Terms and Conditions 

Last Updates: 26/07/2026 

Welcome to Study Turtle. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website and tutoring services. By using our website or booking lessons with us, you agree to these Terms. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR USERS: Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using our platform, creating an account, or booking any tutoring sessions. By accessing or using the services provided by Study Turtle, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, and Safeguarding Policy. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must review and accept these Terms on your behalf. 

1.0 Introduction 

1.1 Study Turtle provides online/in-person science tutoring services for GCSE (Double/Triple Award) and Scottish National 5 students tutoring tailored to Year 10–11 (England & Wales) and S3–S4 (Scotland) curricula. Lessons are delivered by qualified tutor(s) according to the schedule agreed upon booking. 

1.2 The Study Turtle website and all associated intellectual property are owned, operated, and managed solely by Dr Narin Kirikyali. All official communications, inquiries, or notices regarding Study Turtle must be submitted exclusively through the contact form available on our website. Direct outreach through unauthorized channels will not be monitored. 

1.3 Access to general website content does not require registration. However, booking services through the platform requires the creation of a user account. Account creation facilitates the retention of user preferences for future transactions. Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to register an account or book for lessons independently. All bookings and account management for minors must be executed exclusively by a parent or legal guardian.  

1.4 By registering for or using the Study Turtle website, you enter into a legally binding agreement governed by these Terms & Conditions. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you should not access or use this website. 

Record Keeping: You are responsible for downloading or printing a copy of these Terms & Conditions for your personal records. Study Turtle does not archive individual user agreements and reserves the right to modify or replace these terms on the website at any time. 

 2.0 Definitions 

Platform: The website, applications, and digital systems operated by Study Turtle. 

Tutor: An independent contractor or employee qualified to provide educational tuition services listed on or matched through the Platform. 

Student: An individual receiving educational tutoring services through the Platform. 

Parent/Guardian: An adult individual legally responsible for a Student who is under 18 years of age. 

User: Any individual who accesses, browses, or interacts with the website, or who utilizes the services provided by Study Turtle.  

Tutoring Session: A scheduled period of online or in-person educational instruction between a Tutor and a Student. 

Services: All services provided by the Company, including platform access, payment processing, lesson booking, and customer support.  

3.0 Platform Model and Services 

3.1 Direct Service Provider Model: The Study Turtle website delivers educational services directly to Students using employed qualified expert Tutor(s). The primary agreement for services is directly between the Parent/Guardian and the Tutor. 

 3.2. Study Turtle offers educational services including: 

  • Online tutoring  

  • Small group tuition  

  • One-to-one tuition  

  • Revision sessions  

  • Mock examinations  

  • Educational resources  

The exact services available may change from time to time. 

3.3 Study Turtle strives to ensure continuous access to our website, booking system, and virtual classroom. However, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or error-free operation. We reserve the right to temporarily suspend or restrict access to any part of the platform for routine maintenance, system updates, or technical upgrades. Whenever possible, we will schedule maintenance during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. 

 4.0 User Responsibilities  

4A. User Responsibilities  

  • Users are responsible for their own security in conjunction with the services through the Website, both online and offline. 

  • Users are solely responsible for the material they post on the Website, including messages sent, and they must not post defamatory, offensive or illegal material. 

  • If you believe someone else has gained access to your password, you must contact Study Turtle right away through our website contact form. Until you notify us of a potential breach, you are responsible for any actions, bookings, or charges made under your account name. 

  • Users agree to abide by the Privacy Policy provided through the Website. 

  • If, in Study Turtle's sole discretion, a User fails to comply with any provision of these Terms & Conditions, we reserve the right to immediately suspend or terminate their access to the website and related services. In such circumstances, Study Turtle also reserves the right to cancel any active or upcoming lesson bookings without liability. 

  • Direct booking of tutoring services is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over. Any student under the age of 18 must be legally represented by a parent or legal guardian who explicitly authorizes the provision of tuition services via Study Turtle.  

  • Study Turtle assumes no responsibility, duty of care, or liability regarding disputes or disagreements occurring between a minor user and their parent or legal guardian. 

  • Where a Study Turtle tutor generates a booking on behalf of a User, the User assumes sole responsibility for verifying the accuracy of the scheduled date, time, and details. 

