Stonebridge Colleges

Costal26

Hello, I’d be grateful for some advice.

I started a course with Stonebridge and was over half way through. Due to different reasons, I was concerned that I would need more time and wanted to know if there might be a time limit on the course and contacted my tutor for advice. She informed me that “as a private learner there is no time limit and you can submit coursework as and when”.

I continued to upload documents and add written parts, albeit not submit an assessment for marking. 

I then tried to gain access to my course, to find that it has expired a year ago. I contacted Stonebridge for advice and they told me the course had expired and there was nothing they could do.

I sent them the message from my tutor along with evidence to show that I had been able to access my course past the supposed expiry date.  

After investigating, Stonebridge confirmed that their tutor was incorrect in the advice given. They also confirmed that their systems did not inform people when courses expired and allowed people to access them past an expiry date. Basically, the errors are all theirs.

I have asked to be able to finish the course but they informed me that I would have to start the course again but they would not charge me for this. I informed them I do not wish to start this again and lose all the time and work previously done. I have asked for a full refund of the course given that the errors have been solely on their part but they have refused.

Can anyone advise where I stand on this and if there is any legal way I can request a refund. I do not know if they are bound by an ombudsman at all.


Thank you. 

DullGreyGuy

What stops you just resubmitting the previous work so you ultimately pick up where you left off?

Costal26

They have said that the course content has changed so I’ll need so it all again sadly.

sheramber

 informed them I do not wish to start this again and lose all the time and work previously done. I

How would you lose the work you have already done?

Either you have copies or you have already lost it, once it was submitted.

Costal26

As stated above, the course content has changed and they have confirmed that I need to start the course from scratch. Just trying to get some advice on where I stand on things.

born_again

Costal26 said:

Hello, I’d be grateful for some advice.

I started a course with Stonebridge and was over half way through. Due to different reasons, I was concerned that I would need more time and wanted to know if there might be a time limit on the course and contacted my tutor for advice. She informed me that “as a private learner there is no time limit and you can submit coursework as and when”.

I continued to upload documents and add written parts, albeit not submit an assessment for marking. 

I then tried to gain access to my course, to find that it has expired a year ago. I contacted Stonebridge for advice and they told me the course had expired and there was nothing they could do.

I sent them the message from my tutor along with evidence to show that I had been able to access my course past the supposed expiry date.  

After investigating, Stonebridge confirmed that their tutor was incorrect in the advice given. They also confirmed that their systems did not inform people when courses expired and allowed people to access them past an expiry date. Basically, the errors are all theirs.

I have asked to be able to finish the course but they informed me that I would have to start the course again but they would not charge me for this. I informed them I do not wish to start this again and lose all the time and work previously done. I have asked for a full refund of the course given that the errors have been solely on their part but they have refused.

Can anyone advise where I stand on this and if there is any legal way I can request a refund. I do not know if they are bound by an ombudsman at all.


Thank you. 

So how long ago did the course start? A proper time line will help with guidance.

Given you were over half way through? Just how much over?

TBH, I think that these courses are usually over a defined period. Say 1/2 years. So there is no still being able to run for longer.
So you are really looking at goodwill refund here from them, & given the course has now changed. Seems they have ruled that out.

sheramber

If the course has changed  you  will probably gain new knowledge and the bits you already know will allown you to do it quicker.