Terms and Conditions

Creative Language Academy

Introduction and Guiding Principles

Thank you for selecting CL Academy for your learning needs. We cannot wait to get started!

At CL Academy, we ensure high quality instruction through personally developed teaching methods, small class sizes, and a friendly environment. We hope you enjoy your time with our school, and continue to let us be part of your learning journey. Our instructors look closely at each student’s goals, how they learn, and what they need to succeed.

1. Enrolment and Commencement

  • Course Availability: All classes (PLANS and Tuitions) run subject to sufficient enrolments and instructor availability.
  • Confirmation: A confirmation email will be sent to you prior to commencement. Venue details are available one week before course start dates.
  • Right to Change: CL Academy reserves the right to change the class date, time, or instructor. Students will be notified of any changes by email or by phone.
  • Continuous Enrolment: New enrolment for Flexible Monthly Plans can occur at any time of the month, subject to class vacancy.

2. Flexible Monthly Plans (The Taster, The Hiker, The Mates, The Family Trek)

These terms apply specifically to all recurring monthly group learning PLANS.

2.1 Payment and Continuous Learning
  • Monthly Payment: Plans are charged as a monthly recurring fee on the day of initial sign-up and auto-renew on the same date each month thereafter. The service period runs from the billing date to the day before the next billing date.
  • Continuous Enrolment: Enrolment is continuous month-to-month, ensuring seamless access to your chosen sessions.
2.2 Cancellation, Downgrade, and Notice Period 
  • Mandatory Notice Period: All Flexible Monthly Plans require a minimum one (1) month written notice for cancellation or downgrade.
  • Cancellation Policy: If a student cancels their plan, the cancellation takes effect at the end of the month following the notice period. The student is liable for the full, regular price of the currently enrolled plan in the month used for the notice period.
  • Downgrade Policy: If a student wishes to downgrade (e.g., from The Hiker to The Taster), the downgrade will take effect in the month following the one-month notice period. The student is liable for the full, regular price of the current plan during the month used for the notice period.
  • Example: A student whose billing date is the 12th gives notice of cancellation on January 20, 2027. They will be charged the full monthly fee on February 12, 2027 (the notice period payment), and their service will terminate on March 11, 2027.
2.3 Group Class Attendance and Make-Up Classes
  • Minimum Class Enrolment: To maintain a collaborative environment, a minimum of two (2) students is required for a group class to proceed. If only one student is booked 24 hours prior, CL Academy reserves the right to cancel the session and invite the student to an alternative time.
  • Attendance: Plan fees grant access to the scheduled classes but do not guarantee attendance. Class sizes are limited to 6 students. For unlimited plans (The Hiker), access applies to all available sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. CL Academy reserves the right to manage capacity to ensure quality for all participants.
  • Missed Classes: If a group class is missed, CL Academy will not be responsible for “make-up” classes. There are no cancellations or refunds for missed group sessions. Students are encouraged to attend one of the other available weekly sessions to cover the content.
2.4 Scheduled Breaks
  • School Closures: In the event of a scheduled school closure exceeding 7 days (e.g., teacher holidays or Christmas break), monthly billing will be paused or prorated for that period to ensure you are not charged for weeks when classes are not running.
2.5 Suspension of Membership (Plan Pause)
  • Request for Pause: Students enrolled in a Flexible Monthly Plan may request a temporary suspension of their membership (a “Pause”) for personal reasons, such as extended travel.
  • Duration Limit: Membership Pauses are strictly limited to a maximum of two (2) complete billing months (60 days total) within any 12-month period.
  • Billing Cycle Requirement: Pauses must be applied to complete billing cycles only and must be requested in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the relevant billing date.
  • Automatic Resumption: The plan and automatic billing will automatically resume at the end of the requested pause period.
2.6 Public Holidays 

CL Academy does not operate regular group or private classes on NSW Public Holidays.

  • For Monthly Plans: The recurring monthly fee is a flat-rate calculation distributed across the calendar year. Therefore, billing continues as normal and is not reduced, prorated, or refunded for months containing public holidays.
2.7 The Family Trek Eligibility

Enrolment under “The Family Trek” plan is strictly limited to family members residing at the same physical billing address as the primary account holder. CL Academy reserves the right to request proof of residency or update billing if this condition is not met.

3. Private and Semi-Private Tuitions (Language Packs)

These terms apply to all fixed-hour language packs (The Taster, The Walker, The Hiker, The Travellers, Children/Teenagers).

  • Pack Validity: Tuition packs have fixed expiration dates, regardless of when classes are used:
  • 10-hour pack (The Taster): expires after 3 months from the date of purchase.
  • 15-hour pack (The Walker): expires after 5 months from the date of purchase.
  • 20-hour pack (The Hiker): expires after 8 months from the date of purchase.
  • Missed Classes (Notice Required): If a private or semi-private class is missed without 24 hours’ notice, the class will be charged at the full rate. If notice is given before 24 hours, the class can be rescheduled or cancelled.

4. General Refund and Withdrawal Policy

4.1 Withdrawal Prior to Commencement

If withdrawing from a course or plan before the commencement date, students are eligible for a full refund minus the $50 administration fee paid as a deposit/enrolment fee. This request must be made in writing.

4.2 Refunds after Commencement 

Please choose carefully. Under Australian Consumer Law, after the service (Plan or Pack) has commenced, CL Academy does not provide a refund if you have a change in circumstances or make a wrong selection. Fees are not transferable to another student.

4.3 Course Cancellation by CL Academy

In the unlikely event that CL Academy is not able to run a course or provide a service, a full refund will be given for the unused portion. Refunds will be made within two weeks of the cancelled date.

4.4 Teacher Absence

If a teacher is unable to attend class, a replacement teacher will be organised in advance by CL Academy. If, due to exceptional circumstances, a teacher is unable to attend, the service period (Plan or Pack validity) will be extended to compensate.

4.5 Force Majeure and Emergency Closures

In the event of circumstances beyond the reasonable control of CL Academy, including but not limited to floods, extreme weather events, or government-mandated closures, CL Academy reserves the right to move in-person classes to an online format or suspend services temporarily. 

  • Short-term (1–14 days): No refunds or credits are issued for disruptions lasting up to 14 days.
  • Extended (15–30 days): If closure exceeds 14 days, recurring billing will be paused until classes resume.

Long-term (30+ days): If closure exceeds 30 days, either party may terminate the agreement via written notice. Any pre-paid, unused portions of the current billing cycle will be credited or refunded.

5. Intellectual Property and Non-Competition

5.1 Materials

All curriculum structures, digital resources, and teaching materials provided by CL Academy are proprietary and intended for the student’s personal use only. Redistribution or commercial use of these materials is strictly prohibited.

5.2 Non-Solicitation (Contractors/Teachers)

All instructors at CL Academy operate under professional agreements that prohibit the private solicitation of CL Academy students. Students agree not to enter into private teaching arrangements with CL Academy instructors outside of the Academy’s official booking and payment systems.