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Students Sue Universities Over Pandemic Teaching
17 Feb
Summary
- Thousands of students are suing universities for subpar education during Covid lockdowns.
- Pre-action letters sent to 36 universities cite missed learning and experiences.
- Claimants estimate seeking around £5,000 compensation per student for lost education.
Legal action is underway, with thousands of students and graduates initiating claims against 36 universities. These actions stem from the perceived substandard quality of teaching and learning experienced during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Pre-action letters have been formally dispatched, informing institutions that students did not receive the complete educational experience they paid for.
These letters allege that students missed out on vital learning, campus facilities, and other university experiences due to pandemic restrictions. Legal representatives suggest that students are entitled to compensation, drawing a parallel to receiving a lesser service than paid for. For the academic years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22, claimants estimate seeking around £5,000 each.
This significant legal challenge follows a confidential settlement reached with University College London (UCL), which involved approximately 6,000 students. While UCL admitted no liability, this outcome has paved the way for broader action. Over 170,000 students and graduates are reportedly involved in the current claims against the 36 universities, with a deadline for student claims related to Covid set for September 2026. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with universities having the opportunity to respond to the pre-action letters before further proceedings commence.
