Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts - PQA 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.
Any free trial (taster session) is strictly 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 of PQA entitles you to apply 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.
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.
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 9 or more consecutive weeks a reduced fee will then apply.
In order to avoid disturbing classes, you and your child are requested to arrive in good time. Entrance to classes may be barred to anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late
To comply with safeguarding regulations, 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.
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.
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.
The minimum membership period is 2 months. 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. 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 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.
We will suspend membership during the minimum membership period in the event that the child is unable to attend the Academy for more than one month due to his / her injury or illness. In the unfortunate event that it is medically no longer possible for the child to attend any PQA session we will cancel the minimum membership period without any further obligation to you. We may require suitable medical evidence in the form of a GP or hospital letter setting out the medical reasons.
Payment is due on the first of each month. Payment must be made by Direct Debit mandate. In the event that you fail to make the monthly membership and tuition fee payments when due or when notified of non-payment, the right to send the child to attend any PQA session will be withdrawn until payment is received and brought up to date.
Interest is payable (whether before or after judgement) on any sums not paid when due at the rate of 4% p.a. above the base lending rate of NatWest Group Bank calculated daily.
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 terminate your membership with immediate effect.
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 may terminate your membership and discontinue the child's entitlement to attend the Academy in the event of serious or repeated breach of these Membership rules.
This agreement may be terminated if either party is in serious breach of its obligations to the other.
We reserve the right to use any individual or group photographs or movie shots of your child for press or promotional purposes.
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 even entered into film festivals. By registering with PQA, you are agreeing to these terms of membership.
Bullying, harassment, abuse or other inappropriate behaviour by you, your child or guests is strictly forbidden and will result in exclusion and such other legal remedies as may be available.
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.
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.
If you have a complaint or concern that cannot be resolved via the Academy Principal please contact us privately and we will do our best to resolve the matter.
We reserve the right to make changes to these rules.
A four week notice period is required for termination of membership and can only be given in writing to PQA Ltd, P.O. Box 1305, High Wycombe. HP10 9YG or via email to [email protected]. The time of receipt (not sending) shall be the time of commencement of the notice period.
This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
