Meeting Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expectations
28 July 2023 2026-08-11 17:07Meeting Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expectations
Fairness, clarity and student protection
Meeting Competition and Markets Authority Expectations
How Caspian School of Academics supports informed choices, fair contractual arrangements and accessible complaint-handling processes.
Our approach
Supporting students through transparent practices
Caspian School of Academics intends to meet the expectations and requirements of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This page explains the steps the School takes to support compliance with consumer protection law in higher education.
The commitments cover the information supplied before enrolment, the fairness and clarity of contractual terms, and the processes available when an applicant or student wishes to raise a concern.
The School aims to provide information and processes that are clear, accurate, fair and accessible throughout the student journey.
CMA framework
Three core areas of commitment
Our arrangements focus on the points in the student journey where clear information, fair treatment and effective processes matter most.
Pre-contract information
Applicants should receive the information needed to make an informed decision before accepting an offer and entering into a student contract.
Fair contractual terms
Terms and conditions should be clear, understandable and balanced, with important provisions brought to students’ attention.
Effective complaint handling
Students should be able to find and use a fair complaint process without unreasonable barriers or avoidable delay.
Before a student enrols
Information provided by the School
Prospective students need timely, accurate and complete information before they decide whether to accept an offer.
- Students receive clear and accurate pre-enrolment information, including details that may influence their decision to enrol.
- Course information identifies the relevant fees and costs, without hidden charges.
- Full contractual terms and conditions are available.
- Necessary pre-contract information is provided before a prospective student accepts an offer.
- Any possible changes are explained clearly.
- Students are informed of their right to cancel within 14 days, where applicable.
- Contract confirmation is provided.
- Important terms and conditions, rules and regulations are brought clearly to students’ attention.
Student contracts
Contract terms and conditions
Contractual information should be presented in a way that supports understanding and treats students fairly.
- A clear explanation of the terms and conditions is available.
- Important contractual features are explained to students.
- Terms are drafted so that their effect is fair and reasonable.
Concerns and redress
Complaint-handling processes
The School aims to make complaint procedures clear, accessible and fair to both prospective and registered students.
- Students have access to the School’s complaints procedures.
- Prospective students are provided with information about the complaints procedure.
- The complaint process is explained clearly and accurately.
- Complaints are handled fairly and within reasonable timeframes.
- Students who raise complaints are not subject to unreasonable barriers.
- Relevant staff receive training in complaint handling.
Further information
Related guidance and School information
Use these links to read the underlying CMA guidance, review the School’s wider consumer-protection assessment or find the relevant policy framework.
CMA guidance for providers
Read the UK Government publication on consumer law for higher education providers.
Open guidance ↗Consumer law self-assessment
See the School’s wider assessment of information, terms, complaints and appeals.
View assessment →Policies and procedures
Find the School’s academic, student, governance and operational documents.
Explore policies →Need help finding the right information?
Contact the School if you need clarification about course information, contractual terms or the appropriate route for raising a concern.
Meeting CMA expectations
The School intends to meet the expectations and requirements of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and this procedure sets out the steps we are taking to ensure that we do so.
Information Provided by the School
We will ensure that:
- Students have clear and accurate pre-enrolment information, including all the information that might influence their decision to enroll
- There are no hidden costs in the course information
- full contractual terms and conditions are available
- All necessary pre-contract information is provided to prospective students before accepting an offer
- any possible changes are clarified
- We publish notice of the right to cancel within 14 days
- we provide contract confirmation
- we draw students` consideration to terms and conditions, rules and regulations, including especially vital aspects
Contract Terms and Conditions
- A clear explanation of the terms and conditions is available
- we will explain any important features to students
- terms are drafted so that their effects are fair and reasonable
Complaint Handling Processes
- Students have access to complaints procedures.
- Prospective students are provided with information on the complaint procedure.
- The complaint process is explained to students clearly and accurately.
- Complaints are handled fairly, according to reasonable timeframes.
- The complaints of students are not subject to unreasonable barriers.
- Our staff will be trained in complaint handling process
