Entering University these days has never been so expensive. It is possible that in the future these costs will increase. This is all the more reason why as "paying customers" students may readily resort to the law if they feel that their university or college has not provided value for money.

Sinclairs Solicitors are leading experts in education law, acting on a nationwide basis, who have helped scores of students throughout England, Wales & Northern Ireland achieve fairness and justice in their education establishments.

How we can help you?

We are able to provide advice & guidance in many areas, the main ones are listed below:

• Unfairness relating to the university admissions system
• Student disciplinary proceedings
• Exclusions from University
• Dealing with allegations of cheating/plagiarism in examinations or dissertations
• Issues relating to grants or financial matters connected with higher education
• Academic appeals and complaints procedures
• Human Rights Act 1998 - which legislates on many issues, these include the respect for private and family life, the right to education, prohibition and discrimination, freedom of expression and of thought, conscience and religion, the prevention of inhuman and degrading treatment, and more importantly, the right to receive a fair hearing
• Claims relating to breach of contract or discrimination
• visitorial appeals

Whether you have difficulties ranging from disciplinary proceedings to academic appeals, or indeed a complaint that you have been let down by your college due to inadequate supervision or tuition, perhaps the most fundamental right that any student should have, is the right to a fair hearing where you are able to state your case before an impartial appeal body. Following the passage of the Human Rights Act 1998, this remains a controversial area as a fine line needs to be drawn between when a dispute is about contractual rights and when it arises from the exercise of a public law function. The Human Rights Act of 1998 laid down certain requirements for publicity, independence and Impartiality and the holding of oral hearings, and the right to a fair hearing is most likely to be held to apply in very serious disciplinary matters or where an academic appeal may effect the students ability to graduate or enter a profession. Universities have always been bound by the what is known as the rules of natural justice or referred to as "due process' in the United States. These are principles that ensure fairness and fair play so that students are aware in advance of the nature of any complaints that may be made against them or the case they have to meet. Students should be given the chance to their own case or side of the story before an impartial tribunal. It is equally important that any tribunal gives full reasons for reaching its decision.

The law in relation to higher education can be a complicated maze, and it is important that when a student needs to take advice, they do so from a firm of solicitors who specialise in the area of the law.

Sinclair's solicitors have established a nationally recognised expertise in this complicated area of the law such that you can rest assured that your case is in safe hands. The firm also holds one of the few franchises issued by the Legal Services Commission in the United Kingdom, and therefore we are able to provide legal advice and assistance under this scheme for those who are financially eligible.

Therefore, if you need advice and assistance in relation to problems that you are experiencing in gaining admission or indeed during your time at university, then please feel free to contact us.