Student Compensation Claims Surge Following UCL Settlement

Tens of thousands more students who were at university during the pandemic have joined a group claim for compensation, following reports of a settlement with University College London (UCL). The surge in claimants comes as legal action expands to include 36 additional universities across England and Wales.

UCL Settlement and Rising Claim Numbers

Approximately 30,000 additional students have joined the Student Group Claim since UCL confirmed its settlement with 6,500 former students last week. This brings the total number of claimants to nearly 200,000 . The students are seeking compensation for disruptions to their education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the terms of the UCL settlement remain confidential, the Financial Times reported that UCL agreed to pay £21 million to settle the lawsuit. Neither UCL nor the legal representatives for the students have confirmed this figure .

Legal Basis of the Claims

The legal action is being brought under consumer law, arguing that students paid for a service – in-person teaching and full access to university facilities – that was not fully delivered due to COVID-19 restrictions. Lawyers contend that students are entitled to compensation for the difference in value between the education they paid for and the online learning they received .

Fees for online degree courses are typically 25-50% lower than those for traditional in-person courses and the students’ lawyers maintain their clients are owed “fair financial compensation.”

UCL’s Response and Broader Implications

Dr. Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, stated that the university provided clear routes for students to seek redress during the pandemic, and many secured compensation through those established processes . He emphasized that the resolution allows UCL to focus on its core mission of delivering world-leading research and education.

Pre-action claim letters have been sent to 36 universities, including Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Imperial College London, Leeds, Liverpool, and Warwick, with the possibility of more institutions being targeted .

Student Group Claim’s Perspective

Shimon Goldwater and Adam Zoubir, partners at Asserson and Harcus Parker solicitors respectively, who are jointly representing the students, confirmed the increase in claimants following the UCL settlement. They stated they are continuing to advance the next stage of the litigation on behalf of affected students .

The Student Group Claim announced the settlement with UCL, stating it represents a positive outcome for UCL students seeking financial compensation for periods when teaching moved online and libraries were closed during the pandemic .

Universities UK has acknowledged the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and highlighted the sector’s rapid adaptation to provide continued education during lockdowns .