  • Confirmation will be dispatched via email and posted directly to the User's platform dashboard. Users who elect to disable email notifications waive any claim regarding missed communications and remain responsible for monitoring their account for booking confirmations. 

 4B. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities 

Parents or guardians are responsible for: 

  • Providing Accurate Contact Details: Ensuring all contact information, including primary phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts, is correct and kept up to date so we can communicate effectively regarding your child’s progress and lesson schedules. 

  • Ensuring Timely Payment: Settling all tuition fees and invoices prior to the scheduled lesson start time or in accordance with your agreed payment schedule to secure your child’s place. 

  • Informing Us of Relevant Educational Needs: Disclosing any specific learning requirements, special educational needs (SEN/ASN), exam board requirements (e.g., AQA, Edexcel, SQA), or health conditions that may impact how we tailor our teaching to support your child. 

  • Supporting Regular Attendance: Ensuring the student attends all scheduled sessions punctually and prepared and providing adequate notice (in accordance with our cancellation policy) if a lesson must be missed. 

  • Providing a Suitable Learning Environment: Creating a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable space free from domestic distractions for online lessons, equipped with a reliable internet connection, a working webcam, and necessary study materials. 

 4C. Student Responsibilities 

  • Study Turtle accepts responsibility only for its own acts, omissions, and official service delivery. Under no circumstances shall Study Turtle be held liable for the actions, behavior, statements, or omissions of students, whether occurring online or offline. 

  • To maximize academic progress and foster a productive learning environment, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Punctuality & Readiness: Arrive on time for all scheduled sessions, logged in and ready to begin at the start of the lesson. 

  • Homework & Independent Study: Complete any assigned homework or revision tasks prior to the next session. Regular practice between lessons is essential for consolidating knowledge and achieving target grades. 

  • Respectful Engagement: Maintain a polite, respectful, and focused attitude toward the tutor throughout every online or in-person interaction. 

  • Equipment & Materials: Ensure all necessary study materials—such as notebooks, pens, calculators, and relevant textbooks—are prepared and available before the lesson starts. 

  • Active Communication: Speak up and notify the tutor whenever a concept, topic, or exam question is unclear. Active communication allows us to tailor the session directly to the student’s needs. 

  • Nothing in these terms and conditions affects a Student's statutory rights. Subject to paying for any Bookings used, a Student may cease to use the Study Turtle service at any time. 

  • To protect the privacy and intellectual property of our tutors and students, you are not permitted to record lessons using external software, mobile phones, or screen-recording tools. You must not upload, share, or post any part of a lesson, screenshot, or tutoring material to social media or video-sharing sites.  

5.0 Safeguarding, DBS Checks and Safety 

5.1 Privacy and Data Handling: Personal information is processed in strict accordance with our Privacy Policy. Please read our Privacy Policy prior to using our services. 

5.2 Tutor Vetting and Background Checks:  

Study Turtle prioritizes student safety above all else. Tuition services are delivered directly by a fully vetted, qualified individual practitioner who maintains the following credentials: 

  • Verified identity and higher-level academic qualifications. 

  • Confirmed right to work within the United Kingdom. 

  • An active Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, with update service status available for verification prior to commencing sessions. 

5.3 Parental Supervision: For any student under 18 years of age (receiving either online or in-person tuition), a parent or legal guardian must ensure a responsible adult is present in the home or immediate vicinity for the entire duration of the lesson. The Tutor must never be left solely in charge of a minor. 

5.4 Session Recording & Monitoring: Online tutoring sessions may be monitored or recorded by Study Turtle strictly for quality assurance, staff training, and safeguarding purposes, in compliance with our Privacy and Safeguarding Policies. 

5.5 Safeguarding Standards and Reporting Concerns: Tutors and students are required to maintain professional, respectful conduct at all times. Inappropriate communication, harassment, or safety breaches will result in immediate termination of service and referral to relevant UK statutory authorities where required. 

If you have any child protection or safeguarding concerns, please contact Study Turtle immediately via our website contact form. 

 6.0 Lesson Fees and Payment 

6.1 Structure of Lesson Fees 

A "Lesson Fee" consists of the Tutor’s fee combined with Study Turtle’s platform service fee. All applicable Lesson Fees are clearly displayed on the Website prior to confirming a booking. The confirmed Lesson Fee will also appear on your account dashboard, in your booking confirmation emails, and on your final payment receipts. 

