Correspondence course refund refused

witchypoo

I hope this is posted in the right place.
I'm currently trying to tie up all loose ends and came across a correspondence course I purchased 7 years ago, which you can complete in as long as you like - I even checked 2 years ago that I hadn't run out of time but no they confirmed that I can take as long as I like. I have never even sent in my answer sheet for the first lesson so I never actually began it. It cost me £120 for the course and as it is no longer suitable for me I wrote the following email requesting a refund:

In 2000 I purchased an A&P Course which I never got around to commencing. I have since found out that it is not suitable for my requirements and had to complete the ITEC Level III course which cost me a further £175 from my local college.

As I have paid for this course from your College and not commenced it, I therefore wish to request a refund for the course. My Student Number is XXXXX and my address details which you will have on file remain the same.

Thanks for your attention to this matter

Today I received the following reply:

Thank you for your email.
We regret that a refund is not due for courses enrolled upon in 2000.
There is no time limit in which to complete your studies and a tutor is available on 01XXX XXXXXX to help with any queries you may have
With regards

Do I have a leg to stand on? I'm sure this is wrong, I paid them £120 for services not required - I realise this is no fault of theirs but surely if I don't use their service they owe me as a common courtesy my monies paid.
Does anyone with any legal knowledge have any advice for me for claiming this back successfully please?

Becles

You're not entitled to a refund because you have changed your mind.

jonesMUFCforever

IANAL but you have absolutely no chance of recovering any money here.

witchypoo

Thanks both of you, that's such a shame
I might just chance my arm anyway - nothing to lose unless I take it to small claims court which I most likely won't.

Becles

It would just get thrown out of a small claims court, so I wouldn't waste your money starting an action against the company.

Your only options are to either do the course, or write it off to experience!

jonesMUFCforever

If you take it to a small claims court you will lose more money (£30 court fee).

witchypoo

Yes thanks guys I know about the fees thats why I said most likely I won't.

CFC

witchypoo wrote: »

Yes thanks guys I know about the fees thats why I said most likely I won't.

As you have realised, they are under no legal obligation to give you your money back and no sane business would consider it for a second.

A route that may bring more luck is to check out what other courses they do and see if they will transfer you at no cost to a different course which might still be useful. As that doesn't cost them anything, they might be willing to help.

witchypoo

That's a fantastic idea, thanks! I'm surprised they didn't offer to do that for me. Cheers :T