Ending your IQ Academy membership made easy

About IQ Academy

IQ Academy is a UK-based educational service provider that specialises in delivering online tutoring and learning support for students across various subjects and age groups. Operating primarily through digital platforms, the service connects students with qualified tutors who provide personalised instruction designed to improve academic performance and build confidence in challenging subjects.

From my experience processing hundreds of education subscription cancellations, IQ Academy follows a fairly traditional model. Students or their parents sign up for regular tutoring sessions, typically committing to a minimum term or rolling monthly subscription. The service covers core subjects including mathematics, English, science, and modern languages, with sessions conducted via video conferencing technology.

What makes IQ Academy noteworthy in the cancellation context is that they require formal written notice for termination. This isn't unusual for education services—many tutoring companies prefer postal communication for cancellations because it creates a clear paper trail and helps prevent disputes about whether notice was properly given. Keep in mind that verbal cancellations or casual emails often don't meet their contractual requirements, which is why understanding the proper postal cancellation process is absolutely essential.

Most importantly, IQ Academy serves families throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, meaning they must comply with UK consumer protection laws. This gives you specific rights when cancelling, particularly if you signed up online or over the phone, which typically triggers the Consumer Contracts Regulations giving you additional cancellation rights during the initial period.

Plans, features and pricing

Understanding what you're paying for is the first step in any cancellation process. IQ Academy structures their offerings around session frequency and subject complexity, which directly impacts pricing. Let me break down the typical arrangements I've seen when helping families cancel these services.

Standard subscription tiers

IQ Academy generally offers several subscription models, though pricing can vary based on the student's age, subject difficulty, and tutor qualifications. Here's what you need to know about their typical structure:

First, check your original contract to identify which tier you're on. This matters enormously because the minimum term dictates when you can cancel without penalties. I've seen countless families assume they could cancel anytime, only to discover they'd committed to a six-month term with early termination fees.

Key features and what you're paying for

IQ Academy subscriptions typically include one-to-one tutoring sessions, access to learning resources and materials, progress tracking reports, and communication with tutors between sessions. Premium tiers often add features like priority booking, specialist subject tutors, or exam board-specific preparation materials.

Additionally, many contracts include automatic renewal clauses. This is critical for cancellation purposes—if you don't provide proper notice before your term ends, you'll automatically roll into another commitment period. I cannot stress this enough: automatic renewal is the number one reason people end up paying for months they didn't want.

Common reasons people cancel

In my years handling education service cancellations, I've noticed recurring patterns. Financial pressure tops the list—tutoring represents a significant monthly expense, and family circumstances change. Many parents find the service isn't delivering expected results, or their child simply isn't engaging with the online format.

Next, there's the issue of scheduling conflicts. Online tutoring sounds flexible, but coordinating regular sessions around school activities, sports, and family life proves harder than anticipated. Some families also discover their child needed different support entirely—perhaps special educational needs assessment rather than standard tutoring.

School circumstances change too. Students might improve sufficiently to no longer need support, transfer to schools with better built-in resources, or decide to focus on different subjects. Understanding why you're cancelling helps you write a clearer cancellation letter and resist any retention attempts.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Right, this is where many cancellation attempts go wrong. IQ Academy's terms of service contain specific requirements that you absolutely must follow, or your cancellation won't be legally effective. Let me walk you through the critical elements based on standard education service contracts.

Notice period requirements

Most IQ Academy contracts require written notice at least 30 days before your next billing date or term end date. Some contracts specify even longer notice periods—I've seen 45 or 60 days for premium packages. This means if your next payment is due on the 15th of next month, and you send your cancellation letter on the 20th of this month, you're likely still liable for that next payment.

Here's a pro tip from processing thousands of these: always send your cancellation letter at least 45 days before you want to stop being charged, regardless of what your contract says. This buffer protects you against postal delays, processing time, and any disputes about when notice was received.

Minimum term obligations

If you're within a minimum term commitment, cancelling early typically triggers one of three scenarios. First, you might face an early termination fee, often equivalent to the remaining months of your commitment. Second, you might be required to continue paying until the minimum term expires, though you can stop receiving services. Third, in some cases involving distance selling regulations, you might have grounds to cancel without penalty if you're within the cooling-off period.

Keep in mind that minimum terms are legally enforceable contracts in the UK, provided they were clearly communicated when you signed up. However, if IQ Academy failed to provide clear terms, engaged in misleading practices, or you never received a written contract, you may have grounds to challenge the minimum term requirement.

UK consumer protection rights

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give you a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts made online, by phone, or off-premises. During this period, you can cancel for any reason without penalty. Most importantly, this right exists even if the contract states otherwise—consumer protection law overrides contractual terms.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires services to be provided with reasonable care and skill. If IQ Academy's tutoring falls below acceptable standards, you may have grounds to cancel based on breach of contract. Document any quality issues thoroughly—missed sessions, unqualified tutors, or failure to provide promised materials all strengthen your position.

