UCL Settles Landmark Student Group Claim as 36 More Universities Face Legal Action
London, 16 February 2026 – A significant shift in the landscape of higher education litigation has occurred this week following a confidential settlement between University College London (UCL) and a large cohort of its former and current students. The settlement, announced on 13 February 2026, has prompted the Student Group Claim organisation to initiate further legal proceedings against 36 additional UK universities on behalf of over 170,000 claimants seeking compensation for disrupted education.
UCL Settlement Marks End of High Court Dispute
The legal battle against UCL, which focused on claims of breach of contract due to cancelled teaching and moved classes during the pandemic and industrial action between 2017 and 2022, has reached a resolution. While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, UCL stated that it admitted no liability. The university maintained that it provided clear routes for redress throughout the pandemic, but agreed to the settlement to bring the matter to a close. Harcus Parker, the law firm representing the students, described the outcome as a “positive end” for the claimants involved.
Expansion of Claims to 36 UK Institutions
Following the resolution of the UCL case, the Student Group Claim has confirmed it is moving forward with action against 36 other institutions. These claims relate to similar grievances regarding the quality of education provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of strike action. Claimants argue that the shift to online learning and the closure of campus facilities constituted a failure to deliver the service for which they paid substantial tuition fees.
Key Facts: Student Group Claim Status
The following table outlines the current status of the collective legal actions as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Institution | University College London (UCL) |
| Settlement Status | Confidential settlement reached (13 February 2026) |
| Total Claimants | Over 170,000 students nationwide |
| Targeted Institutions | 36 additional UK universities |
| Claim Period | Disruptions occurring between 2017 and 2023 |
| Primary Allegation | Breach of contract due to online transition and cancelled classes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students still seek compensation directly from their university?
Yes. Students are encouraged to seek compensation directly through their university’s formal internal complaints procedure first. If the university does not grant a satisfactory resolution, students may then escalate the matter to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) or join a collective legal action.
What is a Group Litigation Order (GLO)?
A Group Litigation Order is a procedural mechanism in English law that allows multiple claims involving common or related issues of fact or law to be managed collectively by the court. This was the framework utilised to manage the initial claims against UCL before the settlement was reached.
What are the grounds for these financial claims?
The claims are primarily based on contract law. Students argue that the tuition fee contract guarantees a certain level of in-person instruction and access to physical facilities. By moving classes online and closing libraries or laboratories, the claimants argue the universities breached these contractual obligations, entitling the students to a partial refund of fees.