This policy applies to all employers with apprentices whose apprenticeship is delivered by Babington Business College Limited. It outlines the approach to cancellation, non-attendance, and resit fees chargeable to the employer, ensuring compliance with the guidance provided by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). An exemption to this policy applies when commercial arrangements have been agreed upon via a formal tender; in such cases, the terms outlined in the tender response will take precedence. In all cases Babington Business College will ensure compliance with the ESFA’s funding rules.
Whilst we understand that cancellations may sometimes be unavoidable, we must balance these costs against the commercial viability of our programmes. We work closely with third-party suppliers, such as Awarding Organisations and End Point Assessment Organisations, to deliver these services. Whenever possible, we will endeavour to secure alternative dates at no additional cost. However, if a learner cancels or fails to attend an examination, assessment, or any similar requirement (including functional skills) for any reason, resulting in Babington Business College incurring a cancellation fee, we will invoice the employer for the amount of the fee plus a £25 administration fee.
Mandatory Qualifications including Functional Skills: Where the examination, assessment or similar requirement (including functional skills) is a mandatory qualification as detailed in the Apprenticeship assessment plan prescribed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, Babington Business College will fund one-resit. If the learner requires any further resits, these must be funded by the employer. Babington will invoice the employer for the cost of any subsequent resits, and reserves the right to apply a £25 administration fee.
Non-Mandatory Qualifications: With the exception of Level 7 accountancy examination resits (which are fully funded by the employer) Babington will fund one resit. If the learner requires any further resits, these must be funded by the employer. Babington will invoice the employer for the cost of any subsequent resits, and reserves the right to apply a £25 administration fee.
End Point Assessment: Babington will fund one resit. If the learner requires any further resits, these must be funded by the employer. Prior to booking any subsequent resits, Babington will confirm with the employer that they are content to fund these. Babington will invoice the employer for the cost of any subsequent resits, and reserves the right to apply a £25 administration fee.
Babington Business College will communicate this policy to all employers. This ensures transparency and understanding of potential fees associated with cancellations, non-attendance, and resits.
If an employer believes a fee has been incorrectly applied, they may submit a written dispute to Babington Business College within 30 days of the invoice date. Babington will review the dispute and provide a written response within 15 business days. Any adjustments to fees, if warranted, will be made accordingly.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with ESFA guidelines and any other regulatory changes. Employers will be notified of any updates or changes to the policy in a timely manner.