This agreement sets out the terms and conditions that will govern the relationship between us, The Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA Ltd) and you, the Parent/Guardian. It is a legally binding agreement. These conditions are important to maintain standards and to ensure that all members gain the maximum benefit from their membership.

Terms and Conditions .

This agreement is made between PQA and the parent or guardian of each student who attends a PQA class, workshop or PQA event.

Joining PQA

  • Any free trial (taster session) is at the approval of the academy Principal, subject to availability and does not guarantee a place at PQA. A free trial may not be claimed in retrospect.

Membership and Tuition fees

  • Membership of PQA entitles you to send one child to one of the PQA sessions nationwide, it is possible to move from one academy to another should the need arise.
  • The minimum membership period is two months.
  • Payment is due on the first of each month. Payment must be made by Direct Debit mandate. If payment of membership fees or tuition fees is not made in full for any reason, we reserve the right to suspend or cancel your membership and to exclude your child from the academy.
    If your account falls into arrears on more than three occasions during any one calendar year we reserve the right to suspend or cancel your membership and to exclude your child from the academy.
  • At the end of the minimum membership period, your membership will automatically continue unless either party cancels by giving the other at least one month's notice.
  • We reserve the right to suspend or cancel your membership and to exclude your child from the academy in the event of serious or repeated breach of these terms and conditions.
  • You must pay the monthly membership subscription by Direct Debit for the minimum membership period unless your membership is terminated without liability, suspended or transferred in accordance with these terms.
  • PQA reserves the right to review and change our membership and tuition fees.
  • Fees are divided into academy tuition fees (£46.00 pcm) and Membership fees (£38.33 pcm plus VAT). VAT invoices are available on request. Discounted fees will vary. Class timetables, teachers and in some cases, Principals are subject to change from time to time without notice.

Academy sessions

  • We reserve the right to revert to online sessions (PQA Live) for any enforced closure outside of our control. This includes, but is not limited to, national and localised shutdown due to weather, pandemic, venue availability and lockdown. Where an academy is running physical face-to-face sessions, or a combination of physical face to face sessions and PQA Live sessions, the standard monthly fee applies and is payable via direct debit. Where an academy is running exclusively via PQA Live for a period of nine or more consecutive weeks a reduced fee will then apply.
  • All students participate in PQA activities at their own risk and the parent or guardian must make PQA aware of any known medical conditions or existing injuries.
  • The academy reserves the right to change the day, time and location of the sessions. Should this be restrictive to attendance the minimum notice period will be waived.
  • In order to avoid disturbing classes, you and your child are requested to arrive in good time. Entrance to classes may not be possible for anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late.

Conduct at academy

  • A teacher may, at any time, ask your child to leave a class if he/she is jeopardising the safety or enjoyment of others or their educational experience.
  • PQA has a student code of conduct which outlines what is expected of every child who comes to PQA to ensure that PQA is a positive experience for all.  The student code of conduct can be obtained from the academy.  Consistently not following this code of conduct may result in suspension or exclusion from the academy.
  • Students must be collected promptly at the end of their session. Students attending Poppets sessions with siblings in Main Academy must be picked up at the end of their Poppets session.
  • Film & Television is one of the core modules at PQA. Students make short films in teams, fulfilling roles as part of the film crew or acting in front of the camera. Films are shared by PQA online on our official channels, screened at local cinemas and sometimes entered into film festivals. By registering with PQA, you are agreeing to these terms of membership.
  • You and your child must treat all PQA members, children, staff and teachers with respect and consideration. PQA does not tolerate rude, offensive or aggressive remarks and behaviour in any way.
  • You must make yourself and your child aware of the health and safety rules of the venue and comply with the recommendations at all times.
  • Smoking, vaping and the bringing or consumption of alcohol and the use or being under the influence of illegal substances is not permitted anywhere in our academies.
  • It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that all contact details, medical information and emergency contact details are kept up to date.  This information can be updated by logging into the parent portal.
  • Each academy may also have its own additional rules of which you will be notified. Yourself, your child and any guests are required to observe these rules in full.

Giving notice

  • A four week notice period is required for termination of membership and can be given by logging into the parent portal and clicking “give notice”.
  • In the event that your child is unable to attend a scheduled PQA session, due to sickness (subject to the clause below), holiday, government restrictions or a decision by the Parent or Student not to attend, PQA is unable to offer any refund of fees paid, or make up the missed session.
  • In the unfortunate event that a child is medically no longer able to attend their PQA session, we will cancel the minimum membership period without any further obligation to you.
  • If a student is unwell or unable to attend a PQA session, the parent or guardian must make the Principal aware in advance of the session.  The parent can do this via the parent portal.
  • Any medications brought to PQA must be clearly labelled and the student must administer the medication themselves unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed with PQA in writing.
  • Students must wear suitable footwear and clothing when attending PQA. This includes a PQA t-shirt which must be worn during classes.
  • To the extent permitted by law, our liability to you, save in respect of death or personal injury caused by our negligence shall be limited to the total amount you have paid for your membership. The liability of PQA does not extend beyond the time that our classes are held.
  • If you have a complaint or concern that cannot be resolved via the academy Principal, please contact the customer support team at PQA head office.  All complaints will be managed according to our complaints policy which you can find here.

General

  • These terms and conditions apply to all PQA classes, events, workshops and services supplied by PQA. To participate in PQA activities and classes you are required to consent to these terms and conditions.
  • This agreement may be cancelled if either party is in serious breach of its obligations to the other.
  • It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that their child’s emergency contact details are kept up to date via the parent portal.
  • PQA take no responsibility for the loss or any damage to a student’s belongings.
  • If any of the provisions above are found to be unlawful or unenforceable, those provisions will be deemed severed from the remainder of this agreement.

This agreement shall be governed by and constructed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any dispute proceedings or claim shall fall within the jurisdiction of the English courts.

  • We reserve the right to make changes to these rules.