6. Payment Terms
Fees: All fees for tutoring services will be clearly communicated prior to the commencement of services. The total price displayed includes the applicable VAT (Value Added Tax) where required by law.
VAT:
VAT is charged only on the portion of the fees retained by The Degree Gap as commission ("Agency Commission”).
Tutors are independent contractors and are solely responsible for assessing, collecting, and remitting any VAT or other applicable taxes on their share of earnings, if required by their local tax authorities.
The Degree Gap does not collect VAT on behalf of Tutors.
Payment Schedule: Payment must be made in accordance with the agreed schedule, prior to the provision of services.
Invoices: Customers will receive an invoice detailing the total amount paid, specifying the VAT component attributable to The Degree Gap’s commission if applicable.
All tutors on The Degree Gap platform are expected to act professionally at all times. We operate under a strict two-strike policy. Once a tutor receives two strikes, they will be permanently removed from the platform without explanation or refund. This decision is final and made at the discretion of the platform’s leadership.
Camera Off Without Valid Reason
Tutors are expected to have their camera on for every session. Failure to do so will result in a strike.
Lateness
Arriving late to any session without prior notice or explanation may result in a strike.
No-Show
Missing a scheduled session entirely (without communication) is an automatic strike.
Lack of Engagement
Reports of low energy, poor enthusiasm, or visible distraction during sessions (e.g. switching tabs) may result in a strike.
Poor Communication
Tutors must respond to messages within 24 hours unless they have a valid reason. Failure to do so may lead to a strike.
Changing prices unexpectedly: Tutors must reach out to the management team before changing prices. Any changes in pricing done unexpectedly will result in a strike policy as the customer must be informed of the changes. Existing customers always stay on the same rate.
Unprofessional Environment
Sessions must be conducted in a suitable, quiet, professional setting. Sitting on a sofa or bed is unacceptable and will result in a strike.
Inappropriate Attire
Tutors must wear smart casual clothing appropriate for a professional tutoring session.
Other Unprofessional Conduct
Any additional behaviour deemed inappropriate or unprofessional may result in a strike, at the sole discretion of the platform.
Inappropriate language or behaviour
Any use of rude, offensive, or unprofessional language during sessions or in communications with students, parents, or staff will result in a strike.
Failure to submit session notes
If your role requires writing session summaries or logging progress and this is repeatedly not done, it may lead to a strike.
Not following student safeguarding protocols
Any deviation from safeguarding guidelines – such as not reporting concerns, or conducting sessions outside approved channels – will result in an immediate strike or possible termination.
Overstepping professional boundaries
Tutors must not form personal relationships with students or attempt to contact them outside the agreed-upon systems.
Repeated rescheduling
Constantly moving or rescheduling sessions without a valid reason or with minimal notice may result in a strike.
Failing to adapt or differentiate
Consistent reports that a tutor is not tailoring support to a student’s level, needs, or feedback may trigger a warning or strike.
Disrespecting platform rules or branding
Ignoring policies related to communication tone, materials used, or how The Degree Gap is represented may lead to disciplinary action. This includes the use of external platforms or communications. All information must stay on the platform.
Breaching confidentiality
Sharing student information, session content, or internal platform communications without permission will result in a strike or immediate removal.
11. Taxes and Legal Compliance
All Tutors are solely responsible for complying with their own local tax regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the declaration and payment of income taxes, self-employment taxes, and any VAT or similar indirect taxes applicable to the services they provide.
The Degree Gap does not collect, withhold, or remit VAT or any other taxes on behalf of Tutors.
The Degree Gap will provide Customers with invoices that detail the VAT applied to the Agency Commission portion of the payment where required by law.
It remains the responsibility of each Tutor to determine whether they are required to register for VAT or any equivalent tax in their jurisdiction and to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws.
12. Commission Structure
The Degree Gap operates on a commission-based model under which a percentage of the gross fee paid by Customers is retained as Agency Commission. For clarity:
The Agency Commission is subject to VAT where applicable.
The remaining portion (Tutor’s Share) is remitted to the Tutor and is not subject to VAT by The Degree Gap.
Any VAT obligations arising on the Tutor’s Share are the sole responsibility of the Tutor.
13. Employment Status
Tutors are employed on a contract basis(self employed basis) and are not guaranteed any minimum number of hours or students. Tutors are considered independent contractors(self employed) and not employees of The Degree Gap. As such, they are not entitled to holiday pay, pension contributions, or any other employee benefits. Tutors are responsible for managing their own schedules and ensuring they meet their contractual obligations.
The Degree Gap acts as an intermediary between student and tutor. Helping facilitate the tutoring sessions, and takes a platform fee through this.
Due to this agreement, we reserve the right to terminate our relationship with the tutor at any point if we deem their behaviour not in line without our values.
14. Email Outreach Terms and Conditions:
Initial Contact:
The first email you receive from us is considered a professional inquiry or introduction and does not include an unsubscribe option, as it is sent with the legitimate interest of introducing our services.
Subsequent Emails:
From the second email onward, you will have the option to unsubscribe at any time. Each email will include a clear and accessible unsubscribe link to allow you to opt out of further communication.
Unsubscribe Requests:
If you choose to unsubscribe, we will immediately remove your email address from our mailing list to ensure no further contact is made.
Data Privacy:
We handle all email addresses and contact information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection regulations.
15. Amendments
18. Affiliate Program Terms
The Degree Gap operates an affiliate program ("Program") designed to reward individuals or entities who refer new students to our services.
18.1 Program Participation
By signing up or participating in the Program, affiliates agree to the full terms outlined in The Degree Gap Affiliate Agreement, which is publicly available and governs all aspects of participation, including tracking, commissions, responsibilities, and limitations.
18.2 Commission Structure
Affiliates are eligible to receive:
A one-time £20 commission upon a referred individual completing their first paid booking, and
A 10% recurring commission on all future paid bookings made by that same customer.
18.3 Tracking and Eligibility
Referrals are tracked via cookies and session data for a standard window of 70 hours of activity. Commissions are only granted for the first individual referred who completes a paid booking using the affiliate link. Secondary referrals from that individual do not qualify for additional commission.
If tracking fails and the referral is confirmed in writing by the student at the time of booking, the affiliate may still receive the £20 initial commission, though recurring payments will not apply.
18.4 Payment Terms
Commissions are visible on each affiliate’s dashboard.
Payouts are made by bank transfer and are processed upon request, typically within two business days.
It is the affiliate’s responsibility to report earnings to relevant tax authorities.
18.5 Affiliate Conduct
Affiliates must act in accordance with ethical marketing practices and may not:
Misrepresent their relationship with The Degree Gap,
Engage in spam marketing or deceptive practices,
Bid on our brand name or derivatives in online advertising,
Create websites appearing to be official Degree Gap properties.
Violation will result in immediate termination of the affiliate account and forfeiture of unpaid commissions.
The Degree Gap is able to terminate this contract at any point without a reason.
18.6 Limitation of Liability
The Degree Gap does not guarantee referral volumes or commission earnings. Total liability under the Program is limited to commissions earned within the preceding six months.
18.7 Termination
Either party may terminate the affiliate relationship at any time with written notice. Unpaid commissions will be processed unless termination arises from a breach of agreement.
18.8 Governing Law
The affiliate program and this section are governed by the laws of England and Wales, with disputes subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in London, UK.
