The heartbreaking case of a student who took his own life due to a critical grading error has raised serious concerns regarding the academic processes at Glasgow University. An investigation conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has revealed systemic issues within the university’s assessment protocols, prompting calls for immediate reform to protect future students.
A Mother’s Loss and the Institutional Failures
Tracy Scott’s son, Ethan Brown, was set to graduate with an Honours degree in geography in December 2024. However, just three months before his anticipated graduation, Ethan was informed that he would not receive his degree due to a mistake in his course grade. This devastating news led to his tragic decision to take his own life on what should have been a day of celebration.
Ethan, described by his mother as a “kind and caring” individual, had been proud to attend Glasgow University. He looked forward to following in the footsteps of his aunt, who also graduated from the institution. The internal investigation that followed his death confirmed that Ethan had been awarded the wrong grade due to an error on the university’s part, and that he should have graduated with a 2:1 degree.
Systemic Issues Uncovered
The QAA’s review was triggered by Ethan’s death and uncovered alarming procedural deficiencies within the university. While Glasgow University initially maintained that the grading error was an isolated incident, the report unveiled that two additional students in the geography department had also received incorrect outcomes, with five more cases under investigation.
The QAA’s findings indicated that the university’s assessment regulations carried a “systemic risk to academic standards.” The report described Glasgow University’s assessment code as “convoluted,” leading to inconsistent interpretations and decision-making across various exam boards. Furthermore, it highlighted a significant communication gap regarding the support available to students facing academic difficulties.
Calls for Change and Accountability
In response to the QAA’s findings, Glasgow University issued a formal apology to Ethan’s family and accepted all the recommendations outlined in the report. The university has committed to addressing the issues identified and implementing a comprehensive plan to reform its assessment policies.
Tracy Scott expressed her deep disappointment with the university, stating that they had “failed” her son. She is now calling for a fatal accident inquiry into Ethan’s death, aiming to safeguard the wellbeing of current and future students. “We can’t help Ethan now, but we can protect others,” she said, highlighting the need for significant changes within the institution.
A Sector-Wide Review Initiated
In light of the QAA’s findings, the Scottish Funding Council has announced a national review of assessment procedures across all universities. This initiative aims to enhance the assurance of academic standards and improve the overall student experience.
Vicki Stott, chief executive of the QAA, characterised the findings as “of serious concern” and pledged to ensure that Glasgow University implements the recommendations promptly. Jacqui Brasted from the Scottish Funding Council echoed these sentiments, insisting that the recommendations must be enforced “as a matter of urgency.”
Why it Matters
The tragic death of Ethan Brown serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of administrative failures within educational institutions. This case not only highlights the urgent need for reform at Glasgow University but also raises broader questions about the academic standards and support systems in place across universities in the UK. It is imperative that educational institutions prioritise student wellbeing and implement robust measures to ensure that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.
