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“Appalling, Con artists - AVOID!”

Written on: 22/08/2012 by Joshd1982 (1 review written)

I wanted to do an entry-level accounting course, something to test the waters. I decided on the AAT level 1 course and after at my options Home Learning College appeared to offer the most suitable format.

The problems started immediately. After checking some details, with HLC and AAT, I was told that I would be able to book my exam as soon as I finished my course work. I am due to join the armed forces is September, so I confirmed with several advisors that I would have no problems in getting the work done and taking the exam.

After phoning up to purchase the course, I was told my designated advisor was busy and would phone back ASAP to process the transaction. Part of his pitch was the fact that I’d be able to start immediately! He didn’t. I had to chase him up and eventually one of the women who directed calls did it for me.

HLC later that day began calling my place of work, a number I had called them off but had NOT provided for contact. They called several times and caused me problems at work.

Once they had taken my initial payment, I was told I’d be able to start immediately. I couldn’t. Not only could I not access the online materials, but when I finally could log in five days later, there were no online materials for my course! Apparently AAT hadn’t made it available yet – something I wasn’t told at point of sale.

My printed course turned up – I paid £460 for my course. The entire materials consisted of one book that retails at £18.99 on the AAT website.
I made a complaint about this, asked for a refund but was told it was just teething problems. The course advisor guaranteed me there would be no other issues. Ha!

A few days later I requested the payment code for my AAT membership. Nearly two weeks past and I had heard nothing, so I chased it up with my advisor. Email ignored. I sent another email and was told I’d receive the code that day. I didn’t. I sent another email the following day and finally got my code some hours later.

I was then contacted by one of their ‘financial team’ to say I was late with my second instalment. This caused confusion as it was supposed to be taken automatically. The lady told me this was not possible as they could not store my card details. This affected my credit rating. Fast forward a month and HLC are magically able to charge my card, sending me overdrawn (I intended to pay with a different card, as discussed with the woman who called). When I made a complaint about this, they fobbed me off saying the payment had been declined. Strange , as I had just been paid, I myself paid using the same card the day later and my bank had no record of any rejected payments!

When I enquired about booking my final exam, my ‘tutor’ told me had achieved a good mark in my assignment and would be able to book the exam. I had not completed any assignments at this stage.

I requested a course date and heard nothing for a week. I then received a nonsensical email, with no dates or reference to my particular course. I waited another week then sent an email of complaint. No response. I then made a formal complaint, as it is now too late for me to be able tO complete the course.

After reviewing my complaint, HLC decided they had caused some inconvenience but ultimately had provided the service advertised. Apparently I was offered an extra months ‘tuition’ and….. a free NUS card!

I was told that the courses have a two month turnaround for booking exams – something I was specifically lied to about when they sold me the course.

The advisor even messed up my complaint – emailing me a response to anther dissatisfied student.

After escalating my complaint, whatever that meant, they offered me a £70 gesture of goodwill.

I had problems with literally every stage of my course. The only thing they did efficiently was collect my money.