What does the fee include? |
• Expert advice on the best course for you
• Detailed course information and joining instructions prior to the course
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Morning and afternoon refreshments throughout the course
• High quality tuition by experienced tutors, with a high reputation for their specialist subject
• Stimulating presentations, lectures, demonstrations or performances in the evenings
• The opportunity to benefit from the input of artists in residence
• Access to computer with broadband connection to support course activities (at the Abbey)
• Access to digital cameras to support course activities
• Air-conditioning in main lecture rooms at the Abbey
• Free parking at each location
• Sole use of the beautiful grounds at the Abbey and Pipers Corner
• Transport to Pipers Corner if required (Abbey residents & local B&B learners)
• Course handouts where appropriate
• Unique and highly rewarding learning experience
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What does the fee exclude? |
• Cancellation Protection – which is optional (see below)
• Meals – if booking course only
• Course materials – for practical courses |
Why have the fees gone down? |
The phased withdrawal of subsidy from the Learning & Skills Council (LSC), together with an expected greater contribution by students to fees, has resulted in an increase of 7.5 per cent to tuition fees.
The fees charged for services provided by Missenden Abbey Conference Centre have been increased by 16 per cent. Historically, we have benefitted from a substantial discount on the advertised daily rate for resident learners but the Missenden Abbey management is unable to sustain this discount without compromising quality of service. The impact of both these factors would have resulted in unacceptable fee increases, so we have reduced the standard length of the courses so that they will now finish on Friday lunchtime instead of Saturday. However, with other minor adjustments to the timetable, we do not believe this will compromise the learning or the experience in general. |
Conditions of booking |
Balance of fees to be paid no later than four weeks before course start date. Bookings after that date will require the full enrolment fee. We reserve the right to cancel a booking where the balance of fees has not been paid by the due date. All courses are reviewed four weeks prior to course date and cancellations made where insufficient numbers have enrolled. Your fee would be fully refunded in this case; otherwise deposits are non-refundable.
You are advised to check course viability before booking fares. Buckinghamshire County Council reserves the right to modify in any way the arrangements announced for the Summer School. |
Direct debit |
If the cost of your courses amounts to more than £120 you can spread it by paying in 4 equal instalments. You will need to pay the first instalment by credit card, cheque or cash at the time of enrolling, which will secure your place on the course. We will then send you a Direct Debit mandate with your receipt, which you will need to complete and return to our Finance office. The Direct Debit will be taken from your account on the 15th of the following 3 months.
NB: If you want to withdraw from the course, the three direct debit payments will still be taken from your bank account on the appointed dates. |
Credit card payments |
At the time of booking, authorisation may be given for the balance of course fees to be debited when they fall due. However, it is essential that the credit card is still active at that time (four weeks prior to course date) and you must, therefore, notify us of new expiry dates and changes to card number as and when they occur. |
Cancellations/refunds/transfers |
If the course of your choice does not take place because there are not enough enrolments to make it viable, we will refund your fee in full. Should you change your mind and wish to cancel your enrolment you should notify us within five days of booking and we will refund your fee in full. We regret that refunds cannot be given in any other circumstance. Please check course viability with us before confirming your travel. The council reserves the right to alter the content and timings of the programme or replace the tutor, if necessary. If you request a change or transfer, a £12.50 administration fee (inclusive of VAT) will be charged. |
