Grade 7–9 Guarantee

Our Grade 7–9 guarantee is a reflection of our confidence in the support we offer. When students work closely with us and complete the full programme, we expect strong GCSE outcomes — and we stand behind that.

If a student fully engages with the programme but does not achieve the expected grades in the GCSE STEM subjects they study with STEMpath, families may be eligible for a partial or full refund of Year 11 tuition fees for those subjects.

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At a glance

  • • Applies to GCSE STEM subjects studied with STEMpath Academy
  • • Covers Edexcel IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and AQA Further Maths
  • • Based on full participation in the two-year GCSE programme and end-of-year assessments
  • • Refund relates to Year 11 tuition fees for eligible subjects (exam-support fee not included)

What the Guarantee Covers

The guarantee applies to the GCSE STEM subjects a student studies with STEMpath Academy (Edexcel IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and AQA Further Maths) when they:

Covered

  • Students enrolled on the full two-year GCSE programme starting May 2026 (including the exam-support period).
  • Students who sit their GCSE exams in the Summer 2028 series in the subjects studied with STEMpath.
  • Year 11 tuition fees for STEMpath-taught subjects where the final grade is below 7 and all guarantee requirements have been met.

Not covered

  • Exam entry fees charged by external exam centres.
  • Fees for subjects not taught by STEMpath Academy (for example, partner-provider subjects).
  • Technology, printing, equipment or other non-tuition costs.
  • Any fees other than Year 11 tuition fees (the separate exam-support fee is not refundable).

What We Ask From Students & Families

The guarantee is a partnership. Our side is to teach clearly, support consistently and provide regular feedback. On the student side, we simply ask for steady engagement with lessons, homework and assessments.

Enrolment & Identity

  • Student joins the full two-year GCSE programme from May 2026.
  • Student is in the appropriate year group and age for GCSE study.
  • A clear, passport-style photo is provided at enrolment as proof of identity.

Attendance & Participation

  • Around 90% lesson attendance across the two-year GCSE programme, except where absence is agreed with us (for example, illness or exams).
  • Students are expected to take part in lessons using the microphone and chat so we can check understanding and clear up misconceptions.
  • Videos do not need to be on during lessons unless agreed for a specific purpose.

Homework & Study Habits

  • At least 90% of homework attempted and submitted on time.
  • Homework submitted as a single PDF per assignment where possible (or in the agreed format).
  • Students use feedback to make corrections and improve over time — we help them with this.

Fees & Payments

  • All deposits, termly fees and the exam-support fee are paid on time, following the schedule agreed at enrolment.
  • If payment difficulties arise, families contact us early so we can discuss options.
  • Persistent late or missed payments may remove eligibility for the guarantee.

End-of-Year Assessments & Progression

Our internal end-of-year assessments are there to guide learning, not to catch students out. They help us make sure everyone is on track and ready for the next stage.

Year 10 End-of-Year Assessment

  • Students sit end-of-year assessments in each STEM subject at the end of Year 10.
  • Our expectation is that students reach at least the current grade boundary for a Grade 5 in each subject.
  • These assessments guide progression into Year 11 and eligibility for the guarantee.
  • Where a student falls short, we offer extra help and a chance to retake, with clear guidance on how to improve.

Year 11 & Ongoing Support

  • In Year 11, further assessments and mocks are used to fine-tune revision and identify any remaining gaps.
  • Support is adjusted based on these results — the aim is always to help students move up, not to restrict them.
  • Students who continue to engage with teaching, homework and revision support remain eligible for the guarantee.

Refund Levels

The guarantee is applied on a subject-by-subject basis. Only the Year 11 tuition fees for the STEM subject or subjects where the final grade is below 7 are considered; subjects where Grade 7–9 is achieved are not refunded.

Where all guarantee requirements are met but the final GCSE results in one or more STEM subjects do not reach Grade 7, families may be eligible for a refund of Year 11 tuition fees for those subjects as follows:

Below Grade 4

If a student fulfils the guarantee requirements but achieves below Grade 4 in a GCSE STEM subject studied with STEMpath:

→ The family will receive a full refund of Year 11 tuition fees for that subject.

Grades 4–6

If a student fulfils the guarantee requirements but achieves a final grade between 4 and 6 in a GCSE STEM subject studied with STEMpath:

→ The family will receive a 50% refund of Year 11 tuition fees for that subject.

“Year 11 tuition fees” refers only to the standard Year 11 term fees and does not include the separate exam-support fee.

Exam Entry & Proof of Results

Because the guarantee is linked to GCSE results from the Summer 2028 exam series, we need clear, official confirmation of exam entry and grades.

Exam Entry

  • Students must be entered for the correct exam board and subjects studied with STEMpath in the Summer 2028 series.
  • Families provide proof of exam registration from the exam centre (for example, a confirmation email).
  • Please ensure the exam centre is willing, with your permission, to confirm entries and grades to STEMpath Academy if needed.

Proof of Results

  • In the event of a refund request, families supply the official statement of results from the exam centre.
  • STEMpath may confirm details directly with the exam centre, with your permission.
  • Refund decisions are based on the official grades recorded by the exam centre.

How to Request a Refund Under the Guarantee

If results day comes and you think your child may be eligible under the guarantee, we want the process to be clear and straightforward.

Step 1: Get in Touch

Email STEMpath Academy on the day you receive GCSE results, stating that you would like to request a refund under the Grade 7–9 guarantee and listing the STEM subjects you wish to claim for.

Step 2: Send Evidence

We will ask you to provide:

  • The official statement of results from the exam centre.
  • Any further information needed to confirm that programme expectations (attendance, homework, assessments and payments) were met.

Once we have reviewed everything and, where needed, confirmed details with the exam centre, any refund due will be processed to the fee-payer named on the original enrolment documentation.

A Supportive Pathway Aimed at High Achievement

The Grade 7–9 guarantee is not about pressure — it is about confidence. When students attend, participate and make use of the support available, we believe they can achieve excellent STEM results, and we are prepared to stand behind that belief.

If you have any questions about how the guarantee works, please contact us. We are always happy to talk things through.

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