Terms and Conditions — Summary: The Essential School of Painting Ltd
Updated April 2026 to reflect Terms and Conditions Version 2.0
This is a summary of the main points from our full Terms and Conditions. The full Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings and can be found at: theessentialschoolofpainting.com/the-esop-terms-and-conditions/
This summary is provided for convenience. It does not replace the full Terms and Conditions, which you should read before booking. Where there is any difference between this summary and the full Terms, the full Terms apply.
Bookings and Payment
- A booking is confirmed once payment is received and your place is confirmed by us in writing.
- Course fees are shown clearly at the time of booking and must be paid in full unless a payment plan has been agreed in advance.
- Fees normally include tuition and basic studio resources. Where materials such as canvas are excluded, this is stated clearly on the course page.
- We accept payment by bank transfer, PayPal and WorldPay. We do not retain card details.
- Gift cards and vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, are non-refundable, and have no cash value except where required by law.
Your Right to Cancel and Refunds
- Statutory cooling-off period: If you book online or at a distance, you have a legal right to cancel within 14 calendar days of booking and receive a full refund, provided the course has not yet started. To cancel, email admin@theesop.com.
- Short courses and workshops — more than 14 days before the start: We will offer a refund less a £25 administration charge, or a free transfer to another course or date.
- Short courses and workshops — 14 days or fewer before the start: We are not normally able to offer a refund, but we will offer a transfer or credit note valid for 12 months where possible.
- Yearlong courses — before the course has begun (after cooling-off): we will refund fees paid, less any non-refundable deposit and any administration costs reasonably incurred.
- Yearlong courses — term payments — early in the year: we will not normally refund fees for the current term, but we will release you from the obligation to pay future terms. In exceptional circumstances we may offer a partial refund or credit.
- Yearlong courses — term payments — later in the year: we are not normally able to offer a refund. The Directors may agree a partial credit where the circumstances genuinely warrant it.
- Yearlong courses — annual fee paid upfront: where a student has paid the full annual fee and withdraws before the end of the year, the school will consider a partial refund of the unused portion, calculated proportionately to the point of withdrawal. The earlier in the year the withdrawal, the more likely a partial refund is to be agreed. No refund is normally available where withdrawal occurs in the final term.
- Exceptional circumstances: where serious medical, personal or family circumstances make continuation impossible, please speak to us as early as possible. We will always try to find a fair arrangement, regardless of how fees were paid.
- If we cancel: We will offer a full refund or a transfer to an equivalent course. If we cancel due to circumstances outside our control, our first commitment is to continue the course by alternative means where possible.
Course Changes
- We aim to deliver every course as advertised. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to content, tutors, schedules or venues where necessary.
- Where a change materially affects your experience, we will notify you promptly. If the change is substantial and you do not wish to continue, you may request a refund of fees paid for the remaining sessions.
- Occasional substitution of named tutors or visiting artists is normal in a programme led by practising professionals. Our commitment is to the quality and calibre of teaching.
Attendance and Conduct
- Students are expected to attend sessions they have enrolled on and to behave with respect toward tutors, fellow students, visiting artists and staff.
- We do not normally offer refunds for individual missed sessions where the absence is on your side.
- Discrimination, harassment and demeaning behaviour are not tolerated and are addressed under our Disciplinary Process.
- Where a student’s behaviour is seriously disruptive or unsafe, we may ask them to leave a session or withdraw from the course. Any refund in such circumstances is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Liability
Nothing in our Terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other matter where it would be unlawful to do so — including your rights as a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
- Subject to the above, our liability to you is limited to the amount you have paid for the course.
- We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, such as travel or accommodation costs if a course is cancelled or changed.
- Personal belongings and artwork brought to our premises are at your own risk. We do not insure students’ personal property.
Data Protection and Privacy
- We are a registered data controller (ICO registration ZB253159) and handle your personal data in accordance with UK data protection law.
- Full details of how we collect, use and protect your data, and your rights as a data subject, are set out in our Privacy Policy: theessentialschoolofpainting.com/the-essential-school-of-painting-privacy-policy/
- Details of how we use cookies on our website are set out in our Cookies Policy: theessentialschoolofpainting.com/the-essential-school-of-painting-cookie-policy/
Read the Full Terms and Conditions
This summary does not replace our full Terms and Conditions.
Please read the full Terms before booking:
theessentialschoolofpainting.com/the-esop-terms-and-conditions/
Summary updated April 2026 · Reflects Terms and Conditions Version 2.0 · Full T&Cs published at theessentialschoolofpainting.com/the-esop-terms-and-conditions/