Terms and Conditions

The School of African Languages Ltd.
Last updated: 1/9/2025

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) set out the basis on which you (“the student”, “client”, “parent/guardian” where applicable) enrol in and participate in courses and workshops offered by The School of African Languages Ltd. (“SOAL”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

By enrolling in a course or workshop, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Scope & Applicability

• These Terms apply to all students enrolling in courses or workshops at SOAL.

• Where the student is under 18, these Terms also apply to their parent/guardian, who accepts responsibility on the student’s behalf.

• Tutors and staff are bound by separate agreements with SOAL.

2. Booking & Payments

Group Courses (£225 total):

• A £100 deposit is required to secure your place.

• The remaining balance must be paid in full by your 5th session.

• If payment is not received by this point, your access to live classes will be paused (workbook access continues until payment is made).

One-to-One Courses (£450 total):

• A £100 deposit is required at booking.

• At least 50% (£225) must be paid by the 2nd lesson.

• The balance must be fully cleared by the 5th lesson.

Workshops:

• Invoices are issued for workshop bookings.

• Payment is due within 28 days of invoice receipt or within 28 days after delivery of the workshop, depending on local requirements.

Payment Methods:

• We accept payments by PayPal, Tide Banking, card machine, or bank transfer.

• We do not accept cash for courses.

3. Refunds & Cancellations

Cancellations by the Student (Before the Course Starts):

• Cancellations made 7 days or more before the first session: full refund, minus an administration fee.

• Cancellations made less than 7 days before the first session: credit or deferral to a later course may be offered.

After the Course Has Started:

• No refunds for missed group classes (recordings are provided).

• In exceptional circumstances (e.g. bereavement), a pro rata refund for unused sessions may be granted with supporting documentation (doctor’s note, death certificate).

• If the student themselves is ill and cannot continue, we will offer a credit or deferral, not a refund.

• No refunds once 50% or more of the course has been completed.

• Refunds are never issued for sessions already delivered.

Deferrals & Transfers:

• Students may request to transfer to a later course if the request is made before the 2nd session.

• Transfers are subject to availability and any price difference.

One-to-One Sessions:

• Sessions may be rescheduled up to 3 times if agreed with the tutor in advance.

• Missed sessions beyond this limit are considered delivered and non-refundable.

Cancellations by SOAL:

• If SOAL cancels or significantly alters a course, we will offer an alternative course, a credit/deferral, or a refund (minus sessions already delivered).

• If a tutor is unavailable, we will provide a replacement where possible.

Administration Fee:

• All cancellations/refunds are subject to an administration fee.

Force Majeure:

• SOAL is not liable for disruptions caused by events outside our control (e.g. pandemics, natural disasters, strikes, internet outages). Refunds or credits will be offered where feasible.

4. Attendance & Conduct

• Students must attend all scheduled sessions punctually.

• For group classes, missed lessons are non-refundable but recordings are provided.

• For one-to-one classes, up to 3 reschedules are allowed with advance notice.

Classroom Etiquette:

• Students are encouraged to keep cameras on unless they prefer not to appear in recordings. Please notify the tutor if you will keep your camera off.

• All classes are recorded. Students may mute microphones when not speaking.

• Respectful, polite, and professional behaviour is expected at all times.

Misconduct:

• SOAL has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

• Students who break UK law, ignore SOAL rules, or disrupt classes may be dismissed without refund.

Values:

• Students are expected to respect cultural, racial, and religious differences and uphold British values of mutual respect, tolerance, and fairness under the rule of law.

5. Recordings, Photos & Marketing Use

Lesson Recordings:

• All lessons are recorded (video, audio, chat, screen share).

• Recordings are shared only with students in the same class, the tutor, and SOAL staff.

• Recordings are for personal study only and must not be shared or redistributed.

• Recordings are retained for 1–4 years and then deleted.

• Recordings will never be used for marketing without explicit consent from all affected students.

Promotional Materials:

• SOAL may request consent to use photos or videos for promotional purposes (website, social media, brochures).

• Students may opt out of promotional use at any time.

• For under-18s, written parental/guardian consent is always required.

• Consent withdrawal will not affect materials already published.

6. Liability & Insurance

• SOAL holds public liability and professional indemnity insurance for all activities.

• SOAL is not liable for loss of personal property, indirect losses, or damages not caused by our negligence.

• Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any matter that cannot be excluded by law.

• Students are responsible for their own belongings and conduct.

• Students are liable for damage caused intentionally or negligently to SOAL property or facilities.

• Students travelling from abroad must arrange their own travel and health insurance.

7. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

• Step 1: Raise concerns with your tutor or SOAL Support.

• Step 2: If unresolved, submit a written complaint to support@theschoolofafricanlanguages.com with details and evidence.

• Complaints must be made during the course or within 14 days of the course ending.

• We will acknowledge within 5 working days and aim to resolve within 14 working days.

• Complaints are only considered if all fees are paid in full.

• If unresolved, the matter may be reviewed by management or referred to independent mediation.

8. Under-18s & Safeguarding

• SOAL mainly teaches adults (18+). Occasionally, we run workshops for under-18s.

• The lead staff member for under-18 workshops is DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding. Other staff may not hold DBS clearance but work under supervision.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s transport, supervision outside class times, and emergency contact details.

• Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or responsible adult at all times.

• Written parental/guardian consent is required for under-18 participation and for any use of photos/videos.

• SOAL reserves the right to remove any child from an activity if behaviour compromises safety or learning.

9. Intellectual Property & Course Materials

• All materials (handouts, workbooks, slides, recordings) remain the intellectual property of SOAL or our tutors, who grant SOAL usage rights.

• Students receive a personal, non-transferable licence to use materials for study only.

• Materials and recordings may not be copied, shared, distributed, or resold.

• Any unauthorised use is a breach of these Terms and may lead to legal action.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

• Both parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

• Disputes must first be addressed through SOAL’s complaints procedure.

• If unresolved, the parties may seek independent mediation before pursuing court action.