Terms & Conditions of Service

01. Acceptance of Terms & Company Overview

Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms") carefully. By accessing ukbrightminds.org, scheduling an introductory session, or booking one-to-one tutoring, you ("Client", "Parent", or "Student") agree to be legally bound by these Terms and our related policies, including our Privacy Policy and Safeguarding Policy.

UK Bright Minds operates an online educational tutoring service connecting UK students in Key Stage 3 and GCSE (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) with vetted STEM tutors.

02. Free 30-Minute Introductory Lesson Terms

We believe every parent and student should meet their teacher and experience a live session before making any financial commitment:

• Zero Cost & Zero Payment Details: You are not required to enter payment card details or make any deposit to reserve a 30-minute trial session.
• Zero Obligation: You are under no obligation to purchase further lessons following your introductory session.
• Eligibility: The free 30-minute trial is limited to one per student/family to ensure equitable availability for all new learners.
• Session Content: The introductory session includes a discussion of target grades and tricky topics, a short interactive demonstration lesson, and an honest assessment of learning goals.

03. Parental Authority & Minors (Under 18s)

Because our services cater to GCSE students who are typically between 13 and 18 years of age:

• Contracting Party: Only parents, legal guardians, or individuals aged 18 or older may enter into agreements, book lessons, or pay for sessions on behalf of a student.
• Parental Supervision: A parent or responsible adult must be present at home during online lessons and ensure the student connects from a communal or quiet study area (not an isolated bedroom).
• Communications: All scheduling, feedback reports, and payment correspondence will be sent directly to the parent's registered email address (hello@ukbrightminds.org).

04. Tutoring Delivery & Technical Requirements

All lessons are conducted live via secure virtual video classrooms:

• Client Equipment: The client is responsible for providing a stable broadband internet connection, a computer or tablet with an operational webcam, working microphone, and a quiet, well-lit study environment.
• Punctuality: Lessons begin and conclude at the agreed time. If a student is late, the session will still end at the scheduled time to respect the tutor's subsequent commitments.
• Technical Issues: If a lesson is significantly disrupted due to technical faults on our tutor's side, we will reschedule the missed time free of charge or provide a credit.

05. Code of Conduct & Student Safety

We maintain a safe, welcoming, and high-standard academic atmosphere:

• Mutual Respect: Tutors, students, and parents must treat one another with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Abusive language, harassment, or discrimination will result in immediate termination of the service without refund.
• Strict Prohibition on Direct Off-Platform Contact: Tutors and minor students are strictly prohibited from exchanging personal phone numbers, social media handles, gaming gamertags, or engaging in private chat outside official UK Bright Minds channels.
• Lesson Monitoring: For safety and quality verification, lessons may be audited by our Designated Safeguarding Lead in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.

06. Fees, Billing & Continuing Lessons

If, after the free 30-minute session, you choose to proceed with ongoing one-to-one tutoring:

• Clear Transparent Pricing: Lesson fees are clearly presented and agreed in writing before any paid sessions commence. There are no hidden platform booking fees or sign-up levies.
• Invoicing: Paid sessions are billed in advance per lesson or via multi-lesson study packages.
• Secure Payment: Payments must be processed through our authorized invoicing methods. Tutors are not permitted to accept direct cash, bank transfers, or off-platform payments from clients.

07. Rescheduling, Cancellations & Refunds

We provide fair, flexible scheduling for busy UK families:

• Free Trial Rescheduling: Free 30-minute sessions can be rescheduled at any time through the Calendly link in your confirmation email or by emailing hello@ukbrightminds.org.
• 24-Hour Notice for Paid Lessons: Notice of at least 24 hours is required to reschedule a paid lesson without charge. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged in full to fairly compensate the tutor's reserved time.
• 14-Day Statutory Cooling-Off Period: Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, parents purchasing lesson packages have 14 days to cancel unused hours for a full refund.
• For complete details, please see our dedicated Cancellation & Refund Policy.

08. Academic Disclaimers & Exam Outcomes

While UK Bright Minds tutors are experienced educators passionate about boosting student confidence and exam technique:

Our tutors provide targeted subject clarity, proven past-paper strategies, and structured support, but parents acknowledge that educational progress is collaborative.

09. Intellectual Property

All educational materials, diagnostic tests, revision cheat sheets, diagrams, logos, and digital content produced by UK Bright Minds and hosted on ukbrightminds.org remain our exclusive intellectual property.

Students are granted a personal, non-commercial licence to use lesson notes and worksheets for their own personal GCSE revision. Re-distribution, re-selling, or publishing our materials online is strictly prohibited.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by English law, UK Bright Minds shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential losses, including missed educational admissions or third-party exam results.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

11. Governing Law, Jurisdiction & Inquiries

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction.