Bristol Folk House – Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

  • You must be aged 18 or over to attend a course or workshop at Bristol Folk House.
  • All courses and workshops are non-accredited. No certificates are issued upon completion.

Fees

  • Full payment is required to secure your place.
  • We offer payment by instalments. However, your course or workshop must be paid in full at least 14 days before the start date. Instalment schedules depend on the time between booking and the course start date.
  • As many courses fill quickly, we recommend booking early.
  • Fee categories include:
    • Full Price
    • Over 65
    • Student
    • NHS (Blue Light Card holders)
    • Benefit Rate (Universal Credit, Full-Time Carer, JSA, PIP or DLA)
  • Some courses require additional materials. Any extra costs or materials will be listed on the course webpage and confirmation email you receive when booking the course.
  • Courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. If minimum numbers are not reached, we may cancel or postpone a course. If we cancel, you will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another course.
  • We aim to notify you of cancellations at least two working days before the course starts, or 24 hours before a one-day workshop.
  • If a course is postponed due to low enrolment, it will normally begin one week later than advertised. If you cannot attend the revised final session, you will be refunded for that session only.

Concessions

We are committed to keeping course fees affordable. As a self-funded charity, we receive no external funding to support concessionary rates.

Over 65, Student and NHS

Proof of eligibility must be provided at your first class. If evidence cannot be produced, you will be required to pay the full course fee.

Benefit Rate

Available to those whose primary income comes from state benefits, including:

  • Universal Credit
  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • PIP
  • DLA 
  • Full Timer Carer's Allowance

Please provide a recent benefit letter or statement each time you enrol. If you are able to pay the full fee, we kindly ask that you do so, as student fees help support the charity.

Attendance

  • You may be able to join a course after it has started if places remain and the tutor considers it appropriate.
  • Please ensure you can attend the full course. Missed sessions due to work or other personal commitments cannot be refunded or made up, although some tutors may provide homework.
  • Please keep your contact details up to date, as we may need to contact you before or during your course.
  • Your tutor may also contact you using the email address or telephone number you have provided.
  • We will only add you to our mailing list with your permission.

Waiting Lists

Joining a waiting list registers your interest but does not guarantee a place.

If a space becomes available or an additional course is scheduled, we will contact you by email or telephone. If you do not respond within the stated timeframe, the place may be offered to the next person on the waiting list. Where time is limited, places may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Transfers

  • You may transfer to another course or workshop up to 14 days before the start date, subject to availability.
  • A 15% administration fee
  • If transferring to a higher-priced course, you must pay the difference.
  • Bookings may also be transferred to another person before the course begins, subject to the same administration fee.

Joining After a Course Has Started

If a course has already begun, please contact the Office. Late enrolment may be possible where places remain, the tutor agrees, and joining will not disrupt the class. Please note that tutors are not able to provide catch-up tuition for missed sessions.

Course Levels and Learning Support

We offer courses for a range of abilities. If you are unsure whether a course is suitable, please contact the office before enrolling. 

To participate, you should be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in group discussions where appropriate.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or mental health condition that may affect your participation, please contact us before enrolling. If you require a support worker or carer to attend with you, please let us know so appropriate arrangements can be made.

If, after starting, you feel your course is not at the right level, speak to your tutor as soon as possible. Where possible, we will transfer you to a more suitable course.

For language courses, please email folkhouselanguages@gmail.com with the language in the subject line and a brief summary of your previous experience. A tutor will respond within a few days.

Changes to the Programme

Bristol Folk House reserves the right to amend tutors, course content, dates or times after publication.

Changes of tutor do not qualify for a refund. While teaching styles may vary, we are committed to maintaining a consistently high standard of teaching.

Where a tutor misses a class, a replacement session will normally be arranged. If this is not possible, the affected session will be refunded.

If a class is cancelled, we will notify you by phone and email wherever possible. If we are unable to reach you, we will offer a complimentary hot drinks voucher for our café.

Gift Vouchers

Gift Vouchers can be purchased from the Bristol Folk House reception or by calling 0117 926 2987 or online

HERE.

  • Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • They may only be used for courses, workshops and in-house live events.
  • They cannot be redeemed in the café.
  • Vouchers may be purchased for any value or used to book a specific course.
  • Gift vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash or refunded.
  • Each voucher has a unique code linked to the recipient.
  • Digital vouchers are sent automatically by email.
  • Printed vouchers are available for an additional postage fee or collection from Reception.
  • If purchasing a course which costs more than the voucher value, the balance must be paid.
  • Any remaining credit may be used on a future purchase before the voucher expires.
  • Voucher expiry dates cannot be extended.
  • If a course purchased using a gift voucher is cancelled by us, you may transfer to another course or receive a replacement gift voucher.
  • Standard cancellation terms apply where a gift voucher has been used to book another person onto a course.

Refund Policy

If We Cancel

If we cancel a course before it starts and no suitable alternative is available, you will receive a full refund or credit.

If a course is cancelled after it has started and replacement sessions cannot be arranged, a partial refund will be issued.

Refunds are made using the original payment method wherever possible. Payments made by gift voucher will normally be refunded as a replacement voucher or account credit.

If You Cancel

  • More than 14 days before the start date, you will receive a refund minus a 15% administration fee.
  • Less than 14 days before the start date, or once the course has started: no refund will be given.

Where illness, injury, disability or caring responsibilities prevent attendance, we may consider a pro-rata refund or transfer. Requests are considered individually at the discretion of the General Manager, and supporting medical evidence may be required.

Refunds are not available for changes in personal circumstances, including work commitments, childcare or relocation.

Refunds cannot be offered for circumstances beyond our control, including severe weather, fire, flooding, industrial action, war or terrorism.

Refund requests must relate to the current term and cannot be made retrospectively.

Access and Parking

We regret that Bristol Folk House currently does not have level access or fully accessible facilities. We are working towards improving accessibility over time.

There is no on-site parking. Paid parking is available nearby, and Blue Badge holders may park on Park Street in accordance with local regulations. There is paid parking at Trenchard Street car park and College Green car park. 

Please see the latest information on the Bristol Gov website. https://www.bristol.gov.uk/parking/where-you-can-parkIf you would like more information about accessing our building, please contact admin@bristolfolkhouse.co.uk or call 0117 926 2987. We would be happy to help. 

 

Accessible Facilities

Toilets

An accessible toilet is available; however, the building is not step-free.

Assistance Dogs

Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs are welcome throughout the building.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Visitors

We do not currently have induction loop systems in reception or classrooms.

Some classrooms are fitted with flashing fire alarm beacons.

If you have any access requirements, please contact the Office before your course or event. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments, including reserved seating, large-print materials, tutor contact or familiarisation visits.

Feedback and Complaints

We welcome feedback about our courses and services.

For course feedback, please complete our online feedback form.

For general feedback or enquiries, please email admin@bristolfolkhouse.co.uk or use our enquiry form.

We aim to respond within five working days.

A copy of our complaints policy can be found here

Data Protection and Privacy

We process p ersonal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

These laws govern how organisations collect, use and protect personal information and provide individuals with rights regarding their data.

Further information about how Bristol Folk House uses your personal data and your rights is available in our Privacy Policy.