Teaching Terms & Conditions
Please see the terms and conditions below for Jack’s teaching at St Michael’s Prep School, as well as for his private pupils.
Click a button to reveal the relevant terms:
Terms & conditions for St Michael’s pupils
Effective from 4 September 2025
1. General
1.1 These teaching terms govern all peripatetic music lessons delivered by Jack Bennett (hereafter “the teacher”) at St Michael’s Prep School, Otford, Kent (hereafter “the school”).
1.2 The school’s own guidance for individual music lessons is applicable; however, it is not considered part of this agreement and may be amended by the school at any time. In case of any conflict between the terms of this agreement and the school’s policy, this agreement shall prevail.
1.3 This agreement begins as soon as the Teaching Agreement form is submitted and remains in effect until terminated in accordance with Section 5.
1.4 These terms may be updated occasionally. It is the responsibility of the fee payer to review any updates provided with each new invoice.
1.5 Any lesson scheduled outside of the standard school week (Monday to Friday during term time) shall be deemed a private lesson and subject to the ‘Private Pupils’ Terms & Conditions, which is not covered by this agreement.
2. Payment of fees
2.1 Lesson fees are set and reviewed annually by the school and are payable directly to the teacher in advance of each term.
2.2 Payment must be made by bank transfer upon receipt of the emailed invoice. All invoices must be paid in full before the first lesson of each term.
2.3 Failure to pay by the specified deadline may result in the suspension of lessons until the outstanding balance is received in full.
2.4 Overdue invoices are subject to statutory interest and compensation as detailed on each invoice.
3. Missed lessons
3.1 If a pupil misses a scheduled lesson, that lesson is forfeit regardless of the reason for absence, including illness or school closure due to force majeure.
3.2 The teacher will make reasonable efforts to reschedule where possible, subject to availability, but this is not guaranteed. No refunds will be issued unless explicitly agreed by the teacher.
3.3 If the teacher cancels a lesson and it cannot be rearranged within the same term:
— For continuing pupils, the lesson will be deducted from the next invoice.
— If the pupil is leaving the school or ending lessons and has provided sufficient notice under Section 5, the lesson will be refunded by bank transfer to a nominated account.
4. Music exams
4.1 Pupils will only be entered for music exams upon mutual agreement between the teacher, the pupil, and their parent or carer.
4.2 The teacher reserves the right to withdraw underprepared pupils from an exam at any time.
4.3 Exam fees and any associated costs are to be paid by the parent or carer and are handled separately via the school.
5. Termination of tuition
5.1 If a pupil discontinues lessons, the parent or carer must provide a minimum of half a term’s written notice by email, with a copy sent to the Music Administrator.
5.2 This applies whether the pupil is leaving partway through the school year or moving on to a new school. Year 6 pupils are subject to this notice requirement.
5.3 Pupils reaching the end of Year 8 are exempt from the notice requirement.
5.4 If insufficient notice is given, the parent or carer will remain liable for payment for the following half term.
6. Online lessons
6.1 Online lessons will only be offered in the event of an exceptional circumstance affecting wider lesson delivery (e.g. national lockdown).
6.2 Online lessons are not available in cases of individual pupil illness or unavailability.
6.3 A parent or carer must be present at the start of each online lesson to provide verbal permission before teaching can begin.
6.4 Pupils and their households must ensure that everything visible on camera – including clothing, surroundings, and other individuals – is appropriate for a school music lesson.
6.5 The teacher will not record online lessons, and they must not be recorded by the pupil or parent unless specifically agreed in writing.
6.6 If a technical issue renders a lesson ineffective, it may continue by phone or other means, or the remaining time may be forfeited.
These arrangements are based on mutual fairness, clarity, and understanding.
Terms & conditions for private pupils
Effective from 7 July 2025
1. General
1.1 These teaching terms govern all private music lessons delivered by Jack Bennett (hereafter “the teacher”).
1.2 This agreement begins as soon as the Teaching Agreement form is submitted and remains in effect until terminated in accordance with Section 5.
1.3 Private lessons typically take place at the teacher’s home. Any alternative arrangement is by special agreement only and remains subject to these terms.
1.4 A consultation lesson will be offered to new pupils prior to committing to ongoing tuition.
1.5 These terms may be updated occasionally. It is the responsibility of the fee payer to review any updates provided with new invoices.
2. Payment of fees
2.1 Fees are set by the teacher and are payable in advance. Lessons are usually invoiced in blocks, loosely aligned with school terms, but the exact duration of each invoicing period may vary.
2.2 Invoices are issued by email and must be paid by bank transfer no later than seven (7) days prior to the first scheduled lesson in the block.
2.3 Failure to pay on time may result in the suspension of lessons until full payment is received.
2.4 Overdue invoices are subject to statutory interest and compensation as detailed on each invoice.
3. Missed lessons
3.1 If a pupil cannot attend a scheduled lesson, the teacher should be notified as early as possible.
3.2 Refunds are not issued for missed lessons, including cancellations due to illness, technical issues, or events outside the teacher’s control (e.g. force majeure).
3.3 The teacher may offer to reschedule a missed lesson at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed.
3.4 If the teacher cancels a lesson and it cannot be rearranged, it will be credited to a future invoice or refunded if no further lessons are to take place. Due to the freelance nature of the teacher’s work, lessons may occasionally require rescheduling at short notice.
4. Music exams
4.1 Pupils will only be entered for music exams upon mutual agreement between the teacher, the pupil, and their parent or carer if applicable.
4.2 The teacher reserves the right to withdraw pupils from an exam if they are deemed underprepared.
4.3 Exam entry fees and any additional costs are the responsibility of the pupil or their parent/carer.
5. Termination of tuition
5.1 If a pupil wishes to discontinue lessons, they (or their parent/carer) must give written notice at least one full invoice block in advance by email.
5.2 Pupils with a regular weekly or fortnightly slot will remain liable for payment equivalent to the next invoiced block if adequate notice is not given.
5.3 Pupils receiving a fixed number of lessons with a clear end date are exempt from this clause.
5.4 The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons at any time in cases of misconduct, non-payment, or unsuitable behaviour.
6. Online lessons
6.1 Online lessons may be offered by prior arrangement, using Zoom or a similar platform, as agreed in advance.
6.2 If the pupil is under 18, a parent or carer must be present at the start of each lesson to give verbal consent before teaching can begin.
6.3 The teacher will not record online lessons, and they must not be recorded by the pupil unless agreed in writing.
6.4 All aspects visible on camera – including clothing, background, and other individuals – must be appropriate for a music lesson.
6.5 If a technical issue renders a lesson ineffective, it may continue by phone or other means, or the remaining time may be forfeited.
These arrangements are based on mutual fairness, clarity, and understanding.