General Terms of Use
Created: June 2025 Last Revised: June 2025 Due for Review: June 2026
All content on the website located at www.theenglishschoolonline.co.uk (the “Website”) is copyrighted by The English School Online (“the Provider”). The English School Online offers English language training courses, tutoring sessions, and academic support services through its website and associated platforms (collectively referred to as “the Provider”). For all legal purposes, the Provider’s registered address is: 20 Kingsland Close, Shoreham by Sea, BN43 6NQ.
These General Terms of Use (which include our Health and Safety Policy and Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy), together with our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy, set forth the legally binding terms for your use of all services accessed through the Website and the Learner’s Area. In the case of any inconsistency between the Policies and these Terms of Use, the Terms of Use shall take precedence in matters relating to Online Courses and Services provided via the Website.
1. Accuracy of Information
The Provider aims to maintain up-to-date, accurate, and relevant information on the Website and within course materials. However, no representation is made that all content is entirely error-free, current, or complete. The Provider shall not be held liable for any decisions made or actions taken in reliance upon any information found on the Website or in course content.
Certain course elements or descriptions may be adapted from publicly available or third-party sources and may therefore contain typographical errors or omissions. If learners, tutors, or users identify inaccuracies, they are encouraged to notify the Provider by email. The Provider will endeavour to review and, where necessary, correct any issue within 48 hours.
2. Disclaimer
All Online Courses and related services are offered strictly “as-is” and “as available.” The Provider disclaims any and all express or implied warranties, including (but not limited to) warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, quiet enjoyment, or non-infringement.
The Provider does not guarantee that:
- (a) the Online Courses will meet your personal, academic, or professional expectations;
- (b) the Website or learning platform will always be available without interruption or error;
- (c) the content will be completely secure or virus-free;
- (d) course materials will always be accurate, up to date, or complete.
Device Responsibility: Learners are strongly encouraged to use a desktop or laptop computer to participate in lessons and submit coursework. Mobile devices (phones or tablets) may be limited in compatibility and functionality with the e-learning platform. The Provider accepts no responsibility for any disruption to learning, technical issues, or incomplete submissions caused by unsuitable devices or internet connectivity issues.
3. Learner Registration and Payment
3.1. Learner Agreement
By registering for a course with The English School Online, you confirm that:
(a) all registration details provided are complete and accurate;
(b) you will maintain up-to-date contact and account information; and
(c) your use of our services complies with applicable laws and these Terms of Use.
Clicking “Submit Application” indicates that you have read, understood, and accepted our Terms of Use and related Policies, and that you are of legal age and not restricted by law from enrolling in our services. If you do not agree to these terms, please exit the registration process.
3.2. Full Payment
Once you are accepted into a course, you agree to pay the full tuition fee as outlined during registration. Payment must be made using a valid debit or credit card through the secure payment platform provided.
3.3. Instalment Plans
If you choose to pay via instalments, you remain responsible for ensuring timely payments. Instalments are charged monthly from the same card used for the initial payment. Payment plans include a slight surcharge to cover administrative and platform-related costs. Failure to meet a scheduled payment may result in temporary suspension of course access.
3.4. Cancellations and Termination
Refunds will be processed in line with our Refund Policy, available below. Post-enrolment withdrawals must be requested via email. Changes or postponements are subject to a £50 admin fee.
4. Learner Access to Courses
4.1. Access Terms
Course access is granted upon full or first instalment payment. Access is strictly non-transferable and for your personal use only. You are responsible for safeguarding your login details.
4.1.1. Course Delivery
The English School Online offers immediate access to online course materials after enrolment. Where applicable, you may be invited to attend scheduled live sessions. Your course outline will detail timelines for tutor interaction or assessments.
4.1.2. Email Requirement
Please register using a personal email not affiliated with any employer, university, or agency. This helps ensure secure and individual access to our learning platform.
4.1.3. Account Misuse
If you suspect your account has been accessed without authorisation, notify us immediately. You are solely responsible for any activity conducted under your account.
4.1.4. Paused Access
If you choose to pause or withdraw from your course, your access will be suspended until re-enrolment is confirmed and within the original course duration.
4.2. Use Restrictions
You agree not to:
(a) sell, share, or exploit course materials commercially;
(b) reverse engineer or alter any part of our content;
(c) copy or distribute content beyond personal educational use;
(d) use the content to develop similar or competing services.
Copyright and intellectual property rights remain the property of The English School Online.
4.3. Service Modifications
We reserve the right to update, pause, or discontinue services at any time. We are not liable for such changes, but we aim to communicate them in advance whenever possible.
4.4. Intellectual Property
All content (including user-submitted work) and all materials on the site are the intellectual property of The English School Online. Enrolment grants limited, revocable access; it does not transfer ownership.
4.5. Learner Responsibilities
Learners are responsible for:
(a) Providing appropriate hardware (computer, camera, mic, headphones);
(b) Maintaining updated software and fast internet access;
(c) Covering all related access and equipment costs.
5. Learner Support
5.1. Technical Support
We provide 24/7 technical assistance via email. Response times may vary depending on your request and business hours. Contact details are available on our website.
5.2. Academic Support
While course content is self-guided, we welcome your feedback and will forward questions to the content team when appropriate. Some courses include scheduled tutor support as detailed at registration.
5.3. Platform Maintenance
Access to course materials is generally available 24/7. Scheduled maintenance or system upgrades may result in brief interruptions. We do not guarantee uninterrupted service.
6. Plagiarism Policy
6.1. Plagiarism Standards
All written assignments and course submissions must be your own. Submitting content generated by others — including AI tools — is considered plagiarism and will result in penalties.
