Sections 1–2
Agreement and provision of services
These terms apply to the online academic and educational services and related products provided by UK Virtual School Limited.
Who the agreement is between
These Terms apply to Services that UK Virtual School Limited (“the School”, “we”, “us”) agrees to provide to the person completing the application as parent, carer or guardian (“you”) of the child taking the place (“the Pupil”).
The complete agreement
The Services are subject to these Terms, the Schedule, our Privacy Notice and School Policies. Together they form the entire Agreement. You are taken to accept them when you complete the application and provide payment.
If you do not agree
If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not continue with the purchase of our Services.
Classes and website delivery
Services are provided through the School’s website in specific subject classes covering the curriculum. Some Classes may lead to a formal examination and qualification; others do not.
Examinations are separate
The Services do not include a formal examination process. Examinations and assessments must be arranged through a separate third-party examination centre. We can provide further details on request.
Lessons, materials and service standard
Services consist of live online lessons, online materials and interactive content. They will be of satisfactory quality and fit for online academic education for children in years 1–11, delivered with reasonable care and skill consistent with applicable best practice and standards.
No guarantee of examination results
Where Classes lead to an examination, we do not guarantee desired results or entry to another educational establishment. You and the Pupil are responsible for researching suitable courses and qualifications. Results depend on the Pupil’s effort, ability, motivation, dedication, attendance and completion of work.
Your examination responsibilities
You are responsible for registering the Pupil with an examination centre, paying related fees and ensuring attendance at the date and time set by that centre. We may help you find a centre.
Required equipment and resources
You must have access to the equipment and resources in Schedule 1. We are not responsible for delay or restriction of access caused by the absence of those requirements.
Section 3
Term, calendar and fees
The Agreement begins with the welcome email and portal login details and then continues on a rolling basis until terminated under these Terms.
Start date
The Agreement begins when we provide the welcome email and portal login details (“Start Date”).
Academic calendar
- Access is provided for a three-week “half term” beginning on the first Monday of each month.
- Classes run according to UK GMT/BST time.
- The 10-month academic year runs from 1 September to 31 July.
- There are no Classes in August or December.
- Terms are: autumn, 1 September–31 December; spring, 1 January–31 March; summer, 1 April–31 July.
- Access renews each half term or term on a rolling basis unless cancelled under these Terms.
Fees in advance
Fees are charged in advance before the term or academic year, or as otherwise agreed in writing.
Fee changes
Fees remain fixed for the academic year unless circumstances outside our control require an increase. We will give at least 30 days’ notice and reasons. If you do not accept, you may terminate by emailing [email protected] before the increase takes effect; prepaid fees for later Services will be refunded.
Third-party liaison
Liaison with third parties concerning a Pupil, such as a local education authority, is outside the Services and incurs a separate charge.
Sections 4–5
Payment and cooling-off period
Fees are paid in advance. A 14-day cooling-off period applies subject to the access and digital-product conditions below.
Payment schedule
Fees are payable in full per half term, term or academic year, in advance on receipt of an invoice.
Payment failure charge
We may charge £30 per failed payment to cover administration costs.
Overdue fees
We may suspend access until outstanding fees are paid and seek daily interest at 5% above the Bank of England base rate. If non-payment continues for 14 days, we may permanently exclude the Pupil and terminate the Agreement by written notice.
Fourteen-day cooling off
You may cancel and receive a full refund within 14 days from the date of the welcome email by emailing [email protected].
Access before the period ends
You waive the right to cancel and receive a refund during the cooling-off period if you or the Pupil log in to the portal, access the website or use any Services before the 14 days expire.
Digital products
You waive the cooling-off period when purchasing digital products such as video bundles.
Section 6
Selecting and changing classes
Class choices are subject to timetable capacity and specific limits on when and how often changes can be requested.
Initial selection
Classes may be selected at enrolment or by another method agreed in writing. We will advise whether preferred Classes can be accommodated.
When a Pupil may change
A Pupil may change Classes once per half term and only during its first week. Later requests take effect the following half term. Fees remain payable for all chosen Classes through the current half term.
Discretion and administration fee
We will try to accommodate timetable requests, but the decision is at our discretion. After two class or timetable change requests in one academic year, a £30 administration fee applies.
Operational timetable changes
We may amend timetables for operational reasons with at least 30 days’ notice. If the Pupil cannot continue following such changes, you may end the Agreement and receive an applicable refund of prepaid fees for that half term.
Unexpected timetable changes
For unexpected matters beyond reasonable control, we will try to reschedule or replace the Class. If no replacement is possible, a credit will be applied against future Fees. No refund or credit is due where the Pupil cannot or will not attend the rescheduled Class.
Section 7
Termination
Termination notice depends on the payment plan and must be provided in writing by email.
Your notice and continuing fees
Notice must follow the timetable above and be emailed to [email protected]. If the Pupil is withdrawn part way through the contract, you remain responsible for Fees to the end of the contract.
