An independent legal opinion has concluded there are strong grounds to challenge the lawfulness of a decision preventing three Cambridge students from participating in an upcoming Boat Race.
The crews for the event are set to be announced, with Cambridge unable to select three teacher-training students following an objection that their qualification is a diploma rather than a degree. The interpretation panel, which rules on eligibility, upheld the objection after a four-month review process. In response, individuals connected to the athletes sought a legal opinion from Blackstone Chambers.
The legal report argues that the decisions taken regarding eligibility are questionable in terms of jurisdiction, substantive outcome, and procedure. Concerns have been raised over the panel’s handling of the matter, particularly regarding its adherence to timescales outlined in the joint agreement between the clubs. The affected students had been training for months before being made aware of the issue, initially ruled ineligible, reinstated after an appeal, and then finally banned just weeks before the race.
Cambridge remains frustrated by the process and the lack of communication from the opposing club. However, despite the legal findings, there are no immediate plans to challenge the ruling in court, as such action could be disruptive to the team. The three affected students have accepted their exclusion in order to avoid causing further distractions.
The panel’s decision to reject the PGCE qualification as a degree has also been scrutinized. The University of Oxford’s own education faculty refers to the PGCE as an “M level” or “level 7” qualification, the same classification as master’s degrees under official government guidelines. Furthermore, students undertaking this qualification have been permitted to compete in previous years, with a notable case being an Oxford rower in 2017.
The ruling has been criticized for procedural unfairness, as the students were not informed that their eligibility was under review, were not given a chance to represent themselves, and have yet to receive official documentation regarding the final decision.
The decision has been described as disrespectful to the teaching profession, particularly as PGCE students are required to teach in state schools as part of their training. It has also raised concerns about gender bias, given that the majority of PGCE entrants are women.
Criticism of the ruling has come from former competitors, with some suggesting that it reflects an outdated perspective on Boat Race participation. While the decision stands for now, future challenges remain a possibility.
