Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 22 September 2025

1. Introduction

1.1 These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your relationship with Direct Skills when enrolling in and using our online learning services.

1.2 By enrolling on a course with Direct Skills, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.3 These Terms are designed in line with UK consumer law and international best practice for online education providers.

2. Definitions

• “Course”: any programme, unit or learning material offered online by Direct Skills.
• “Enrolment”: confirmation of your place on a Course following receipt of payment.
• “Services”: all educational and support services provided by Direct Skills.
• “Start Date”: the official date your Course begins, as confirmed in your enrolment letter.

3. Enrolment & contract formation

3.1 Enrolment becomes binding once Direct Skills issues written confirmation (email or portal notification).

3.2 For online courses, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of enrolment to cancel. Any refund in this period will always be processed strictly in accordance with the Direct Skills Refund Policy.

3.3 If you access course materials during the cooling-off period, Direct Skills may make a proportionate deduction to reflect use, and any refund will always be guided by the Refund Policy.

4. Fees & payments

4.1 Fees are published on our website or course brochure and must be paid in full (or by agreed instalments) before or at the time of enrolment.

4.2 Failure to pay instalments on time may result in suspension of access to course materials until payment is made.

4.3 Refunds will always be processed strictly in accordance with the Direct Skills Refund Policy.

5. Course delivery & changes

5.1 All courses are delivered online through Direct Skills’ digital platforms.

5.2 Direct Skills may update or improve course content to ensure relevance and compliance with awarding body standards.

5.3 In the unlikely event a course is cancelled, refunds (if applicable) will always be processed strictly in accordance with the Refund Policy.

6. Learner responsibilities

6.1 You must:

• provide accurate information at enrolment;
• keep your login details secure and not share access with others;
• engage with the course by completing assignments, attending scheduled online sessions (where applicable) and following academic integrity rules.

6.2 Breach of these responsibilities may result in suspension or termination of your enrolment.

7. Intellectual property & materials

7.1 All course materials are the intellectual property of Direct Skills or its licensors.

7.2 You are granted a licence for personal, non-commercial use only.

7.3 Copying, distribution or resale of materials is strictly prohibited.

8. Data protection & privacy

8.1 Direct Skills processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and international data protection standards.

8.2 By enrolling, you consent to Direct Skills processing your data for academic, administrative and regulatory purposes.

8.3 Full details are provided in Direct Skills’ Privacy Policy.

9. Quality assurance & complaints

9.1 Direct Skills is committed to delivering high-quality online education aligned with awarding body requirements.

9.2 We operate internal quality assurance processes to ensure fairness, reliability and consistency in assessment.

9.3 Learners have the right to raise concerns or complaints in line with Direct Skills’ Complaints Policy.

10. Limitation of liability

10.1 Direct Skills’ liability is limited to the value of the fees paid for the course, except where liability cannot be excluded by law (for example, negligence causing personal injury or death).

10.2 Direct Skills does not guarantee employment or professional recognition as an outcome of course completion unless specifically stated.

11. Termination & suspension

11.1 Direct Skills reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrolment for:

• non-payment of fees;
• academic misconduct (for example, plagiarism or collusion);
• breach of conduct policies.

11.2 In such cases, refunds (if any) will always be processed strictly in accordance with the Direct Skills Refund Policy.

12. Amendments to Terms

12.1 Direct Skills may amend these Terms to reflect legal, regulatory or operational changes.

12.2 Any updates will be published on our website, and continued enrolment implies acceptance.

13. Governing law

These Terms are governed by and interpreted under the laws of England and Wales. Learners outside the UK may also have rights under local consumer protection laws.