TERMS & CONDITIONS

General

1. Hess Academy (the “Academy”) reserves the right to cancel a tuition session when necessary. In such cases, a refund (full or pro-rata) will be provided for fees paid.

2. The Academy accepts no liability for any personal property loss or injury.

3. The Academy reserves the right to dismiss any student from the program if their behavior causes severe disruption to other students or staff. Depending on the severity, a warning letter may or may not be issued.

4. Parents or guardians are liable for any damage caused by the student to the premises where classes are conducted.

Fees and Payment

5. The Academy adopts a term-based billing system. Students are billed for the entire term during the first week of the academic term. There will be no pro-rating, refund, or crediting of fees for missed lessons.

6. A materials fee is charged in addition to lesson fees. This does not apply to Trial Lessons or Holiday Workshops. 

7. All invoices must be settled before the first lesson. Students with unpaid fees will not be permitted to attend class.

8. Promotional discounts offered at registration apply only to the first term unless otherwise agreed upon with the Academy.

Student Attendance & Make-Up Lessons

9. No refunds are provided for student absences. Students will receive lesson materials and may choose one of the following options:

(a) Attend a parallel class for the same level and subject later in the week at any branch with available lessons.

(b) Receive a recording of the missed lesson.

(c) Arrange a make-up session to complete worksheets/materials, subject to teacher availability, within one week of the missed lesson.
 

Centre Closures

10. The Academy will be closed on Public Holidays unless otherwise notified. Specific closure dates are outlined in the Academic Calendar.

11. The Academy will also close during the final two weeks of December and reopen on January 2nd.

Teacher Absences

12. In the event of teacher absences, students will receive lesson materials and can choose one of the following:

(a) Attend a parallel class for the same level and subject later in the week at any branch.

(b) Receive a recording of the missed lesson.

(c) Arrange a make-up session, subject to teacher availability, within one week of the missed lesson.

Withdrawal and Dropping of Subjects

13. Students withdrawing from the Academy must submit a withdrawal form at least seven days before the new term begins. Students are expected to complete all remaining classes in the current term, with no pro-rating or refund of fees. Failure to withdraw before the term’s start will result in automatic enrollment for the following term.

Holiday Workshops

14. During the March, June, September, and December school holidays, optional crash courses are available for additional revision and practice. These workshops are chargeable and not included in regular term fees. 

15. All fees must be paid before the first lesson of the holiday workshop. Students with unpaid fees will not be permitted to attend the lessons.

16. No refunds are provided for student absences. Students will receive lesson materials and may choose one of the following options:

(a) Attend a parallel class for the same level and subject later in the week at any branch with available lessons.

(b) Receive a recording of the missed lesson.

(c) Arrange a make-up session to complete worksheets/materials, subject to teacher availability, within one week of the missed lesson.

Online Lessons

17. Parents of students in online classes consent to our cameras-on policy and agree to ensure their child’s camera remains on throughout the lesson.

18. Some online classes may be recorded for student review. These recordings are non-downloadable and expire one month after the lesson.

19. Students in online classes may opt for softcopy or hardcopy materials. Hardcopy requests must be made at least 72 hours in advance. The Academy is not responsible for postage delays but will resend lost materials at no extra charge.

20. Parents agree not to share, copy, or distribute lesson materials to anyone other than the enrolled student.

Others

21. Except for Clause 1, the Academy maintains a strict NO REFUND policy.

22. By submitting the registration form, you consent to the Academy collecting, using, and disclosing your personal data for:

(a) Conducting classes, including arranging make-up lessons and sending materials or online class instructions.

(b) Sending marketing materials to keep you informed about our programs.

23. Parents consent to the Academy using photographs and results of their child for marketing and publication purposes.

Trial Classes

24. Trial lessons are chargeable, and fees must be paid before the lesson. Students with unpaid fees will not be permitted to attend the trial lesson.

25. Fees paid for trial lessons are non-refundable. However, students unable to attend the trial lesson may opt to:

(a) Attend a make-up session within the same week.

(b) Attend a subsequent lesson within four weeks of the original trial lesson date.

Photography and Videography Consent

26. Hess Academy (“the Academy”) may take photographs, video recordings, or other forms of media (“Recordings”) of students during classes, events, and other Academy-related activities. These Recordings may be used by the Academy for purposes including, but not limited to, internal documentation, staff training, publicity, marketing, and other legitimate business purposes, whether in print, digital, or online media.

27. In accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), such Recordings may constitute personal data. By enrolling a child at the Academy, parents and/or guardians acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of their child’s personal data (including images and videos) by the Academy for the purposes stated above.

28. Parents or guardians who do not consent to the use of their child’s photographs or video recordings for publicity or marketing purposes may opt out by submitting a written notice to the Academy. In the absence of such written notice, consent shall be deemed to have been given.

29. The Academy will take reasonable measures to ensure that all personal data, including photographs and videos, are managed and protected in accordance with the PDPA.