Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Faint Gleam, a UK-based education provider specialising in IELTS preparation courses. By accessing our website (faint-gleam.com), enrolling in our courses, or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

2. Description of Services

Faint Gleam provides IELTS (International English Language Testing System) preparation courses and related educational services, including:

• In-person and online IELTS preparation classes
• Individual tutoring sessions
• Practice tests and mock examinations
• Study materials and resources
• Educational guidance and support
• Progress tracking and feedback

Our services are designed to help students improve their English language skills and achieve their target IELTS scores. However, we do not guarantee specific test results or scores.

3. Eligibility and Registration

3.1 Age Requirements

Our services are available to individuals aged 16 and above. Students under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to enrol in our courses.

3.2 Registration Process

To access our services, you must:

• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

4. Course Enrolment and Fees

4.1 Course Selection

Course availability is subject to demand and instructor availability. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses with reasonable notice.

4.2 Payment Terms

• Course fees must be paid in full before the course start date unless alternative arrangements are agreed
• Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other approved methods
• All fees are quoted in British Pounds (GBP) and include VAT where applicable
• Late payment may result in suspension of access to course materials and classes

4.3 Refund Policy

• Full Refund: Available up to 14 days before course commencement
• 50% Refund: Available 7-14 days before course commencement
• No Refund: Within 7 days of course commencement or after course has begun
• Medical/Emergency: Considered on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation
• Refunds are processed within 14 business days of approval

5. Student Responsibilities

As a student, you agree to:

• Attend classes punctually and participate actively
• Complete assigned homework and practice exercises
• Respect instructors, staff, and fellow students
• Follow all safety and conduct guidelines
• Use course materials solely for personal educational purposes
• Not record, photograph, or distribute course content without permission
• Notify us of any changes to your contact information
• Inform us of any special learning needs or requirements

6. Code of Conduct

We maintain a professional learning environment. The following behaviours are prohibited:

• Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour towards others
• Harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind
• Use of inappropriate language or content
• Cheating or academic dishonesty
• Unauthorised recording or photography
• Sharing login credentials or course materials with third parties
• Any illegal activities on our premises or platforms

Violation of this code may result in warning, suspension, or permanent expulsion without refund.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Our Content

All course materials, including but not limited to texts, videos, audio recordings, worksheets, and teaching methodologies, are the intellectual property of Faint Gleam or our licensed partners. You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or share course materials
• Use materials for commercial purposes
• Modify or create derivative works from our content
• Remove copyright or proprietary notices

7.2 Student Work

While you retain ownership of your original work, you grant us permission to use anonymised examples of your progress for educational and marketing purposes.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

9. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide high-quality educational services, we cannot guarantee specific IELTS scores or test outcomes. Our liability is limited as follows:

• We are not responsible for students' individual test performance
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the student for the specific course
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to online services
• Technical issues or service interruptions do not constitute grounds for refund unless substantial

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters, pandemics, or health emergencies
• Government regulations or orders
• Labour disputes or strikes
• Technical failures or cyber attacks
• Building closures or access restrictions

In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or reschedule services.

11. Cancellation and Rescheduling

11.1 By Faint Gleam

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to insufficient enrolment, instructor unavailability, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will offer:

• Transfer to an alternative course
• Full refund of fees paid
• Credit towards future courses

11.2 By Students

Student cancellations are subject to our refund policy outlined in Section 4.3.

12. Complaints and Disputes

We are committed to resolving any concerns promptly and fairly:

1. Informal Resolution: Contact your instructor or our student services team
2. Formal Complaint: Submit a written complaint to our management team
3. External Mediation: If unresolved, disputes may be referred to an appropriate mediation service
4. Legal Action: Any legal proceedings must be initiated within 12 months of the incident

13. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting on our website. Material changes affecting existing students will be communicated via email with reasonable notice. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Termination

Either party may terminate the service agreement:

• By Student: With written notice subject to refund policy
• By Faint Gleam: For breach of terms, non-payment, or inappropriate conduct
• Effect of Termination: Access to materials and services ceases immediately

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that most closely achieves the intended effect.

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

18. Acknowledgement

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Faint Gleam regarding the use of our services.