Cases6005169/2025

Claimant v Sparsholt College Group

Outcome

Claimant fails

Individual claims

Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments(disability)failed

The tribunal determined that the claimant was not a disabled person within the meaning of s6 Equality Act 2010 at the material times. Without establishing disabled status, the claim for failure to make reasonable adjustments under s20/21 could not succeed and was dismissed.

Direct Discrimination(disability)failed

The tribunal found that the claimant was not a disabled person within the meaning of s6 Equality Act 2010 at the material times. As disability status was not established, the discrimination arising from disability claim under s15 could not succeed and was dismissed.

Harassment(disability)failed

The tribunal determined that the claimant was not a disabled person within the meaning of s6 Equality Act 2010 at the material times. The harassment claim under s26 was dismissed as the claimant did not meet the threshold requirement of being a disabled person.

Victimisationwithdrawn

The victimisation claim contrary to s27 Equality Act 2010 was withdrawn by the claimant and dismissed on withdrawal by the tribunal.

Facts

The claimant, Ms Pogmore, brought multiple disability-related discrimination claims against her employer, Sparsholt College Group. The case proceeded to a preliminary hearing to determine whether the claimant met the statutory definition of a disabled person under s6 of the Equality Act 2010. Both parties were represented by counsel at the Bristol tribunal.

Decision

Employment Judge Cadney determined that the claimant was not a disabled person within the meaning of s6 Equality Act 2010 at the material times. Consequently, all disability-related claims (failure to make reasonable adjustments, discrimination arising from disability, and harassment) were dismissed. The victimisation claim was withdrawn by the claimant and dismissed on withdrawal.

Practical note

A claimant must establish disabled status under s6 Equality Act 2010 as a threshold requirement before any disability-related discrimination claims can succeed; failure to meet this threshold is fatal to all related claims.

Legal authorities cited

Statutes

Equality Act 2010 s.20Equality Act 2010 s.21Equality Act 2010 s.6Equality Act 2010 s.26Equality Act 2010 s.27Equality Act 2010 s.15

Case details

Case number
6005169/2025
Decision date
31 October 2025
Hearing type
preliminary
Hearing days
1
Classification
contested

Respondent

Sector
education
Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister

Claimant representation

Represented
Yes
Rep type
barrister