Our Academic Integrity Policy
Academic integrity means doing your own work honestly and giving credit for what you use. This policy explains what Assignment Guidance does, what we never do, and what we expect from students. Every service page on this site refers back to this statement.
Academic integrity in practice: what we do
Our help is teaching and feedback. In practice, we:
- Explain assignment briefs, marking criteria and difficult topics
- Help you plan your structure and argument
- Give detailed feedback on drafts you have written
- Edit and proofread your work, with every change explained
- Provide model answers and examples for reference and learning only
- Coach you for exams, interviews and presentations before they take place
What we never do
- Complete assessed work for you to hand in under your name
- Take exams, tests or quizzes on your behalf, or help during a live assessment
- Guarantee a grade or result
- Promise that work is plagiarism-free or will pass a similarity check
- Encourage you to break your university's or awarding body's rules
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for the work you submit. Use our guidance to understand and improve your own writing, follow your institution's rules on proofreading and support, and reference every source you use. If you are unsure whether a type of support is allowed, check with your tutor before you ask us.
| Before you submit | If the answer is no |
|---|---|
| Did I write every sentence myself? | Rewrite it, or quote and reference it. |
| Is every source referenced? | Add the missing citation. |
| Does my university allow this help? | Ask your tutor first. |
| Could I explain each point? | Rework it. |
What counts as academic misconduct
Each university sets its own definitions, so read yours. Common categories include plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, invented data, impersonation and cheating in exams. Some universities also treat unacknowledged use of generative AI output as plagiarism.
The law in England
The Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 made it an offence in England to provide or advertise contract cheating services to students in post-16 education. Our services are designed to stay within the law and within university academic integrity rules.
The offence covers paid services that complete a student's work for them. The explanatory notes say ordinary support such as tutoring and proofreading is outside it. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own position.
Questions or concerns
If you have a question about this policy, or concerns about how a service is being used, use the form below. You can also read how it works or find out more about us.
Sources
- Act 2022: explanatory notes
- ASA (2022): essay mills now illegal
- QAA (2018): academic integrity statement
- QAA (2022): Contracting to Cheat guidance
- Derby: academic misconduct procedure
Frequently asked questions
What is academic integrity?
Honest study: doing your own work, crediting your sources and following assessment rules. The QAA calls it committing to learning, not cheating.
Is using a tutor or editor allowed?
Usually, yes, within your university's rules. Many universities set limits on proofreading and editing, so check your policy.
What counts as academic misconduct at UK universities?
Plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, invented data, impersonation and exam cheating, among others. Definitions and penalties differ, so read your university's regulations.
Is it illegal to use essay mills in the UK?
In England, the 2022 Act targets those who provide or advertise such services, not students. Universities can still treat commissioned work as misconduct. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.
Are your model answers for submission?
No. They are for reference and learning only.