ACQ London – Admissions Policy
ACQ London is committed to providing high-quality, inclusive, and accessible education for learners from diverse backgrounds. This Admissions Policy outlines the principles and procedures that guide how applicants are considered for entry into our programmes.
1. Purpose & Scope
1.1 Purpose
To set out transparent, fair, and consistent procedures for admitting students to ACQ London courses (online, via LMS, and via partner institutions in Sri Lanka, Canada, and the UK).
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to all applicants (home, EU, international) seeking admission to any ACQ course (short courses, certificate, diploma, management, health, etc.), including those delivered through partners.
1.3 Commitment
ACQ London is committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination in all its admissions decisions.
2. Principles
- Fairness, transparency, and consistency in admission decisions.
- Admissions decisions based on ability, aptitude, prior qualifications or equivalent experience.
- Recognising prior learning / relevant work experience (if applicable).
- Clear communication of entry requirements, processes, deadlines.
- Compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations including UK consumer protection, UK data protection (GDPR), and equality legislation.
3. Entry Requirements
3.1 Academic Qualifications
- Applicants must meet published academic qualifications for the intended course. This includes minimum grades and subject-specific requirements.
- For UK applicants: GCSEs / A-Levels / BTEC / equivalent.
- For international applicants: foreign qualifications must be recognised. ACQ may require equivalency or authentication.
3.2 English Language Requirement
- If English is not the applicant's first language, proof of proficiency is required (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent).
- Minimum level specified per course (e.g., IELTS 5.5 / 6.0 etc.).
3.3 Recognition of Prior Learning / Work Experience
- Applicants with prior relevant vocational or professional experience may be considered, especially for management or professional development courses.
- ACQ may require submission of portfolios, CVs, references, or tasks to assess suitability.
3.4 Age Requirements
- Minimum age (e.g., 18 years) for certain courses; younger applicants may be accepted under certain conditions.
3.5 Other Requirements
- Some courses (health, management, etc.) may have additional requirements: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, background check, professional suitability, immunisations, etc.
- Technical requirements: applicants must have access to the necessary technology for online delivery (device, internet, software).
4. Application Process
4.1 Submitting an Application
- Applications submitted via ACQ London's application form (online).
- Supporting documents must be provided: certified copies of transcripts/certificates, proof of identity, English language test results, and reference(s).
4.2 Interview / Assessment
- Some courses may require an interview (in person or remote), skills test, or submission of additional materials.
- ACQ reserves the right to assess applicants' potential, not only grades.
4.3 Offer Types
- Conditional Offer: issued when the applicant meets most criteria, but final documents/grades/checks are pending. Conditions will be clearly stated.
- Unconditional Offer: when all criteria are met and all checks passed.
4.4 Accepting Offers
- Applicants must accept offers in writing or via the specified method.
- Deposit or payment terms (if any) must be fulfilled by specified deadlines.
5. Deadlines & Timelines
- ACQ will publish application deadlines for each intake/course.
- Decisions (offer/rejection) will be communicated within a defined timeframe (e.g., within 2-4 weeks of receiving a complete application).
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring their application and all documents are submitted before the deadline.
6. Visas / Immigration
- For international students requiring visas, ACQ will provide the necessary documents to support a visa application once admission is confirmed.
- ACQ does not guarantee visa approval.
7. Partnership Delivery & External Providers
- For students enrolling via partner institutions (Sri Lanka, Canada, etc.), ACQ ensures that the partner admissions process follows this policy (or aligns closely).
- The partner must collect/verify documents; ACQ may audit or request copies.
8. Fees, Deposit, and Payment Preconditions for Admission
- A non-refundable deposit may be required to secure a place.
- Full or part payment schedules must be clear before enrolment.
- Failure to meet payment obligations may result in cancellation of offer.
9. Data Protection & Student Privacy
- All personal data submitted as part of application is processed under ACQ London's Privacy & Data Protection Policy (GDPR compliant).
- Only data necessary for evaluation / admission is collected.
- Applicants' information will be stored securely; they have rights to access, correct or request deletion as per GDPR.
10. Right to Refuse Admission
ACQ reserves the right to refuse admission in the following circumstances:
- The applicant does not meet entry requirements or conditions.
- Documents are false, forged, or misleading.
- Applicant fails required checks (e.g., identity, English proficiency).
- The applicant's conduct during interview or application process is inappropriate.
- Outstanding debts or default with ACQ or partner institution (if applicable).
11. Appeal & Complaints Regarding Admission Decisions
- Applicants who are refused may request feedback or appeal the decision.
- ACQ will maintain a complaints/appeals procedure: timeframes, how to appeal, and grounds for appeal.
- Appeals must be made in writing within a specified period after receiving the decision (e.g., within 10-15 working days).
12. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- ACQ does not discriminate on grounds of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic under UK law.
- Special provision may be made for applicants with disabilities (reasonable adjustments) where needed.
13. Monitoring & Review
- Admissions data (number of applicants, success rates by course, diversity metrics) will be collected and analysed.
- Policy will be reviewed periodically (e.g. annually) to ensure it remains fair, legally compliant, and aligned with best practice.
14. Annexe / Glossary (Optional, but useful)
- Definitions of “Conditional Offer”, “Recognition of Prior Learning”, “International Applicant”, etc.
- Contact points: where to send documents, whom to contact for queries or appeals.
Policy Information
Effective Date: 04 November 2024
Last Reviewed: 04 November 2025
Next Review Date: 04 November 2026
