Are essay mills illegal in the UK? What the law says
Essay mills are illegal in England under the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022. What the law covers, who it applies to, and why we never offer academic writing.
Yes, in England. Since 2022, it has been a criminal offence to provide, arrange or advertise “contract cheating” services for students in post-16 education in England, under the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022. These services are often called essay mills.
This is general information, not legal advice.
What the law covers
The offence covers commercial services that complete work for students which they are required to do themselves as part of their course, such as essays, dissertations, coursework and assignments, where it is reasonable to assume the work will be submitted as their own.
It applies to students at:
- Universities and other higher education providers in England
- Further education colleges and sixth forms
- Other post-16 education and training in England
Advertising these services is also an offence.
What it does not cover
The law targets services that do a student’s assessed work for them. It does not ban legitimate help, such as proofreading for spelling and grammar, or general tutoring that helps a student learn to do the work themselves. Institutions set their own rules on what help is acceptable, so students should always check.
It also has nothing to do with professional ghostwriting outside education. Writing a memoir, business book, speech or article for a client who publishes it under their own name is legal and widespread.
What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
The 2022 Act applies to England. Academic misconduct is treated seriously across the UK, and institutions everywhere have their own rules and penalties. Check the current position in each nation before relying on any assumption.
Why students should avoid essay mills
Beyond the law, the risks for students are serious:
- Detection. Universities use a range of methods to identify work that is not the student’s own.
- Penalties. Consequences can include failing the module, losing a degree or being expelled.
- Blackmail. Some essay mills have been reported to threaten students with exposure after purchase.
- Poor quality. Many deliver recycled or inaccurate work.
Our position
We do not write essays, dissertations, coursework or any other academic work for students, under any circumstances. We do not advertise it, and we will not accept it from partners. Our work is ghostwriting for people who publish under their own names: books, speeches, articles and business content.
If you are a student who is struggling, your university or college has support services, including study skills help, extensions and wellbeing support. Speaking to them is always the better route.
