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Under English Law you can call yourself what you wish.  

You do not have to change your name by deed poll, you simply start using
the new name and if someone wants to formalise it, you can to sign a
'statutory declaration' saying that this is what you wish to be known
as.  Some solicitors will give you a suggested form of words and witness
it for you - reference is normally made to the Statutory Declaration
Act.  Examples:
http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/ltext/change-of-name.htm#statutory
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/family/change_of_name.
htm

But you do not have to go to a solicitor.  Some Universities and
Colleges have drawn up their own forms and ask students wishing to be
known as something else to sign this as a 'standard form' to correct
names on the student records system.  I once had a student who wanted to
change his name from something like "Robert Smith" to "Richard Black".
I never asked him why, he just insisted he wanted to do it.

There are other ways.  I changed my name in 1993 and have simply started
using my new name.  The only people who have ever asked me for my
previous names are the Passport Office and Criminal Records Bureau.  I
was once asked to provide my marriage certificate though when someone
realised my other documentation eg Exam certificates in my old name - I
complied, but I did not think it was necessary.

I presume that in this instance the student achieved the qualification
under their old name. It would therefore be treated as a request for a
replacement certificate. 

If they returned the old certificate, paid the fee and provided a
statutory declaration, I see no reason why this should not be done in
the new name.  Under the Human Rights Act, they may even have the right
to this - as for example with a passport.  I suspect the only documents
that cannot be changed are are those statutory registration documents of
the state - ie births, marriages and deaths.


Mike Milne-Picken
University Centre Registrar
Bradford College
Tel 01274 433008
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-----Original Message-----
From: Admin-student [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Adrian John Godfrey
Sent: 06 March 2008 11:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Gender Change

Colleagues

I would be grateful for your thoughts/advice on the following.

We have a european student who has changed from male to female gender
since graduating and is now seeking a graduation certificate in their
new name.

It is not made any easier in that the name change involves a complete
change of the forename, so even the initial is different.

If any institutions have had to deal with this sort of request I should
be grateful for responses, directly to me please.

I shall be happy to respond with advice to other institutions that may
be interested.

Regards

Adrian


Adrian Godfrey
Deputy Head of Student Operations
Southampton Solent University
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN

Direct Dial: +44(0) 23 8031 9269
Internal: Ext 3269. e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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