Home Learning College - NOT RECOMMENDED!

Joshd1982

I wanted to do an entry-level accounting course, something totest the waters. I decided on the AAT level 1 course and after at my optionsHome Learning College appeared to offer the most suitable format.

The problems started immediately. After checking somedetails, with HLC and AAT, I was told that I would be able to book my exam assoon as I finished my course work. I am due to join the armed forces isSeptember, so I confirmed with several advisors that I would have no problemsin getting the work done and taking the exam.

After phoning up to purchase the course, I was told mydesignated advisor was busy and would phone back ASAP to process thetransaction. Part of his pitch was the fact that I’d be able to startimmediately! He didn’t. I had to chase him up and eventually one of the womenwho directed calls did it for me.

HLC later that day began calling my place of work, a numberI had called them off but had NOT provided for contact. They called severaltimes and caused me problems at work.

Once they had taken my initial payment, I was told I’d beable to start immediately. I couldn’t. Not only could I not access the onlinematerials, but when I finally could log in five days later, there were noonline materials for my course! Apparently AAT hadn’t made it available yet –something I wasn’t told at point of sale.

My printed course turned up – I paid £460 for my course. Theentire materials consisted of one book that retails at £18.99 on the AATwebsite.

I made a complaint about this, asked for a refund but wastold it was just teething problems. The course advisor guaranteed me therewould be no other issues. Ha!

A few days later I requested the payment code for my AATmembership. Nearly two weeks past and I had heard nothing, so I chased it upwith my advisor. Email ignored. I sentanother email and was told I’d receive the code that day. I didn’t. I sent anotheremail the following day and finally got my code some hours later.

I was then contacted by one of their ‘financial team’ to sayI was late with my second instalment. This caused confusion as it was supposedto be taken automatically. The lady told me this was not possible as they couldnot store my card details. This affected my credit rating. Fast forward a monthand HLC are magically able to charge my card, sending me overdrawn (I intendedto pay with a different card, as discussed with the woman who called). When Imade a complaint about this, they fobbed me off saying the payment had beendeclined. Strange , as I had just been paid, I myself paid using the same cardthe day later and my bank had no record of any rejected payments!

When I enquired about booking my final exam, my ‘tutor’ toldme had achieved a good mark in myassignment and would be able to book the exam. I had not completed anyassignments at this stage.

I requested a course date and heard nothing for a week. Ithen received a nonsensical email, with no dates or reference to my particularcourse. I waited another week then sent an email of complaint. No response. Ithen made a formal complaint, as it is now too late for me to be able tocomplete the course.

After reviewing my complaint, HLC decided they had causedsome inconvenience but ultimately had provided the service advertised.Apparently I was offered an extra months ‘tuition’ and….. a free NUS card!

I was told that thecourses have a two month turnaround for booking exams – something I wasspecifically lied to about when they sold me the course.

The advisor even messed up my complaint – emailing me aresponse to anther dissatisfied student.

After escalating my complaint, whatever that meant, theyoffered me a £70 gesture of goodwill.

I had problems with literally every stage of my course. The onlything they did efficiently was collect my money.

pearl123

There's a huge thread on home learning college on the student forum. Loads of unhappy customers.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2219989

honey10

That's shocking! Can you not have the payments reversed with your card provider and try a different approach?

kermitfrog

Don't know why people don't use the Open University, which is a reputable organisation.

pearl123

I would highly recommed the OU. Start at an opening course and then see if you can move through the levels and on the way you can gain, Higher education certificates, dipolmas and perhaps eventually a degree.

Joshd1982

I have used the open university before and agree they are far superior, however they don't off the course I want.

Not to mention I'm not eligible for funding and think the cost is a bit extortionate now they've put it up.

I'm not sure if there's anything I can do. I've contacted AAT and trading standards, so will wait and see I guess

johnnyboyrebel

Joshd1982 wrote: »

I have used the open university before and agree they are far superior, however they don't off the course I want.

I think this is the actual problem. HLC will purposely advertise every course the OU doesn't as it widens their scope of getting more customers. Whether or not they have the resources to offer that course is another question....

Joshd1982

They were actually recommended to me when I phoned AAT, that's the worrying thing!

It's almost comical how poor the service has been. I don't really understand how it can all be legal, as I have been outright lied to more than once by HLC!

johnnyboyrebel

Joshd1982 wrote: »

They were actually recommended to me when I phoned AAT, that's the worrying thing!

It's almost comical how poor the service has been. I don't really understand how it can all be legal, as I have been outright lied to more than once by HLC!

It was quite a funny read (sorry, it shouldn't be!) Just seemed to be one shambles after another.

Student30

I was sold Module one Basic accounting the old qualification at the cost of £895.00. I was told by the guy who came to my home I was signing on to the Full level certificate in accounting at that price. However in the middle of module one I called to ask for the next module because I felt I could study for two modules being out of work. I was told that the cost £895 only covered module one.

I had paid £400.00 via installment, when I refuse to pay the remaining £495.00 My details were sold to A credit collecting agency called Gothia's. After more than 5yr Gothia'e then sold it to MMF: National Doorstep & Legai Collection Specialists.

I wrote to AAT 5yr or more ago, they did nothing besides all the complains for students. I also wrote to HOME LEARNING COLLEGE they could not care. All they were concern with was destroying my credit history and after more than 5 yr still doing so.

Joshd1982

I also wrote to AAT as they recommended HLC to me in the first place. The advisor has said they will contact HLC on my behalf, but I think I know how that will go.

Trading standards are also a no go, so my only option really is to try and take them to court.

I do feel an idiot, as they are quite obviously a money grabbing company. No self respecting educational institute would bombard potential students with texts, emails and calls the way HLC does. Notice I said 'potential' students, because as soon as you enroll, that contact goes dramatically down!