Session rates are clearly displayed on the Platform prior to booking. All prices are listed in Pounds Sterling (GBP, £).  

6.2 Fee Changes 

Study Turtle reserves the right to adjust Lesson Fees. Any proposed changes to pricing will be posted on the Website and communicated to affected Users prior to new bookings taking effect. 

6.3 Payment Processing and Authorization 

Payment processing services are provided by Stripe Payments UK, Ltd (or its regional affiliates) and are governed by the Stripe Connected Account Agreement and Stripe Services Agreement. 

  • Authorization: By confirming a booking, the Student or Parent/Guardian authorizes Study Turtle to instruct Stripe to charge their designated credit or debit card for the full Lesson Fee 24 hours after the scheduled end time of each completed session (or as otherwise specified during checkout). 

  • Payment Failure: Failure to settle payments promptly may result in the immediate suspension of platform access and the cancellation of future scheduled lessons. 

6.4 Missed Sessions & Non-Attendance 

  • Student Non-Attendance: If a Student fails to attend a scheduled session (whether online or in person) without providing notice in accordance with our Cancellation Policy, the full Lesson Fee remains payable and non-refundable. 

  • Tutor Attendance & Minimum Waiting Time: For online sessions, the full Lesson Fee applies provided the Tutor logs into the Virtual Classroom and remains available for at least 15 minutes from the scheduled start time. If a Tutor fails to attend within this 15-minute window, the session will not be charged, or a full refund/credit will be issued. 

6.5 Complaints, Refunds, and Disputed Charges 

If a Student or Parent raises a formal complaint—such as claiming a missed lesson by a tutor, requesting a refund, or invoking a satisfaction guarantee—charges may still be processed at the standard billing time. Any verified refunds or account credits will subsequently be issued in accordance with our Refund Policy. 

7.0 Cancellations, Rescheduling and Refund Rights 

7.1 Statutory 14-Day Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Period) 

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have the legal right to cancel your contract with Study Turtle within 14 calendar days of signing up or booking services without giving a reason. 

  • To cancel, you must notify us in writing via the website contact form. 

  • Services Delivered During Cooling-Off: If you request a tutoring session to be delivered within this 14-day period, you explicitly acknowledge that you waive your right to a refund for any sessions already completed prior to your cancellation notice. 

7.2 Standard Cancellations & Rescheduling by Students/Parents 

Once a lesson is confirmed outside or following the initial 14-day cooling-off period, the following rules apply: 

  • More than 24 Hours’ Notice: You may cancel or reschedule a lesson at no cost. Any pre-paid lesson fees will be credited back to your account or refunded. 

  • Less than 24 Hours’ Notice: If you cancel or request to reschedule within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, or if a student fails to attend ("No-Show"), the full Lesson Fee remains payable and non-refundable. 

  • After Lesson Start: Bookings cannot be cancelled once a session has commenced. 

Extenuating Circumstances: In exceptional circumstances, a full or partial refund for a late cancellation may be granted at the sole discretion of Study Turtle and the assigned tutor.  

7.3 Cancellations by Tutors or Study Turtle 

If a tutor or Study Turtle must cancel a session due to illness or unforeseen emergencies: 

  • The student will be notified as early as possible via email or the Website. 

  • The student will be offered the choice of rescheduling for a mutually convenient time or receiving a full refund/credit for the cancelled session. 

7.4 Lateness Policy 

  • Student Lateness: If a student arrives late, the session will still end at its original scheduled time. Lost minutes will not be added to the end of the lesson or refunded. 

  • Tutor Lateness: Tutors are expected to be prompt. If a tutor is late by more than 10 minutes, the lost time will either be added to the session (if mutually agreed) or made up during a future lesson at no additional cost. 

8.0 Academic Performance & Disclaimers  

Study Turtle provides educational instruction, guidance, and learning materials designed to support student progress. All tuition is delivered with reasonable care, skill, and professional diligence. 

Study Turtle is dedicated to helping every student reach their full academic potential by providing structured, high-quality, and personalized support. However, education is a collaborative process. 

