1. Purpose
London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) is committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and academic integrity in the assessment and certification of learners.
This Academic Appeals Policy provides learners with a formal process to challenge the final result or final qualification decision where they believe that an error or procedural irregularity has occurred.
The policy ensures that appeals are handled consistently, fairly, and in line with recognised UK education and quality assurance practices.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all learners enrolled at London College of Professional Studies across all courses and programmes delivered by LCPS.
LCPS delivers courses in partnership with recognised UK awarding bodies and academic partners, and therefore the final award or certification may be subject to the rules and regulations of those awarding
organisations.
Appeals under this policy may only relate to the learner’s final result or final qualification outcome.
Appeals against:
- Individual assignments
- Coursework marks
- Interim grades
- Tutor feedback
Will not normally be accepted unless they directly affect the final result.
3. Grounds for Appeal
An appeal will only be considered where a learner can demonstrate one or more of the following:
Procedural Error
A failure to follow LCPS assessment procedures that may have affected the final result.
Administrative Error
An error in the recording, processing, or calculation of the learner’s final grade.
Exceptional Circumstances
Relevant circumstances that were not known at the time of assessment and which may have significantly affected the learner’s performance.
Unfair Treatment
Evidence of bias, discrimination, or unfair treatment during the assessment process.
Disagreement with academic judgement alone is not valid grounds for appeal.
4. Submitting an Appeal
Learners wishing to challenge their final qualification result must submit their appeal in writing.
Appeals must be sent to:
Email: compliance@lcps.org.uk
The appeal must include:
- Full name of the learner
- Student or learner ID (if applicable)
- Course or qualification title
- Final result being appealed
- Clear explanation of the grounds for appeal
- Supporting documentation or evidence
Appeals must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the learner receiving their final result.
Appeals submitted after this timeframe may not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply.
5. Appeals Review Process
Once an appeal is received:
Step 1 – Acknowledgement
LCPS will acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 5 working days.
Step 2 – Review
The Compliance or Qualiy Assurance team will review the appeal and may consult:
- Academic staff
- Internal quality assurance personnel
- External verifiers or awarding body representatives where required
Step 3 – Decision
A written outcome will normally be provided within 20 working days.
Where further investigation is required, LCPS will inform the learner of the expected timeframe.
6. Possible Outcomes
Following review of the appeal, LCPS may:
- Confirm the original result
- Correct an administrative or procedural error
- Refer the assessment for further review where appropriate
The outcome will be communicated to the learner in writing.
7. Escalation to Awarding Organisations
Where qualifications are issued by an external awarding organisation, learners who remain dissatisfied after the LCPS appeals process may have the right to escalate the appeal to the relevant awarding body.
LCPS will provide information on how to contact the awarding organisation where applicable.
8. Confidentiality and Data Protection
All appeals will be handled confidentially and in accordance with:
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
Information submitted during the appeals process will only be used for the purpose of reviewing the appeal.
9. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically by London College of Professional Studies to ensure compliance with UK regulatory requirements and best practice within the education sector.