St. John's School, Ledhupur

1. Introduction and Binding Nature of Policy

St. John’s School (“School”) is committed to delivering world-class, flexible, and digitally accessible education to students across the globe.

This Refund Policy is issued in strict compliance with applicable educational, contractual, and consumer protection laws of India and international accreditation standards, and constitutes a legally binding document between the s school and every enrolled Student and Parent/Guardian. Given the distinctive nature of online and hybrid learning programmes — which include, but are not limited to:

  • Academic board registrations and affiliations,
  • Customized digital content creation and e-resources,
  • Integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS),
  • Delivery of live and recorded instructional modules,
  • Allocation of faculty and academic planning resources, and
  • Continuous academic and administrative support services, The school has framed this Refund Policy with the following objectives:
  • To ensure transparency, certainty, and fairness in all financial transactions involving fee payments, adjustments, and refunds.
  • To safeguard the operational and financial integrity of academic and administrative services, which are planned and deployed upon enrolment.
  • To maintain compliance with contractual obligations owed to affiliated academic boards, faculty, and service providers.
  • To protect the legitimate interests of all stakeholders, including students, parents/guardians, faculty members, and affiliated boards. By seeking admission, submitting an application, and/or making payment of any fee (whether in full or in part), the Student and Parent/Guardian hereby:
  • Expressly acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and stipulations set forth in this Refund Policy;
  • Recognize that such payment constitutes a legally enforceable agreement between the Parent/Guardian/Student and the School;
  • Waive any right to later claim ignorance, misunderstanding, or non-acceptance of the provisions of this Refund Policy. This Refund Policy shall remain in full force and effect unless expressly modified or repealed by the school. The school retains the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to amend, revise, or update this Refund Policy as required by legal, regulatory, accreditation, or operational considerations. All such amendments shall be deemed effective upon publication through the school’s official communication channels, including but not limited to its official website, electronic communication systems (email/SMS/portal), or official circulars. Such publication shall constitute sufficient and binding notice, and no individual intimation shall be necessary. The

Parent/Guardian/Student expressly agrees that continued enrolment or payment of fees after such amendment shall amount to irrevocable acceptance of the revised terms. The school’s interpretation of this Refund Policy, including any of its provisions, amendments, or applications, shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all parties.

2. General Principles

2.1 1Integral Part of the Admission Contract

This Refund Policy forms an inseparable and binding component of the Admission Terms and Conditions mutually agreed upon by the parents/guardians/students (“Applicants”) and St. John’s School (“School”) at the time of enrolment. Execution of the admission form and payment of any fees, whether in full or in part, shall be construed as a clear and unconditional acceptance of the terms stipulated herein, thereby creating a legally enforceable contractual obligation between the Applicants and the School.

2.2 Compliance with Applicable Laws

All refunds, wherever applicable, shall be processed strictly in accordance with this Policy, the laws of India, and relevant educational regulations, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules and regulations of affiliating educational boards. The Applicants expressly agree that this Policy has been framed to ensure legal compliance, operational sustainability, and academic integrity.

2.3 Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Terms

By completing the enrolment process, including but not limited to submission of the application form, payment of any applicable fees, receipt of login credentials for digital platforms, or participation in orientation programs, the student and their parent/guardian expressly acknowledge, understand, and irrevocably consent to all provisions of this Refund Policy. The Applicants further agree that ignorance of the terms contained herein shall not be entertained as a defence or ground for dispute, and that the school’s decision, taken in good faith and in accordance with this Policy, shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all parties.

2.4 Limitation of Liability

The Applicants understand and agree that the school incurs significant administrative, technological, and academic expenses upon enrolment, including but not limited to board registration fees, digital content licensing, LMS setup, teacher allocation, and administrative processing costs. Therefore, any claims for refunds beyond what is expressly permitted in this Policy shall not be entertained, and the school shall not be held liable for any consequential, incidental, or indirect losses claimed by the Applicants.

2.5 Amendment and Updates

The school reserves the absolute right to amend, modify, or update this Policy at its sole discretion to ensure compliance with evolving statutory requirements, accreditation standards, or operational needs. Any such amendments shall be duly communicated through the school’s official communication channels and shall be binding upon all existing and future Applicants without the requirement of separate consent.