Please note that Study Turtle cannot guarantee specific outcomes, including but not limited to: 

  • Targeted or predicted examination grades 

  • Specific test or assessment scores 

  • Entry or admission to particular schools, colleges, or universities 

  • Educational placements or scholarships 

Final academic success depends on a wide range of factors outside my control, including the student's personal commitment, consistent attendance, independent study and revision, exam-day performance, and external school instruction. While I will provide all necessary guidance, resources, and encouragement, the ultimate responsibility for academic results lies with the student. 

9.0 Limitations of Liability 

9.1 Statutory Exclusions (What Cannot Be Limited) 

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits or excludes Study Turtle’s liability for: 

  • Death or personal injury caused by our negligence; 

  • Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or 

  • Any other liability that cannot be lawfully limited or excluded under applicable UK law. 

 9.2 General Limits on Liability 

Subject to Section 1 above and to the fullest extent permitted by law: 

  • Excluded Losses: Study Turtle will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or economic losses arising out of or in connection with our services. This includes loss of profit, loss of opportunity, exam re-sit costs, or loss of goodwill. 

  • Financial Cap on Liability: Our total cumulative financial liability in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise shall be strictly limited to the total fees paid by you to Study Turtle in the three (3) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. 

  • Unforeseeable Damages: We are not liable for any loss or damage that was not reasonably foreseeable to both parties when entering into this agreement. 

9.3 Events Outside Our Control (Force Majeure) 

Study Turtle is not responsible or liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure results from events beyond our reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to: internet outages, third-party software failures, hardware failure, severe weather, power cuts, or broader telecommunications breakdowns. 

9.4 User Duty to Mitigate & Opportunity to Remedy 

  • Opportunity to Remedy: If you believe Study Turtle is potentially liable for any issue, you must notify us promptly and grant us a reasonable opportunity to remedy or fix the matter before you incur any third-party costs to remedy it yourself. 

  • User Liability & Misuse: You agree to indemnify and hold Study Turtle harmless for any reasonably foreseeable losses or damages suffered by us as a result of your breach of these Terms & Conditions or misuse of our Website and services. 

10.0 Intellectual Property 

10.1 Ownership of Content & Materials 

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all content, software, graphics, logos, text, lesson templates, worksheets, downloadable files, video content, and custom learning materials available on or provided through the Website remain the exclusive Intellectual Property of Study Turtle (or its licensors). 

10.2 Limited Personal License 

Students and Parents/Guardians are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access, view, and download Study Turtle resources solely for personal, non-commercial educational use. 

10.3 Restrictions on Use 

Except as permitted under UK copyright law, you must not: 

  • Reproduce, copy, duplicate, or alter any Study Turtle materials or website content. 

  • Sell, license, rent, sub-license, or commercially exploit any lesson resources or content. 

  • Share, publish, or redistribute materials publicly online, on social media, or via third-party file-sharing platforms. 

  • Modify or remove any copyright notices, branding, or proprietary markings attached to our learning materials. 

Any unauthorized use or redistribution of Study Turtle's intellectual property constitutes a breach of these Terms & Conditions and may result in immediate account termination and legal action. 

11.0 Amendments to Terms 

11.1 Updates to Terms & Conditions 

Study Turtle reserves the right to update, modify, or replace these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, operational updates, or platform features. 

  • Notification: Any updates will be published directly on this Website page with a revised "Effective Date" at the top of the document. 

  • Acceptance: Your continued use of the Website or tutoring services following the posting of updated Terms constitutes your full acceptance of those changes. 

11.2 Service Changes & Platform Modifications 

To continuously improve our tutoring experience, Study Turtle reserves the right to: 

  • Update lesson content, worksheets, and online learning resources; 

  • Adjust service pricing and fee structures for new bookings; 

  • Modify, enhance, or discontinue specific Website features or services; and 

  • Adjust available lesson schedules and timetables. 

Notice for Existing Bookings: Where an operational or pricing change significantly impacts an active, pre-paid booking or ongoing subscription, Study Turtle will provide advance notice to affected parents and students via email or account notifications wherever reasonably possible. 

12.0 Governing Law 

12.1 Governing Law & Local Court Jurisdiction 

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Scotland [or England and Wales]. 

Any legal proceedings or disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the relevant UK courts. If you are a consumer living in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, you may also bring legal proceedings in the courts of the jurisdiction in which you live. 

13.0 Contact Information 

If you have any questions, concerns, or legal inquiries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at: 

E-mail: nkirikyali@gmail.co.uk 

Website: www.Studyturtle.co.uk