Margot Harvey, Senior Legal Analyst
Margot, formerly our Head UK Legal Analyst, is now studying for the Master of Laws (LLM) Solicitor’s Practice Programme at City University of London, aiming to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales later this year. She focuses on employment, higher education and sexual abuse cases in the UK team.
What the OfS 2025 Data Reveals
The Office for Students (OfS) released new 2025 data on the scale of sexual misconduct within higher education in England. OfS found that 24.5% of respondents experienced sexual harassment and 14.1% of respondents were subjected to unwanted sexual contact or sexual violence while they were students. Clearly, the prevalence of sexual misconduct experienced by students is deeply concerning.
Anna Bull has provided valuable insight as to why this data seems on the lower end of what one would expect. For comparison, a 2023 study of Oxford University students found prevalence was much higher, with 52.7% of respondents reporting at least one act of sexual harassment and 20.5% reporting at least one act of attempted or forced sexual touching or rape. OfS’s recent data was collected in late spring and exclusively from final year undergraduate students. Anna Bull has flagged that the most sexual misconduct is experienced in Autumn, at the start of the academic year, and by first year undergraduate students. Respondents may have forgotten, or blocked out, these memories. It is also noted that postgraduate students were omitted entirely.
Only 13.2% experiencing sexual harassment and 12.7% of those subjected to sexual abuse reported their experiences to their university. Of those who did, only around half rated their experience as “good”. Satisfaction rates were comparatively lower for women, LGBTQ+ and disabled students.
Universities’ Legal Obligations Under OfS 2025 Rules
As of 1 August 2025, higher education providers must take steps to redress sexual misconduct on their campuses to register with OfS. We have summarised the necessary steps here. Centrally, universities must have their own cohesive policy on sexual misconduct, which they should abide by. Universities owe a duty of care to carry out reasonable investigations relating to students’ reports of sexual assaults and may face legal claims if they fail to do so. Likewise, if their sexual misconduct policy, or practice, disadvantages people with protected characteristics, for example, women, LGBTQ+ and disabled students, they may be in breach of the Equality Act 2010.
How We Can Help Students and Universities
If you have experienced sexual misconduct while at university, it is important seek legal advice promptly. Likewise, if you are a university seeking to ensure your campus is safe for students and legally compliant, you should seek legal support.
Whether you are a student or a university, our lawyers can guide you through the steps needed to create safer campuses. Book a no-cost initial consultation with our team today.
