London

Victoria Denis

Solicitor

vdenis@doyleclayton.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7123 8302

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Victoria is an education law solicitor with a primary focus on further and higher education.

She advises students, parents and education institutions on complex and often high‑stakes education law matters, providing clear, strategic advice and robust representation where issues escalate.

Victoria works closely with university students and parents, supporting them through internal complaints, disciplinary and appeal processes. She regularly advises on academic and non‑academic misconduct, fitness to practise, PhD supervision issues, degree classification disputes, fee disputes and exclusions.

Victoria has significant experience advising on Equality Act 2010 issues, including discrimination on the grounds of disability, sex, sexual orientation, race and gender reassignment. She has guided clients through university complaints procedures and appeals to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, and has litigated matters up to the Court of Appeal.

Alongside her higher education practice, Victoria advises parents on a wide range of school‑related issues, including discrimination, bullying, safeguarding, gender questioning, special educational needs and exclusions. She was a member of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator’s Good Practice Framework Steering Group for the sexual misconduct and harassment consultation. Victoria is a contributing author to The Law of Education, writing chapters on negligence, contractual liability and equalities, and has contributed to research undertaken by The Times and ITV into sexual misconduct processes at universities.

What people say about Victoria

Victoria was fantastic. She was extremely knowledgeable (sic) and calmly guided us through our options. She helped us clarify our responses and was an enormous support.

Client

Throughout the months Victoria represented my matter, Victoria always gave me clear and detailed counsel and helped me explore all the options in terms of what action Victoria and I myself was able to take.

Client

Victoria was attentive with keeping me updated in her correspondence.

Client

Ultimately, the expeditious success of the matter speaks volumes to Victoria’s ability to navigate a rare and perplexing matter, especially as the matter took place in a transnational context.

Client

Victoria empowered me to both move forward with my home life… and to amicably resolve my affairs.

Client

Areas of expertise

Academic failure

Academic failure at university can disrupt degree completion, limit access to professional careers, reduce future study opportunities and negatively affect confidence and long-term prospects, making early advice essential today.

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Discrimination at university

Students experiencing discrimination at university often face unfair treatment, stress and uncertainty. Specialist legal support helps them understand their rights, challenge unlawful behaviour and protect their education and future opportunities.

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Complaints to the OIA

Invoking the OIA gives students an independent review of their university’s final decision, offering a fair, transparent route to challenge errors and seek meaningful resolution once internal processes are exhausted.

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PhD Issues

PhD students may seek legal advice when supervision breaks down, progress is unfairly assessed, complaints aren’t handled properly, or issues around funding, extensions or academic misconduct jeopardise their studies and wellbeing.

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LGBTQIA+ rights at university

Students may seek legal advice when their LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t respected, discrimination occurs, policies are misapplied, or universities fail to provide safe, inclusive environments or appropriate protections for their wellbeing.

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Bullying in Schools

Bullying in schools can harm a child’s wellbeing and education. Prompt legal advice helps parents protect their son or daughter, ensuring schools meet safeguarding duties and take decisive action.

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Disputes with Independent Schools

Independent school disputes can involve exclusions, fees, bullying or safeguarding issues. A specialist education law solicitor provides clear advice, strategic guidance and effective representation to resolve concerns and protect your child’s education.

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School Complaints

School complaints can feel overwhelming for families. Legal advice helps parents understand the process, challenge decisions effectively, and secure practical, informed support to resolve issues impacting their child’s education and wellbeing.

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Special Educational Needs

Parents or guardians may seek legal advice when a child’s special educational needs aren’t properly assessed, supported or funded, or when decisions about provision, placement or EHCPs appear incorrect or unfair.

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University Students

Students may face academic, wellbeing or disciplinary challenges during university. In such moments, clear, informed guidance can help them understand their options, protect their rights and make confident, practical decisions.

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School Children and Their Parents

Legal support may be needed when school decisions affect a child’s education, safety or wellbeing, offering clarity and guidance on safeguarding, exclusions, SEN issues, complaints, appeals and navigating school processes.

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Professional memberships

Education Law Association

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Our team

London

Alison Garrow

Partner

Reading

Beth Cooke

Associate

Reading

Oliver Calcott

Associate