WHAM THEATRE SCHOOLS - MEMBERSHIP TERMS & CONDITIONS (UPDATED 2025)

1. General Guidelines

1. The School Manager or Principal is required to liaise with all parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age at the start of term to ensure all relevant forms are signed.
2. Membership is not valid/active until all enrolment, direct debits, and Terms & Conditions forms have been completed fully, signed by the parent/guardian/adult, and authorised by WHAM Theatre School Management. Any parent/adult/guardian and student may be turned away if satisfactory paperwork is not completed after multiple fair requests.
3. Students should arrive promptly and attend classes regularly to help improve their technique and ability. Consistent lateness will affect progression, and any student arriving later than 15 minutes may be denied entrance unless under mitigating circumstances.
4. We offer a trial session to all new students. However, we are under no obligation to secure or promise places if classes are full. We will endeavour to hold your space for 24 hours after a student trial at the discretion of the Principal. However, spaces are strictly first come first serve. Students may be placed on a waiting list only if full enrolment has taken place.

2. Dress Code & Uniform Policy

1. Students must be appropriately dressed and ready for class in their WHAM T-Shirt or WHAM Approved Uniform. This includes having long hair tied back and all jewellery removed. Earrings that cannot be removed should be taped over. Please refer to our Uniform Policy at www.whamtheatreschools.com/uniform-policy.
2. Students must wear the appropriate footwear and uniform for class as advised. Any student deemed to be wearing unsuitable footwear or clothing will participate in bare feet or may be asked to sit out to prevent injury.

3. Attendance and Behaviour

1. Students are expected to attend weekly, and any absences must be reported to the Principal. Severe lack of attendance may result in exclusion from external opportunities or showcases if progression is deemed unsatisfactory.
2. Students should drink fluids regularly during physical exercise. Please pack plenty of fluids.
3. WHAM operates a strict no sweets or chewing gum policy during class time.
4. Parents/Students should inform the teacher of any injuries before class. For students under 18, a note or email must be sent to the teacher/manager/Principal prior to the class.
5. Parents/Guardians are not permitted to stay and watch classes unless invited during a taster session or open class.
6. Students are expected to listen during class, and unnecessary talking is discouraged. Disruptive students may be asked to sit out or leave the lesson.
7. Physical contact may be necessary to demonstrate or correct technique or posture. (Refer to our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.)
8. Staff are not permitted to give students lifts unless written permission is provided by the parent/carer and arranged beforehand.
9. Students must be confident in using WC facilities independently. If additional support is required, please email us at info@whamtheatreschools.com

4. Safety and Belongings

1. Students under 13 years old are not allowed to leave venues unless accompanied by an adult, and students aged 13+ must have parental permission to leave alone.
2. WHAM is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Expensive devices or items should not be brought to class.
3. Alcohol, smoking, or the influence of illegal/recreational substances is strictly prohibited at all venues and events.

5. Payments, Costs & General Service Conditions

1. Payments must be made & cleared in advance as instructed to remain on the class register.
2. Payments are calculated annually as per local authority school term dates (excluding Summer Holidays) and are payable in half-termly instalments via direct debit. We do not accept Pay as You Go, or weekly payments. A discount is available for termly payments.
3. The minimum membership period is half a term. Membership fees must be paid via GoCardless or any other payment gateway appointed by WHAM Theatre Schools.
4. Sibling discounts, if agreed, apply only to the youngest sibling. Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Sibling discounts may be suspended during economic or pandemic-related challenges.
5. Class fees are collected in advance and cannot be carried over for absences, illness, or missed classes.
6. WHAM reserves the right to change the day, time, and location of sessions. If restrictive to attendance, the minimum notice period will be waived.
7. WHAM reserves the right to change fees or timetables without prior notice but will endeavour to inform parents as soon as possible.
8. Payments must be made prior to or at the first class of the term. Late payments incur a £5 fee. Membership is not active until the direct debit mandate is completed.
9. Payments that fail to clear will incur a minimum 3.75% charge to cover bank penalties. WHAM will not attempt further automatic payments for that customer to avoid further fees.
10. WHAM will not refund classes cancelled due to absence, illness, venue unavailability, or adverse weather. Where possible, students may attend another session or a make-up class.
11. To inform us of any change, notice, or important updates, you must contact us via e-mail, which is our primary method of communication.  Verbal, phone, or SMS/Social Media communication will not be accepted as a formal method of correspondence.

6. Behaviour and Complaints

1. Staff and tutors deserve to be treated with respect. Aggressive or discriminatory behaviour towards staff by students or parents will result in expulsion or barring from premises.
2. Complaints must be directed in writing to the Manager or Principal and will not be handled during class times.

7. Termination of Membership

• Written notice must be provided by the last session of the term. All customers must provide notice using our notice form, or, provide this in writing. Intention of Notice must be sent via email to info@whamtheatreschools.com. Social Media, Text Message, or verbal notices will not be accepted.

Joining Fee Policy

1. A one-off joining fee of £21.95 is payable for all new students. This fee includes a personalised WHAM T-Shirt or other merchandise as specified at the time of enrolment.
2. The uniform or merchandise included with the joining fee may take 3–4 weeks to be dispatched and ordered. This timeframe begins once payment has been cleared.
3. Additional merchandise or uniform items purchased separately are subject to the same delivery and refund terms.

Refunds and Replacements:

1. The joining fee is non-refundable, except in cases where the merchandise is faulty, as outlined under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
2. Faulty items will be replaced in line with consumer rights legislation. If you believe an item is faulty, please notify us immediately, and we will arrange a replacement as soon as possible.
3. Replacements for Personalised T-Shirts due to incorrect sizes, personal preferences, or wear and tear are not covered under this policy.

PLEASE NOTE:

ONCE CLASSES, TERMS, WORKSHOPS, COURSES, AND UNIFORM ORDERS HAVE BEEN PAID FOR, WE HOLD A NO REFUND POLICY.