Refund policies and final payments

Understanding refund eligibility prevents nasty surprises. If you've paid in advance for sessions not yet delivered, you're typically entitled to a pro-rata refund. However, many contracts stipulate that cancellation only prevents future billing rather than refunding current month charges.

Payment method matters too. Direct Debit cancellations offer protection through the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme, allowing you to reclaim unauthorised payments. If you paid by credit card for services over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act provides additional protection if the company breaches contract.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now we get to the practical process. Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your IQ Academy subscription, and I'll explain exactly why before walking you through the steps.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

After handling countless cancellation disputes, I can tell you that postal cancellation via Royal Mail Signed For or Recorded Delivery provides irrefutable proof of your cancellation request. Unlike emails that can be filtered to spam, phone calls that leave no record, or online forms that mysteriously fail to process, a tracked postal letter creates a legal paper trail that companies cannot dispute.

Email cancellations face particular problems with education services. Companies often claim they never received the email, it went to the wrong department, or their terms require physical post. I've seen families continue being charged for months because they assumed an email sufficed. Don't make this mistake—postal cancellation protects your legal position absolutely.

Next, postal cancellation forces the company to acknowledge receipt through the tracking system. Royal Mail Signed For service requires a signature upon delivery, creating independent third-party verification that your letter arrived. If IQ Academy later claims they never received your cancellation, you have tracking evidence proving otherwise.

Preparing your cancellation letter

First, gather all relevant information before writing. You'll need your full name as it appears on the contract, your account or customer reference number, the student's name if different from the account holder, your current address, and your original contract date. Having this information ready ensures your letter contains everything needed for processing.

Your letter must explicitly state that you are cancelling your subscription or contract. Use clear, unambiguous language—phrases like "I wish to cancel" or "I am terminating my contract" leave no room for misinterpretation. Specify the date you want the cancellation to take effect, typically the end of your current paid period or notice period.

Additionally, include your preferred contact method for confirmation. Request written acknowledgement of your cancellation, including confirmation of your final payment date and any refund due. This creates an expectation of response that strengthens your position if disputes arise later.

Keep in mind that you don't need to provide reasons for cancelling, despite what some companies imply. Your contract gives you cancellation rights subject to notice periods—you don't owe explanations or justifications. Providing reasons only gives companies ammunition for retention attempts.

The official postal address

Most importantly, you must send your cancellation letter to IQ Academy's correct registered address. Sending to the wrong address can invalidate your cancellation notice, restarting your notice period when it eventually reaches the right department. Here is the address you need:

• IQ Academy
• 128 City Road
• London
• EC1V 2NX
• United Kingdom

Always check your contract or recent correspondence for any different cancellation address specified. Some companies designate specific addresses for cancellations that differ from their registered office. If your contract specifies an alternative address, use that one and keep a copy of the contract clause as evidence.

Sending your letter correctly

Never send cancellation letters by standard post. The small additional cost of Royal Mail Signed For service (currently around £2-3) provides invaluable protection worth many times that amount. Visit any Post Office and specifically request Signed For service, which provides tracking and signature confirmation.

Alternatively, Royal Mail Recorded Delivery offers similar proof of posting and delivery. The tracking number allows you to monitor your letter's progress online and proves exactly when IQ Academy received it. Save your proof of postage receipt and tracking number immediately—these documents are your insurance policy.

Take photographs of your letter before sealing the envelope. Photograph the complete text, your signature, the addressed envelope, and your proof of postage receipt. These images provide backup evidence if the company claims your letter lacked required information or was unclear.

Using services like Postclic

For those wanting additional convenience and security, services like Postclic streamline the postal cancellation process. Postclic allows you to compose your cancellation letter digitally, then handles printing, enveloping, and sending via tracked postal services on your behalf. This saves you the trip to the Post Office while maintaining the legal validity of postal cancellation.

The key advantage is digital proof combined with physical delivery. You keep a permanent digital record of exactly what you sent and when, while the recipient receives a proper physical letter via Royal Mail's tracked services. This combination offers the best of both worlds—convenience of digital with legal strength of postal communication.

Additionally, Postclic formats your letter professionally and ensures all necessary elements are included, reducing the risk of technical errors that could delay processing. The service typically costs less than £5 including postage, which is excellent value considering the time saved and peace of mind gained.

Timeline and what to expect

Royal Mail Signed For typically delivers within 1-2 working days to UK addresses. Check your tracking number after two days—it should show "delivered" with a signature. If tracking shows delivery problems, contact Royal Mail immediately to resolve issues before your notice period expires.

Next, expect IQ Academy to process your cancellation within 5-10 working days of receipt. They should send written confirmation acknowledging your cancellation, confirming your final payment date, and explaining any refund process. If you don't receive confirmation within two weeks, send a follow-up letter referencing your original cancellation and tracking number.

Critical deadlines to remember

Protecting yourself during the notice period

Continue paying as normal during your notice period. Cancelling your Direct Debit before the notice period expires breaches your contract and gives the company grounds to pursue you for payment plus additional fees. I've seen this mistake cost people hundreds of pounds in collection costs.