3. Admission Fee

3.1 Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable Nature

The admission and/or Registration Fee paid by the parent/guardian/student (“Applicant”) at the time of enrolment shall be deemed strictly non-refundable, non-adjustable, and non-transferable under all circumstances, without exception. This fee represents the administrative and operational costs that the school necessarily incurs immediately upon receipt of the admission request. The Applicants expressly acknowledge and agree that payment of this fee constitutes a binding contractual commitment and an express waiver of any claim, demand, or expectation of refund, irrespective of the reason for withdrawal, cancellation, or non-participation.

3.2 Purpose and Utilization of the Fee

The Admission/Registration Fee is levied to cover a wide spectrum of non-recoverable administrative, technological, and academic expenses incurred by the school, including but not limited to:

  • Verification and authentication of student records, educational credentials, and eligibility compliance;
  • Creation, activation, and secure management of a personalized digital profile for the student on the School’s Learning Management System (LMS) and related platforms;
  • Processing and facilitation of academic board registrations with relevant educational boards or any other affiliating authority, wherever applicable;
  • Allocation of academic and administrative resources, including assignment of counsellors, facilitators, and digital learning tools;
  • Secure provisioning of credentials and access to digital academic platforms, communication channels, and other intellectual property resources of the school.

3.3 Withdrawal or Non-Participation

No claim for refund, adjustment, or transfer of the Admission/Registration Fee shall be entertained under any scenario, including but not limited to:

  • Withdrawal of the student prior to the commencement of classes;
  • Failure or inability of the student to attend or participate in online or offline sessions;
  • Voluntary decision of the parent/guardian to discontinue the programme; or
  • Failure to submit required documents or fulfil compliance obligations after registration. This is because the administrative and operational resources are immediately mobilized and consumed upon registration, creating irreversible financial and logistical commitments on the part of the school.

3.4 Binding Nature and Legal Enforceability

The Applicants expressly agree that the non-refundable character of the Admission/Registration Fee forms a core contractual term of the admission process. By making the payment, the Applicants irrevocably waive their right to dispute, challenge, or seek reversal of the said fee before any forum, including consumer courts, civil courts, or arbitral tribunals, except in cases of proven fraud or willful misconduct by the school, which shall be subject to adjudication in accordance with applicable law.

3.5 Policy Amendments and Discretion

The school reserves the sole and absolute discretion to revise, update, or modify the quantum or structure of the Admission/Registration Fee in compliance with statutory norms, board regulations, or internal administrative policies. Such revisions, once published on the school’s official website or notified via official communication, shall be final and binding on all present and prospective Applicants without the requirement of separate consent.

4. Composite Fee

4.1 Non-Refundable

Upon receipt of the composite or academic fee and subsequent activation of the Learning Management System (LMS) credentials and/or commencement of online classes, the said composite/academic fee shall be deemed fully earned by the school. Under no circumstances shall the fee, in whole or in part, be refunded, adjusted, or transferred once the activation is completed, including but not limited to situations involving:

  • Voluntary withdrawal of the student for personal, financial, or medical reasons;
  • Inability to attend or irregular attendance of classes;
  • Dissatisfaction with the course, faculty, or platform;
  • Technical or connectivity issues at the student’s end;
  • Non-completion of the course or academic term for any reason whatsoever. This stipulation safeguards the school’s irreversible investment of resources, including academic planning, faculty allocation, technical support, digital licensing, and administrative commitments undertaken upon activation.

4.2 Refund Window Post Activation

A limited refund consideration window of 7-8 working days shall be available from the date of LMS activation or the commencement of classes, whichever is earlier. Within this period, refund requests may be entertained only on grounds deemed reasonable by the School Management, such as unforeseen medical exigencies provided:

  • A written application is submitted with verifiable documentary proof; and
  • The approval of the School’s Principal/Management is obtained. Beyond the stipulated 2 days window, no refund, credit, or fee adjustment shall be permitted, irrespective of the student’s level of participation, login history, attendance, or course progress. This clause is incorporated to ensure that the academic, technical, and administrative planning of the school remains unaffected by unilateral withdrawals or non-participation.

4.3 Non-Adjustability and Non-Transferability of Fees

Composite/academic fees paid for a specific student and academic session shall not be adjusted, carried forward, or transferred to another student, sibling, academic year, or program, regardless of circumstances.

Any credit or balance arising out of approved refunds (if any) shall be processed only to the account of the original payer and shall not be assigned, pledged, or transferred to a third party under any condition.

4.4 Force Majeure and Special Circumstances

The school shall not be liable for any refund, discount, or compensation in the event of disruption, suspension, or modification of classes due to force majeure events, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God (natural calamities, floods, earthquakes, etc.);
  • Government regulations, lockdowns, or policy changes;
  • Strikes, riots, or civil disturbances;
  • Technical failures or cyber incidents beyond the school’s reasonable control. In such cases, the school shall make reasonable efforts to provide alternative learning arrangements, including recorded sessions or rescheduled classes, which shall be deemed sufficient compliance with its obligations.

5. Board and Examination Fees

5.1 Non-Refundable Nature of Fees

All amounts paid towards board registrations, examination enrollment, assessment fees, or certification charges with , or any other affiliated academic or certifying body shall be deemed strictly non-refundable and non-transferable once such payments have been processed by the school. This includes but is not limited to fees for:

  • Student registration or enrolment with the respective academic boards;
  • Examination entry, re-sit, or improvement registrations;
  • Certification, transcript issuance, or re-evaluation services; and
  • Any other administrative or board-related charges.

5.2 Governing Regulations and Limitation of School's Liability

The policies, rules, and regulations of the respective affiliated boards govern the processing and refundability (if any) of such payments. St. John’s School acts solely as a facilitating institution and does not hold authority or discretion to reverse, refund, or adjust such fees beyond what is officially permitted by the relevant boards or governing authorities.

5.3 Acknowledgement of Understanding

By enrolling and making such payments, students and their parents/guardians expressly acknowledge and agree that:

  • They are fully aware of the non-refundable nature of such fees;
  • They shall not claim, demand, or initiate any disputes for refunds of such amounts, save and except in cases where the affiliated board itself expressly allows for refunds under its independent policies; and
  • The school’s role is limited to administrative facilitation and coordination with the board and does not extend to guaranteeing or influencing any refund-related decision.

5.4 Administrative Costs and Documentation

In the event that the affiliated board permits a partial or full refund for any reason, the school may deduct reasonable administrative charges and transaction costs incurred during the registration, payment, and communication process before remitting the balance (if any) to the student or parent/guardian.

5.5 No Transfer or Adjustment

Under no circumstances shall such fees be:

  • Transferred to another student;
  • Adjusted against future enrolments or academic sessions; or
  • Applied towards any other fee payable to the school.

6. Exceptional Circumstances

Refunds shall only be permitted in cases of proven administrative error on the part of the school (including, but not limited to, duplicate payments, excess billing, or incorrect fee allocation). Any such refund shall be processed in full after due verification and approval by the School’s Accounts Department. The Parent/Guardian acknowledges that the school’s determination in respect of such verification shall be final and binding. In the event of a technical or operational failure directly attributable solely to the school, which renders the student unable to access the subscribed services for a continuous and material duration, the school may, at its sole discretion, provide one of the following remedies:

  • A pro-rata refund of the unutilized portion of fees, calculated strictly on the basis of the remaining access period; or
  • A credit adjustment of equivalent value to be utilised towards future courses, terms, or services offered by the school. For avoidance of doubt, the following shall not constitute grounds for refund or adjustment:
  • Withdrawal, absence, or non-participation by the student for any reason (including illness, or change in personal circumstances);
  • Technical issues arising from the Parent/Student’s end (such as device malfunction, internet failure, or incompatible software);
  • Dissatisfaction with the style, delivery, or content of the academic programme, where the services have otherwise been duly rendered. The Parent/Guardian expressly agrees that any refund or credit adjustment provided by the School under Clause 6.2 shall be treated as a full and final settlement of all claims, and no further refund, compensation, or legal action shall be maintainable in this regard. The school reserves the right to require a written request and supporting documents from the Parent/Guardian before processing any claim under this Clause, and no request shall be entertained after 24 Hours from the date of the alleged error or technical failure.

7. Transfer or Deferral of Fees

All composite fees, admission fees, or any other payments made towards enrolment or continuation of studies are strictly non-transferable. Such fees shall not, under any circumstances, be assigned, credited, or shifted to another student, sibling, parent, guardian, or third party, irrespective of the relationship with the enrolled student. Any request for deferral of fee utilization (for example, carrying forward payment to the next academic session or term) shall be entertained only at the sole discretion of the School Management and subject to written approval. The school reserves the absolute right to accept or reject such requests without assigning reasons, and the decision of the school shall be final and binding. Where a deferral request is approved, the school may impose administrative charges or require payment of differential fees applicable at the time of the deferred session, including but not limited to:

  • Updated composite fee structures or revised charges applicable to the new session;
  • Additional costs arising from inflation, curriculum changes, or policy modifications;
  • Any processing or handling fee as determined by the school. Approval of a deferral, if granted, shall apply only to the specific student and course/session in question, and shall not create any vested right for future deferrals, transfers, or adjustments.

In the event the deferred session is not availed by the student for any reason whatsoever, including withdrawal, or personal circumstances, the fees so paid shall stand forfeited in full, and no claim for refund, transfer, or further deferral shall be maintainable. By making payment, the Parent/Guardian expressly acknowledges that fee payments represent a commitment towards academic resources and planning undertaken by the school, and therefore accepts the non-transferable and non-refundable nature of such fees, except as otherwise provided under these terms.

8. Payment Disputes and Legal Compliance

Any dispute, claim, or disagreement arising out of or in connection with fee payments, refunds, adjustments, or related financial transactions shall, in the first instance, be referred to the School’s Accounts/Support Department through a written request. The Parent/Guardian agrees to provide all relevant documents and cooperate in good faith with the school to attempt an amicable resolution. In the event the dispute is not resolved internally within 15 days, the same shall be mandatorily referred to arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, as amended from time to time. The arbitration shall be conducted under the following terms:

  • The venue and seat of arbitration shall be Delhi, India.
  • The proceedings shall be conducted in the English language.
  • The arbitral tribunal shall consist of a sole arbitrator appointed by the school.
  • The award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties.
  • The costs of arbitration shall be borne by the Parent/Guardian unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator. Without prejudice to Clause 8.2, if any matter requires judicial intervention, the Parent/Guardian expressly agrees that the dispute shall be governed exclusively by the laws of India, and the courts at Delhi, India, shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to the absolute exclusion of any other court, tribunal, or authority, irrespective of the location or residence of the Parent/Guardian or the place where the payment was made. The Parent/Guardian further covenants and agrees that:
  • No suit, complaint, or legal proceeding shall be filed in any jurisdiction other than Delhi, India;
  • Any participation by the school in proceedings outside Delhi shall not amount to consent or waiver of this clause; and
  • The Parent/Guardian expressly waives the right to object to jurisdiction on grounds of convenience, domicile, or any other reason. By making payment of fees, the Parent/Guardian acknowledges, accepts, and undertakes to be bound by the provisions of this dispute resolution mechanism and jurisdiction clause, and agrees that such payment itself constitutes valid consent to this legal framework.

9. Processing Timeline

Refunds, wherever expressly applicable under this Policy, shall be initiated only after written approval from the School’s Accounts Department and confirmation of all requisite documentation by the Parent/Guardian. The processing period for such approved refunds shall be up to 7-15 business days from the date of approval. The Parent/Guardian expressly acknowledges that this timeline is indicative and may be reasonably extended in cases of banking delays, third-party payment gateway processes, statutory compliances, or force majeure circumstances, for which the school shall not be held liable. All refunds shall be credited strictly through the original mode of payment used at the time of transaction, or, where not feasible, by way of bank transfer to the registered bank account of the original payer, subject to verification of identity and account ownership. Under no circumstances shall refunds be made in cash or transferred to any third-party account. The Parent/Guardian agrees and understands that:

  • Any charges, deductions, or delays imposed by banks, payment gateways, or third- party financial institutions are beyond the control of the school and shall be borne by the Parent/Guardian;
  • The school shall not be responsible for failed or delayed credit of refund amounts arising due to inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated banking details provided by the Parent/Guardian;
  • Refund processing shall not commence until all outstanding dues, if any, of the Student towards the School have been cleared in full.

Refunds, once issued, shall be deemed to constitute full and final settlement of all claims relating to the underlying transaction, and no further demand, interest, or compensation shall be entertained.

10. Amendments and Updates

St. John’s School reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to modify, amend, or update this Refund Policy, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to Parents/Guardians/Students. Such modifications may be made to comply with legal, regulatory, operational, academic, or accreditation requirements, or to reflect changes in the school’s internal policies, fee structures, or administrative practices. Any such amendment, once published on the school’s official website or communicated through any other mode deemed appropriate by the school (including circulars, email notifications, or student portals), shall constitute valid and binding notice to all stakeholders. No individual or separate intimation shall be required. It shall be the sole responsibility of the Parent/Guardian/Student to review and stay updated with the latest version of the Refund Policy as published on the school’s official communication channels. The school shall not be held liable for any claim, dispute, or grievance arising from failure of the Parent/Guardian/Student to remain informed of such updates. By continuing the enrolment of the student, availing services, or making payment of fees after publication of such amendment or update, the Parent/Guardian/Student shall be deemed to have irrevocably accepted and consented to the revised terms of this Refund Policy. The Parent/Guardian expressly waives any right to challenge the validity, enforceability, or applicability of such amendments on the grounds of lack of notice, inconvenience, or non-awareness.

The school’s interpretation of any provision in this Refund Policy, including any amendment thereto, shall be final, conclusive, and binding, and shall not be subject to question or review, except as may be mandated under applicable Indian law.

11. Disclaimer

This Refund Policy has been carefully framed in alignment with the operational, academic, and financial framework of an internationally accredited online school and in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards. By proceeding with the admission process, payment of fees, or utilization of any academic services, the Student and Parent/Guardian hereby expressly:

  • Acknowledge and accept that they have thoroughly read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Refund Policy, including all its amendments, updates, and binding interpretations as issued by the school from time to time.
  • Waive any right to claim ignorance, misinterpretation, or non-awareness of the Refund Policy or its applicability, and further agree that continued enrolment and payment constitute valid and binding consent.
  • Recognize and accept that this Refund Policy forms an integral part of the overall admission contract between the Parent/Guardian/Student and the School, and is enforceable as such.
  • Confirm that they shall not initiate or pursue any complaint, legal action, or demand for refund, compensation, or damages except in strict accordance with this Refund Policy, and further agree that any relief granted beyond the stated terms shall be solely at the absolute discretion of the school.
  • Acknowledge that the school retains the unilateral right to amend, update, or interpret this Refund Policy in the best interest of academic delivery, operational requirements, or compliance with accreditation/legal standards, and such interpretation shall be final and binding on all parties. By submitting fees and proceeding with admission, the Parent/Guardian and Student expressly agree that they are legally bound by the terms of this Refund Policy and waive any claim to the contrary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Refund Policy — quick answers to common questions

  1. Can composite/academic fees be refunded after classes begin?
  2. What happens if I withdraw before classes begin?
  3. Are board registration or examination fees refundable?
  4. Can fees paid for one student/session be transferred to another student/session?
  5. Can I defer my child's fees to the next academic session?
  6. What if my child cannot attend due to illness or personal issues?
  7. What happens in case of technical failures or service issues?
  8. How long does it take to process approved refunds?
  9. What if I am not satisfied with the teaching, platform, or content?
  10. Who decides if a refund request is valid?
  11. What if I have a dispute regarding fees or refunds?

Questions about this policy?

For clarifications about fees, refund eligibility, or to submit a written request, contact the School Accounts/Support team.