University news

Vice- Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex Sasha Roseneil

The University of Sussex welcomes the High Court judgment that the Office for Students (OfS) should pay the University's costs following its successful judicial review of the regulator's decision to impose a fine on the University.

The Court rejected the OfS's request for a reduction in the costs payable to Sussex, recognising the scale of the University's success in challenging the original decision.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, said:

“This High Court decision that the Office for Students must pay the University’s legal costs brings a further measure of resolution to a deeply regrettable and unnecessary episode. The OfS's original decision, which was resoundingly quashed by the High Court in April, has consumed an extraordinary amount of time and resource, both for the University and the regulator. More importantly, it has caused lasting and unjustified damage to the University's reputation.

“Sussex has always taken our responsibilities to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom extremely seriously. It is regrettable that we were compelled to pursue legal proceedings to challenge the regulator's decision, diverting attention and resources from our core mission of education and research.

“Whilst we welcome the Court's decision on costs, this is not an occasion for celebration. Our hope is that the OfS continues to reflect carefully on the many lessons of this case, and never again so fundamentally misunderstands both the law and its own powers, and never again prosecutes an investigation in the way it acted against Sussex: in the words of the judge, with ‘bias’, ‘predetermination’ and ‘a closed mind’. Universities need fair, proportionate and effective regulation, and I look forward to working constructively with the new leadership as they seek to change the culture and practices of the OfS.” 

You can read the High Court judgement on costs online using this link: https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2026/2708.html

You can find more information about the Judicial Review on the University of Sussex’s website, using this link: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/news/focus/freedom-of-speech

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