Updated: Monday, January 5, 2026
(This version replaces all previous versions, including those dated November 9, 2023)
1. About us
Essential School of Painting is an independent art school based in London, offering studio-based and online courses, workshops, and related programmes for adults.
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which we provide our courses and services. By booking a course or making a payment, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
2. Who these Terms apply to
These Terms apply to all individuals booking or attending:
- Short courses
- Year-long courses
- Online courses
- Workshops
- Talks or events
- Any other educational services provided by Essential School of Painting
Some courses may also be subject to additional policies (for example, Codes of Conduct or studio rules). Where applicable, these will be made available separately.
3. Booking and contract formation
A booking is made when you complete the booking process and payment is received.
A legally binding contract is formed once we confirm your place, either by email or other written confirmation.
We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking where it is reasonable to do so, including where eligibility requirements are not met.
4. Fees and payment
- All course fees are clearly stated at the time of booking.
- Payment must be made in full unless a payment plan has been agreed in advance.
- Fees are payable via the payment methods we make available, including PayPal.
- Fees normally include tuition and basic studio resources; materials such as canvas may be excluded and will be stated clearly where applicable.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may be subject to change for future courses.
5. Statutory cancellation rights (cooling-off period)
If you book a course online or at a distance, you have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of booking and receive a full refund, provided the course has not yet started.
If the course begins within the 14-day period and you have asked us to begin providing the service during that time, you may lose your right to cancel once the course has started.
This section does not affect your rights under UK consumer law.
6. Cancellations outside the cooling-off period
If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, the following applies:
- More than 14 days before the course start date:
A refund may be offered, less an administrative fee. - 14 days or fewer before the course start date:
Refunds are not normally offered, but we may, at our discretion, offer:- A transfer to another course, or
- Credit for future use
Once a course has started, refunds are not normally available.
These provisions reflect the costs involved in preparing and delivering courses.
7. Course transfers and substitutions
- Requests to transfer to a different course or date must be made in writing.
- Transfers are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee.
- We reserve the right to refuse transfer requests where it would be unreasonable to accommodate them.
Places are personal and may not be transferred to another individual without our written agreement.
8. Changes to courses
We aim to deliver courses as advertised, but sometimes changes are unavoidable.
We reserve the right to:
- Make reasonable changes to course content, structure, tutors, or timetable
- Change course venues where necessary
- Cancel or postpone a course if circumstances require
If we cancel a course, you will be offered a full refund or an alternative where available.
9. Attendance and conduct
Participants are expected to:
- Treat tutors, staff, and fellow students with respect
- Follow studio rules and health and safety guidance
- Respect shared spaces and other students’ work
We reserve the right to remove a participant from a course, without refund, where behaviour is disruptive, unsafe, or breaches our Codes of Conduct.
10. Health, safety, and personal responsibility
You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically able to take part in a course.
We are not responsible for injury or loss caused by failure to follow instructions or safety guidance.
Personal belongings are brought to the premises at your own risk.
11. Intellectual property
- Copyright in course materials remains with Essential School of Painting or the relevant tutor.
- You may not reproduce or distribute course materials without permission.
- You retain copyright in your own artwork.
We may photograph or film classes for documentation or promotional purposes. Please let us know if you do not wish to appear in such material.
12. Liability
Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for:
- Death or personal injury caused by negligence
- Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
- Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law
Subject to the above, our liability is limited to the amount paid for the course.
We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss.
13. Data protection
We process personal data in accordance with UK data protection law.
Further information about how we use personal data, cookies, and analytics is available in our Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy.
14. Vouchers and gift cards
- Gift cards and vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase unless stated otherwise.
- Vouchers may be used only on the Essential School of Painting website.
- Vouchers are non-refundable and have no cash value, except where required by law.
- Refunds may be requested within the statutory cooling-off period, provided the voucher has not been used.
15. Complaints
If you have a concern or complaint, please contact us via our website.
We aim to deal with complaints fairly, promptly, and constructively.
16. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
17. Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time.
The version published on our website at the time of booking will apply to your course.
18. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please get in touch via our contact page: