assessment decisionsMitigating circumstancesProgression and withdrawal
Where we can help.
Every case turns on its own facts. These are some of the issues we can help you assess and address.
Assessment disputes
Examine whether the assessment procedure, marking process or published rules were followed. Disagreement with academic judgment alone is usually a different matter.
Mitigating circumstances
Review how illness, disability or other circumstances were raised, evidenced and considered under the university’s procedure.
Progression and awards
Address decisions about resits, repeat years, withdrawal or an award where the rules or relevant information may not have been properly applied.
Where it starts
Does this sound familiar?
These situations can become difficult quickly. An early review helps separate the immediate problem from the wider consequences.
A result does not reflect the process
You believe an assessment error or procedural irregularity affected the outcome.
Important circumstances were missed
You supplied evidence about circumstances affecting your work, but the decision gives no clear account of how it was considered.
You cannot progress
A resit, repeat-year or withdrawal decision puts the next stage of study at risk.
Our approach
Read the rules. Identify the point.
We review the decision, the assessment record and the relevant regulations. The aim is to separate a properly arguable ground from a general disagreement with the result.
Useful documents to send
- The decision and any reasons provided
- The appeal regulations and deadline
- Assessment records, correspondence and supporting evidence
A considered response
What happens next.
The appropriate route depends on the decision and the stage already reached.
Identify the decision
Confirm the exact outcome, the decision-maker and the applicable appeal route.
Test the grounds
Compare the university’s reasons with its rules and the evidence available.
Present the appeal
Set out the relevant ground, supporting material and the remedy sought clearly.
Common questions
Before you make a move.
The answer depends on the facts, the documents and the procedure that applies to you.
Can I appeal because I disagree with a mark?
Academic judgment is generally treated differently from a procedural error, bias or missed evidence. The decision and regulations need to be examined before choosing a route.
What if the appeal deadline is close?
Send the decision and deadline promptly. Any extension or late appeal depends on the institution’s procedure and the facts.
Let’s talk
it through.
Tell us what happened, share the decision and any approaching deadline. Choose a meeting, WhatsApp or email on our contact page.
Book a meeting or contact usBackground reading: OIA guidance on complaints and academic appeals