Failure to comply
Either party may terminate by written notice if the other party, including the Pupil, fails to comply with the Terms or School Policies and does not correct the issue within 14 days of a written request. Where correction is impossible, termination may be immediate.
If we cannot continue
We may terminate if unable to provide Services, giving written notice and refunding Fees for paid Services that will not be received.
Suspension or removal of access
We may limit or suspend access for a policy breach or dishonest, fraudulent, abusive or offensive behaviour. We will then arrange a meeting and decide whether access is permanently withdrawn. Any refund is discretionary and based on the circumstances and Services already delivered.
Termination for your breach
If we terminate because you or the Pupil breached these Terms or School Policies, all Fees become immediately due, including Fees for the remainder of the contract.
Termination for our breach
If you terminate because we failed to comply with these Terms or a School Policy, prepaid fees will be refunded immediately.
*Numbered 7.8 in the supplied contract text.
Sections 8–10
School policies, liability and data
School Policies support pupil safety and participation. Liability is limited as described below, without limiting consumer rights.
School Policies
You and the Pupil must comply with UKVS Expectations and other School Policies introduced or amended from time to time.
Liability that is not excluded
Nothing limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or for fraudulent misrepresentation.
Limits and service warranty
We are not liable for indirect, consequential or special damages, losses or costs, failure caused by matters beyond reasonable control, or losses arising from your choice or use of Services. Services are warranted to be of satisfactory quality and reasonably fit for their intended purpose; other warranties are excluded to the fullest lawful extent.
Supervision and safety
You remain responsible for the Pupil at all times. Pupils should be supervised, and you must ensure safety during interactive or practical exercises, activities and experiments.
Overall cap and consumer rights
Our total liability is limited to Fees paid in the six months before the loss. Nothing in these Terms excuses or limits your legal rights as a consumer.
Data protection
Personal data relating to you or the Pupil will be processed under the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR and replacement or amending legislation. Further details are in the UKVS Privacy Policy. Questions or requested changes should be sent to [email protected].
Sections 11–12
Confidentiality and intellectual property
Confidential information
Information shared with us is confidential except where disclosure is required by a competent court, governmental, supervisory or regulatory body, or where there are safety or safeguarding concerns. Choosing to home educate is not, by itself, treated as a safeguarding concern.
Portal login details
You must not share private portal login details and must notify us immediately if you suspect or discover that a third party has obtained them.
Content included in Services
Content may include materials, tools, videos, resources, documents, workbooks, PDFs, information, templates, images and data.
Permitted personal use
We are the owner or licensee of intellectual-property and other rights in the Content. It may only be used personally by you or the Pupil in connection with Services. It must not be shared, copied, disclosed, reproduced, published or made available to a third party without express consent. Ownership is not transferred, and our trade marks, business names, domains or logos may not be used without prior written consent.
Sections 13–16
Consent, events outside control and law
Head Teacher consent
By enrolling or purchasing, you authorise the Head Teacher or nominated deputy to take action they reasonably consider in the Pupil’s best interests and safety day to day.
Force majeure events
Events outside our control may affect website access or Services. Examples include acts of God, extreme weather, epidemics, pandemics, industrial action, lockdown, war, terrorism, loss of internet or third-party services and unexpected teacher unavailability.
Response to an event
We will try to provide recordings, reschedule cancelled Classes or provide a reasonable alternative. If Classes cannot be replaced, a proportional refund will be provided for missed Classes.
Jurisdiction
These Terms and related disputes or claims are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
Severance
If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, it will be struck out and the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.
Sections 17–18
Transfer and changes to the Agreement
Transfer by the School
The School may transfer its rights and responsibilities to a third party capable of maintaining the same standards. We will notify you in advance unless legally prevented. If quality significantly deteriorates after transfer, you may end the Agreement and receive a refund of prepaid fees.
You may not transfer access
You may not transfer your rights or responsibilities, including allowing anyone other than the named Pupil to use the website username and password.
Updates to Terms or Policies
We may update the Agreement and Policies during its term. We will notify you in writing and provide updated versions at least 30 days before changes take effect.
Your option to terminate
If you reasonably believe proposed changes negatively affect you or the Pupil, you may terminate under the provisions above.
Sections 19–20
Who we are, contact and complaints
Company details
Services are delivered by UK Virtual School Limited, registered in England and Wales under company number 12660146. Registered office: 85 Great Portland Street, First Floor, London W1W 7LT.
How to contact us
Email [email protected] or write to the registered office address above.
Contact details and notices
We will use the email address provided at purchase. You are responsible for notifying us of changes. Notices must be in writing by email; emails are treated as delivered 48 hours after valid transmission.
Complaints
Send complaints or concerns to [email protected] with the subject “complaints” and allow a reasonable time for investigation and resolution. Complaints are handled under our complaints policy.
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Youtube