Keep attending or providing access to scheduled sessions unless your contract allows immediate cessation. Some contracts require you to continue receiving services during the notice period, while others allow you to stop sessions while continuing payment. Check your specific terms to avoid breach of contract claims.

Document everything during this period. Save all correspondence, keep records of any sessions attended, and note any communications from IQ Academy. If they attempt to charge beyond your agreed final date, this documentation proves your case for refunds.

Tips from former members

Having processed countless IQ Academy cancellations, I've learned which strategies work and which pitfalls to avoid. Let me share the insider knowledge that makes cancellation smooth rather than stressful.

Start the process early

The single biggest mistake people make is waiting until they're certain they want to cancel. By then, notice period requirements often mean you're locked in for another month or two. Instead, send your cancellation letter as soon as you're seriously considering ending the service. If circumstances change and you want to continue, you can always request to withdraw your cancellation—companies are usually happy to retain customers.

Think of it this way: sending a cancellation letter costs a few pounds and an hour of your time. Waiting and missing your cancellation window costs another month's subscription, potentially £100-400. The mathematics strongly favour acting early.

Read your contract before writing anything

I cannot emphasise this enough: dig out your original contract and read the cancellation clause word for word. Look for specific requirements like notice periods, required information, designated addresses, or particular wording they demand. Meeting these requirements exactly prevents the company from claiming your cancellation was invalid.

Pay particular attention to automatic renewal clauses and minimum term end dates. Many contracts renew for another full term if you don't cancel before a specific deadline, often 30-60 days before your current term expires. Missing this deadline by even one day can lock you in for another six months.

Never cancel your Direct Debit first

This bears repeating because it's such a common and costly error. Cancelling your Direct Debit before completing the proper cancellation process and notice period doesn't end your contract—it just means you're not paying what you contractually owe. The company can pursue you for unpaid fees, add late payment charges, and damage your credit rating.

Only cancel your Direct Debit after you've received written confirmation of your cancellation and your final payment date has passed. Even then, wait a few extra days to ensure the final payment has cleared. If the company attempts to take payment after your contract should have ended, you can reclaim it through the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme.

Keep copies of absolutely everything

Create a cancellation folder—physical or digital—containing copies of your cancellation letter, proof of postage, tracking information, photographs of your letter, your original contract, and all correspondence with IQ Academy. If disputes arise weeks or months later, this documentation is your defence.

Most importantly, keep these records for at least 12 months after your cancellation. I've seen companies continue charging months later, claiming cancellations were never processed. Your documented evidence resolves these disputes quickly, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds and hours of stress.

Watch for retention tactics

After receiving your cancellation, IQ Academy may contact you with retention offers—discounted rates, schedule flexibility, or additional services. These offers can be genuine value if you were cancelling primarily due to cost. However, accepting a retention offer typically means signing a new contract with its own minimum term and notice requirements.

If you're genuinely done with the service, politely decline all retention offers and confirm that you want your cancellation to proceed as requested. Don't let persuasive sales tactics undermine your decision—companies are skilled at creating urgency and making you second-guess yourself.

Know when to escalate

If IQ Academy doesn't acknowledge your cancellation within 14 days, send a follow-up letter marked "SECOND NOTICE" referencing your original letter and tracking number. If they continue ignoring you or disputing your cancellation, escalate to formal complaints.

First, submit a formal complaint through their official complaints procedure—your contract should specify this process. If that doesn't resolve matters within eight weeks, you can approach alternative dispute resolution services or consider small claims court for any unauthorised charges. The threat of formal action often prompts companies to process cancellations they've been delaying.

Check your bank statements carefully

After your agreed final payment date, monitor your bank statements for at least three months. Companies sometimes continue taking payments due to administrative errors, hoping customers won't notice. If you spot any unauthorised payments, contact your bank immediately to reclaim them under the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme.

Additionally, keep your cancellation documentation accessible during this monitoring period. If unauthorised payments appear, you'll need to provide your proof of cancellation to your bank when requesting refunds.

Learn from common mistakes

Former members consistently report the same errors that complicated their cancellations. Assuming email cancellation was sufficient tops the list, followed by cancelling Direct Debits prematurely, missing notice period deadlines, and failing to keep documentation. Simply being aware of these pitfalls helps you avoid them.

Another frequent mistake is being too vague in cancellation letters. Phrases like "I'd like to discuss cancelling" or "I'm thinking of ending my subscription" don't constitute formal cancellation notice. Use definitive language: "I am cancelling my subscription effective [date]" leaves no ambiguity.

Finally, don't let guilt or awkwardness prevent you from cancelling. You have a legal right to end services according to your contract terms. Companies expect cancellations as part of normal business—there's no need to over-explain or apologise. State your cancellation clearly, follow the proper process, and move on.

Remember that successful cancellation comes down to following procedures exactly, documenting everything, and acting early. The postal cancellation method, particularly using Royal Mail's tracked services, provides the strongest legal protection and clearest evidence of your intentions. Take the time to do it properly, and you'll avoid the complications and costs that plague rushed or informal cancellation attempts.