6.2. Original Work Requirement
Learners are expected to submit original reflections, written exercises, and exam responses. Work copied from books, websites, or lesson content is not acceptable.
6.3. AI-Generated Content
Use of AI-generated or assisted responses is strictly prohibited in assessments. A dedicated lesson will be included to explain acceptable academic integrity standards.
6.4. Tutor Review
If submitted coursework shows evidence of plagiarism, the learner may be required to complete a verbal interview to demonstrate their understanding. Heavily plagiarised work will not be marked.
6.5. Re-submission Fees
If plagiarism is confirmed, the learner will be given an opportunity to resubmit, potentially subject to a re-assessment fee. Learners will be asked to explain their original submission.
7. Disciplinary Procedures
7.1 We are committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and fair learning environment for all learners, tutors, and staff. If any learner, tutor, or staff member has a concern or complaint, it should be submitted in writing to the Course Leader or Lead Assessor. We aim to acknowledge all complaints promptly and resolve them within 14 days, although more complex cases may take up to 45 days.
7.2 Where appropriate, an independent tutor or assessor may be consulted to support a fair and balanced outcome. In cases where the matter cannot be resolved through initial investigation, it may be escalated to the Lead Internal Verifier for a final review. This stage may incur a £50 administrative fee. Complaints will be handled in accordance with our internal procedures.
8. Appeals Made by Learners
8.1. Most complaints will be resolved via the disciplinary procedures above. Where this is not possible, learners may appeal decisions relating to malpractice or maladministration within 7 days of the Provider’s final decision. The Provider will acknowledge within 48 hours and will aim to resolve the appeal within 30 days.
9. Limitation of Liability
9.1. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages arising from the use of Online Courses or related services. You assume all risks associated with accessing and using the course materials. Our total liability for any breach of these Terms shall not exceed the fee paid for the course.
9.2. The Provider does not guarantee compatibility of its e-learning platform with all systems, nor does it guarantee achievement of a qualification. While all tutors are qualified and courses are designed to a high standard, learners are ultimately responsible for their own performance and results.
9.3. The Online Courses are intended for users in the United Kingdom. All class times are scheduled in GMT/BST. Users outside the UK are responsible for ensuring compliance with their own local laws. The Provider reserves the right to modify course content, the e-learning platform, or these Terms at any time without notice. Learners are bound by the Terms in force at the time of their enrolment and at the time of any subsequent complaint.
10. Indemnity
10.1. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from any claim, demand, loss, or damage, including legal fees, arising from your access to or use of the Online Course materials or from your violation of these Terms.
10.2. The Provider reserves the right, at your expense, to assume exclusive defence and control of any claim for which you are required to indemnify the Provider. You agree to cooperate in any such defence, and the Provider will use reasonable efforts to notify you of any claim upon becoming aware of it.
11. Term and Termination
11.1. These Terms remain in effect while you access or use the Website and Online Courses. We may suspend or terminate your access at any time, including for any violation of these Terms or if you are under the age of 16.
11.2. You may terminate your enrolment at any time. Upon notification, your access to the Online Courses will be terminated, and the Provider will not be responsible for the retention or deletion of any user content. The following sections will survive termination: 4.2 to 4.4 and Clauses 6 through 13 (inclusive).
12. General
12.1. Export Controls
No content or materials from the Website may be exported or re-exported in violation of UK export laws. Copyright violations will be enforced under the laws of England and Wales.
12.2. Rights
All rights in course content remain with the Provider. You may not assign, sell, or transfer your rights under these Terms to any third party.
12.3. Notice
The Provider may issue notices via the Website or email. Notices shall be deemed received 48 hours after website posting or 12 hours after being emailed. Official emails will come from a DPSI Online email address.
12.4. Entire Agreement
These Terms of Use include the Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and any rules posted on the Website. The word “include” means “including without limitation.” You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without permission. Enrolling in a course or using the Website indicates agreement to these Terms.
12.5. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Refund Policy
Created: July 2025 Last Revised: July 2025 Due for Review: July 2026
Upon payment for any of our courses, you will be entering into a legally binding contract with The English School Online on the basis of our Terms of Use and this Refund Policy. Please read the General Terms of Use carefully before you accept your offer.
You have a statutory right to cancel your contract within 14 days (cooling-off period) without giving any reason. This cancellation period ends 14 days after the date of the start of the contract (the day you pay for the course).
Once the 14-day cancellation period expires, no refund will be due.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us of your decision by email to: [email protected].
If your chosen course starts during the cancellation period (i.e. during the 14-day cooling-off period), then accepting this agreement is your written request for us to provide the service. This means that you will not be able to cancel the agreement and ask for a total refund.
However, during this 14-day cooling-off period, you are still entitled to a partial refund in which you must cover the services provided during the time up to when you informed us of your decision to cancel. This will include an administration fee of £50, plus any tutor’s teaching time, and/or access to digital content related to your chosen course.
Learners who request a refund more than two weeks before the course start date will be fully refunded minus an administration fee of £50.
Learners who request a refund within two weeks of the course start date may receive a partial refund subject to deduction for any services already delivered.
All postponements and changes incur an administration fee of £50.
Learners should read the description of the course they are enrolling on and not expect any further services other than those offered on the website. Should a learner decide to withdraw from a course and/or not complete it within the allocated time, the learner cannot claim any of the missed sessions.
Any reimbursement due will be paid without undue delay and no later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel your contract, provided we have all relevant information (contact and payment instructions). Reimbursement will be made using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction unless expressly agreed otherwise.
Specific circumstances not covered by this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.