Student Protection & Consumer Policy

1. STUDENT PROTECTION PLAN

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, 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• A programme is withdrawn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A programme may be withdrawn due to: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:

• Email
• 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).