Student Protection & Consumer Policy
1. STUDENT PROTECTION PLAN
(Draft – Pending OfS Registration Outcome)
1. Purpose
Citiedge College is committed to protecting the continuity and quality of the student learning experience.
As a developing education provider progressing external approvals (including awarding body recognition and regulatory registration), this Student Protection Plan sets out the measures in place to safeguard students in the unlikely event that:
- A programme does not commence
- A programme is withdrawn
- Delivery arrangements change
- External approval is not obtained
2. Scope
This plan applies to:
- Applicants
- Offer holders
- Enrolled students
Across all proposed and future programmes.
3. Key Risks Identified
As an early-stage provider, the main potential risks are:
a) Programme Non-Commencement
A proposed programme may not proceed if:
- Awarding body approval is not granted
- Regulatory registration is delayed
- Minimum cohort size is not met
b) Programme Withdrawal
A programme may be withdrawn due to:
- External approval changes
- Partner withdrawal
- Strategic review
c) Changes to Delivery Arrangements
Changes may include:
- Mode of study
- Delivery location
- Validation or awarding partner
d) Institutional Change
In rare cases:
- Delay in regulatory approvals
- Organisational restructuring
4. Measures to Protect Students
Citiedge College will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption by:
Before Enrolment
- Clearly identifying programmes that are proposed or subject to approval
- Communicating approval status transparently
- Avoiding enrolment into programmes lacking required approvals
If a Programme Cannot Proceed
Students will be offered:
- Transfer to an alternative programme (where available)
- Deferred entry
- Withdrawal with refund
5. Refunds
Where a programme does not commence due to:
- Non-approval
- Institutional change
- External dependency
Students will be eligible for:
- Full refund of tuition fees paid
- Refund of deposits (where applicable)
In line with the College Refund Policy.
6. Transfers
Where possible, Citiedge College will support:
- Transfer to equivalent programmes
- Transfer to partner institutions (if applicable)
- Academic records support for onward study
7. Communication
Students will be informed promptly of:
- Any programme changes
- Approval delays
- Withdrawal decisions
Communication methods:
- Website updates
- Direct contact
8. Support
Students affected by disruption will be offered:
- Academic guidance
- Progression advice
- Administrative support
9. Review
This Student Protection Plan will be:
- Reviewed annually
- Updated following regulatory developments
- Aligned with future OfS requirements upon registration
2. CONSUMER PROTECTION & INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY POLICY
1. Purpose
Citiedge College is committed to providing clear, accurate and transparent information to prospective and current students.
This policy supports fair decision-making and ensures that:
- Marketing and course information is not misleading
- Regulatory status is clearly communicated
- Students understand their rights
2. Regulatory Status Transparency
Citiedge College currently:
- Does not hold degree awarding powers
- Is progressing external approvals
- Is developing future higher education provision
All programme delivery is subject to:
- Awarding body approval
- Regulatory registration
- Formal partnership arrangements
3. Accuracy of Information
The College aims to ensure that information about:
- Courses
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- Delivery methods
is:
- Up-to-date
- Clearly labelled where proposed
- Not presented as guaranteed
Indicative or proposed information will be identified accordingly.
4. Programme Information
Where programmes are described as:
- Proposed
- Planned
- Subject to approval
Students will be informed that such programmes are not yet confirmed for delivery.
5. Fees Transparency
All published fees:
- Are indicative where labelled “proposed”
- Do not constitute a binding offer
- Will be confirmed in formal offer documentation
No hidden charges will be applied beyond those communicated at enrolment.
6. Admissions Transparency
Applicants will be informed of:
- Programme approval status
- Any external dependencies
- Entry criteria
Applications submitted before approval are treated as expressions of interest.
7. Visa & Sponsorship Information
Citiedge College provides guidance to international applicants.
Visa sponsorship arrangements apply only where:
- Required approvals are obtained
- Sponsorship responsibilities are in place
Students will be informed of sponsorship status before enrolment.
8. Complaints
Students may raise concerns regarding:
- Information accuracy
- Admissions decisions
- Programme changes
Through the College Complaints Procedure.
9. Student Rights
Students have the right to:
- Clear information
- Fair treatment
- Transparent processes
10. Review
This policy will be reviewed:
- Annually
- Following regulatory developments
- Upon OfS registration (if granted).