Fees, Refunds & Withdrawals Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out Ravenscroft College's approach to programme fees, payment terms, refunds, and learner withdrawals. It is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with UK consumer protection legislation (including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013), the expectations of the Office for Students (OfS), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) guidance for higher education, and the requirements of our awarding body partners.

Scope

This policy applies to all learners enrolled on or applying to programmes at Ravenscroft College, whether delivered online, through blended learning, or face-to-face. It covers all fee-bearing programmes, including qualifications awarded by OTHM Qualifications, Pearson, and any other awarding body with which the College holds approved centre status.

Programme Fees

Programme fees are published on the College's website and in programme-specific documentation. Fees are communicated clearly to all applicants before any enrolment commitment is made and will include:

• The total programme fee, including any registration, assessment, or certification charges.
• Any additional costs (e.g., materials, resit fees, or supplementary charges).
• Available payment options, including any instalment plans.

The College reserves the right to adjust fees for future cohorts. Fees will not be increased for learners already enrolled on a programme unless the change is directly required by a regulatory body or awarding organisation.

Payment Terms

• Full payment or agreement to an approved payment plan is required before or at the point of enrolment.
• Payment may be made by bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or other approved methods.
• Where an instalment plan is agreed, missed payments may result in suspension of access to the virtual learning environment and/or programme until payment is brought up to date.
• The College will issue receipts or confirmation of payment for all transactions.

Cooling-Off Period

In accordance with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, learners who enrol at a distance (including online enrolment) have the right to cancel their enrolment within 14 calendar days of the enrolment date ("cooling-off period"), without giving a reason. During this period:

• Learners may cancel by notifying the College in writing at info@ravenscroftcollege.co.uk.
• A full refund of any fees paid will be issued within 14 days of receiving the cancellation notice.
• If the learner has requested that services begin during the cooling-off period and subsequently cancels, the College may deduct a proportionate amount for services already provided.

Withdrawals After the Cooling-Off Period

Learners who withdraw from their programme after the cooling-off period should notify the College in writing as soon as possible. The following refund arrangements apply:

In all cases, any awarding body registration, certification, or assessment fees that have already been submitted to the awarding body are non-refundable.

Exceptional Circumstances

The College recognises that learners may face exceptional circumstances beyond their control, such as serious illness, bereavement, or other significant personal difficulties. In such cases, the College will consider requests for fee adjustments, deferrals, or enhanced refunds on a case-by-case basis. Supporting evidence may be required.

College-Initiated Cancellations

If the College cancels a programme before it commences, or is unable to continue delivering a programme for any reason, all affected learners will receive a full refund of fees paid. The College will make reasonable efforts to offer alternative arrangements, including transfer to an equivalent programme, where possible.

Non-Payment

Learners who fail to meet their financial obligations may have their access to the virtual learning environment and academic support suspended. Persistent non-payment may result in withdrawal from the programme. The College will always attempt to contact the learner and explore alternative arrangements before taking such action.

Complaints

Learners who wish to dispute a fee-related decision or raise a complaint about the application of this policy may do so through the College's Complaints Policy.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant changes to regulatory requirements, consumer protection legislation, or awarding body expectations.