Family of Glasgow University student who took life after grading error settle claim

The family of a student who took his own life after a Glasgow University grading error have settled their claim with the university.

Ethan Brown was incorrectly told in September 2024 that he would not be eligible to graduate with an Honours degree from the university after he did not receive a grade in one course.

The 24-year-old took his life months later, on December 13, the day he should have been graduating. He was found by his mum, Tracy Scott.

A subsequent internal investigation later concluded that Ethan had been awarded the wrong grade and should have graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree.

It was also revealed that the mistake was not spotted by university staff, two internal exam boards, or an external exam board.

A Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review found systemic risks around academic processes and the student experience following Ethan’s death.

Inspectors identified several areas for improvement and issued 21 specific recommendations.

Family settle claim with university – lawyers

On Tuesday, the family’s lawyers, Aamer Anwar and co, said the civil action had now been settled for an undisclosed sum.

In a statement, they said the settlement does not affect the ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ethan’s death, nor is it the end for his loved ones.

They say only a Fatal Accident Inquiry will “force the University to learn lessons and protect current and future students”.

The statement continued: “The family continue to call for a full and transparent investigation into the University’s academic processes, decision-making and student welfare procedures, or it is only a matter of time before another family experiences the same tragic loss.”

The family will now meet with the cabinet secretary for Education, Màiri McAllan, at St Andrews House on Wednesday.

A University spokesperson said: “The University is profoundly sorry that Ethan tragically took his own life and fully understands the deep distress this has caused his family. We repeat our sincere apology as well as our deepest sympathy.

“Following an internal investigation into assessment regulations, the University self-referred to the Scottish Funding Council. The Quality Assurance Agency subsequently carried out a Targeted Peer Review, which resulted in a series of recommendations for action.

“The University fully accepted the recommendations and is on track to implement them.”

‘My son took his life after uni grading error – we want justice’

In January, his mum, Tracy, told STV News that the investigation would not bring her son back, but it would help future students.

She said: “We wanted everyone to know of Ethan’s success and the University of Glasgow’s failings, and that’s happened.

Glasgow & West

‘My son took his life after uni grading error – we want justice’

Ethan Brown was incorrectly told that he would not be eligible to graduate from the University of Glasgow

“But we want change, we want students to be protected. It won’t help us, we’ve lost Ethan, the worst has happened for us.

“But we have to safeguard future students.”

Tracy added: “We want justice for Ethan. If his story being known has helped others, we’ll absolutely take that.”

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has been contacted for comment.

Help and support is available now if you need it.

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. Details of other services and more information can be found on the NHS website here.