The number of complaints made by students against their universities has risen again for the third year, according to figures released by the adjudicator.
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education in England and Wales (OIA) said that almost two-thirds of the complaints related to academic results and almost the same proportion were made by mature students over the age of 25.
The adjudicator, Ruth Deetch, said that the complaints reflected the changing makeup of the student body: more graduates, older students and students with English as a second language.
Speaking to BBC News Baroness Deetch said: "You can't reduce conflict over grades. We don't interfere with academic judgements and I think it's important for British academic institutions to keep upholding their high standards."
The OIA have cited fee paying students seeking value for money as a reason for the increased number of complaints.
The total number of complaints dealt with by the OIA last year was 734 - up 25% on the previous year's figure of 586. Around 600 complaints were deemed eligible for consideration, of which 26% were upheld at least in part.
In 2007 the adjudicator recommended that complainants be awarded £172,000 in compensation from the institutions found to be at fault.
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education in England and Wales (OIA) said that almost two-thirds of the complaints related to academic results and almost the same proportion were made by mature students over the age of 25.
The adjudicator, Ruth Deetch, said that the complaints reflected the changing makeup of the student body: more graduates, older students and students with English as a second language.
Speaking to BBC News Baroness Deetch said: "You can't reduce conflict over grades. We don't interfere with academic judgements and I think it's important for British academic institutions to keep upholding their high standards."
The OIA have cited fee paying students seeking value for money as a reason for the increased number of complaints.
The total number of complaints dealt with by the OIA last year was 734 - up 25% on the previous year's figure of 586. Around 600 complaints were deemed eligible for consideration, of which 26% were upheld at least in part.
In 2007 the adjudicator recommended that complainants be awarded £172,000 in compensation from the institutions found to be at fault.
