Education secretary apologises to family of student who took his own life
The family of Ethan Brown say Glasgow University’s failures were ‘catastrophic’
Scotland’s education secretary has apologised to the family of student Ethan Brown who say Glasgow University’s failures before his death were “catastrophic”.
His mother Tracy also told journalists: “We are determined to have a legacy for my son.”
Mr Brown, 23, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, took his own life after being incorrectly told he had failed his degree.
He was found dead in his family home on 13 December 2024, the day he should have graduated with a 2.1 honours degree in geography.
An internal investigation concluded the university had awarded the wrong grade for a course in error, and that the error had not been spotted by any university staff, the two internal exam boards, or the external exam boards.
The family met Education Secretary Màiri McAllan in Edinburgh on Wednesday, shortly after agreeing an undisclosed settlement with the university.
Aamer Anwar, the family’s lawyer said they accepted the apology from Ms McAllan for her predecessor’s statement which had implied that Ethan’s case was an isolated incident.
Mr Anwar told journalists: “It is the students and the lecturers that are the heart and soul of Glasgow University, but sadly in its drive to become a global institution, it has forgotten its own.
“Their failures were catastrophic and systemic. They failed not just in their duty of care to Ethan, but to many other students over the years.
“Their public statement that what happened to Ethan was isolated was false - they knew that they were being investigated by the QAA [Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education] and the SFC [Scottish Funding Council] for systemic failures, and their own internal investigation revealed systemic failures.”
During their meeting Ms McAllan offered to ask the QAA to meet with Mr Brown’s family. The QAA previously found the university’s processes posed a “systemic risk to academic standards”.
Mr Anwar added: “The family welcomed the apology by Ms McAllan for her predecessor’s statement in September 2025 which implied an acceptance of the university’s position that Ethan’s case was an isolated incident.
“The university is a powerful institution and operates like a global corporation which lacks transparency and accountability.
“The family places Glasgow University on notice that they will be held to account. Their governance is not fit for purpose.”
An investigation into the university’s geography and earth sciences school found two students had been wrongly failed by the faculty, and there had been serious consequences for several other students. The family now want the university’s other 23 schools to also be investigated.
The Scottish Government has also been asked to look at the issue across all Scottish universities, and the Lord Advocate is due to meet with the Crown Office to decide on the “potential criminal prosecution of Glasgow University”.
The university previously admitted a shortcoming in communication meant Mr Brown was not referred to student support services. A fatal accident inquiry will now be carried out.
A spokesperson for Glasgow University 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 sympathies.
“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.”
Ms McAllan said: "I cannot begin to imagine the impact this tragedy has had on Ethan's family and loved ones. I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Ethan’s family this morning and extend my deepest sympathies to them on their loss.
“It is vital that Glasgow University continues to work closely with QAA to ensure that its targeted peer review recommendations are implemented in full and as a matter of urgency.
“In line with its statutory responsibilities, the SFC has also commissioned QAA to undertake a national review of awarding arrangements in Scotland, to provide assurance that the issues identified at Glasgow University do not represent a systemic issue across the wider sector.
“I cannot comment on any ongoing legal proceedings, including the Crown Office investigation.”
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