Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

1.1. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the STEP-UK English Proficiency Test(“STEP-UK”, “the Test”) and any associated services, including, where applicable, the optional electronic certificate.

1.2. STEP-UK is an English proficiency assessment service. Where a certificate is included as part of a specific booking, the certificate is issued by Spinnaker School of English (UK) (“Spinnaker”). Spinnaker is accredited by the British Council and English UK. Such accreditation applies to the provider and not to any specific assessment product.

1.3. STEP-UK offers testing options for both adult candidates and candidates under the age of 18 (“Junior Tests”). Where a candidate is under 18, the Test must be registered for by a parent, legal guardian, or authorised adult acting on the candidate’s behalf. STEP-UK enters into a contractual relationship with the registering adult and not with the minor candidate.

1.4. By registering for, paying for, or accessing the STEP-UK Test—whether as a candidate or on behalf of a candidate (including as a parent, guardian, teacher, agent, or institution)—you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.

1.5. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not register for, access, or attempt to take the STEP-UK Test.

​

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• “Candidate” means the individual who is registered to take and who takes the STEP-UK English Proficiency Test, whether an adult or a minor.

• “Junior Candidate” means a candidate under the age of 18 who is registered for a Junior Test by a parent, legal guardian, or authorised adult.

• “You” / “Your” means the candidate, or the person registering, paying for, or otherwise acting on behalf of the candidate, including a parent, legal guardian, teacher, agent, or institution, as applicable.

• “We” / “Us” / “Our” means STEP-UK and any authorised partners involved in the administration, delivery, scoring, or certification of the Test.

• “Test” means the STEP-UK English Proficiency Test, including adult and junior versions, in the format applicable at the time of delivery.

• “Certificate” means the optional electronic certificate issued by Spinnaker School of English (UK) for candidates who have purchased a Test + Certificate option and successfully completed the Test.

• “CEFR” means the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

​

3. Eligibility and Age Requirements

3.1. STEP-UK is available to candidates seeking an indicative assessment of their English language proficiency, subject to these Terms.

3.2. Candidates under the age of 18 may take the Test only if registered by a parent, legal guardian, or authorised adult who confirms they have the legal authority to do so and who accepts these Terms on the candidate’s behalf.

3.3. The registering adult is responsible for ensuring that a Junior Candidate has appropriate supervision, support, and consent to take the Test.

3.4. You are responsible for ensuring that the candidate meets all technical, environmental, and practical requirements necessary to complete the Test in accordance with these Terms.

3.5. STEP-UK reserves the right to refuse or invalidate a test registration where eligibility requirements are not met or where information provided is inaccurate or misleading.

​

4. Nature and Purpose of the Test

4.1. The STEP-UK English Proficiency Test is a general English language assessment designed to provide an indicative evaluation of a candidate’s English language ability at the time the Test is taken.

4.2. The Test may assess one or more language skills, including Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, depending on the specific test version, level, or format delivered.

4.3. Test results are aligned to the CEFR and are intended to provide guidance only. Results do not represent a formal qualification and do not guarantee admission to any educational institution, employment opportunity, visa approval, or acceptance by any third party.

4.4. The Test is not designed or intended to be used for official immigration, government, or regulatory purposes unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing by STEP-UK.

4.5. Test results reflect performance at the time of assessment only and should not be interpreted as a permanent measure of a candidate’s English proficiency.

​

5. Fees and Pricing

5.1. Fees for the STEP-UK English Proficiency Test and any optional services, including certification, are displayed on the official STEP-UK website or authorised booking channels at the time of registration.

5.2. All fees must be paid in full before access to the Test or any related services is issued.

5.3. Fees are charged per test attempt and, where applicable, per certificate. Purchasing access to the Test does not include retakes, upgrades, or additional services unless expressly stated at the time of booking.

5.4. Agents, teachers, schools, or institutions may charge separate fees for preparation, administration, or support services. Such fees are independent arrangements between the candidate and the third party and are not set, controlled, or collected by STEP-UK.

5.5. STEP-UK reserves the right to amend fees, pricing structures, promotions, or bundled offerings at any time. Any such changes will apply only to new registrations made after the updated pricing is published.

​

6. Registration and Payment

6.1. Registration for the STEP-UK Test must be completed through the official STEP-UK registration or booking process, either directly by the candidate or by an authorised person acting on the candidate’s behalf.

6.2. You must provide complete and accurate information at the time of registration, including the candidate’s full legal name, a valid email address, and any other information reasonably required for test administration or certification.

6.3. STEP-UK is not responsible for delays, errors, or failed delivery of test access or results arising from inaccurate, incomplete, or incorrect information provided during registration.

6.4. Registration is considered confirmed only once full payment has been received and cleared.

6.5. Where registration is completed by an agent, teacher, parent, or institution, that party confirms they have the authority to register the candidate and accepts responsibility for compliance with these Terms.

6.6. STEP-UK reserves the right to suspend, delay, or invalidate a registration where payment is incomplete, reversed, disputed, or where the registration information is found to be false or misleading.

​

7. Cancellations, Withdrawals and Refunds

7.1. Once test access details, test links, or official test instructions have been issued, the registration is considered final, and no cancellations, withdrawals, or refunds will be permitted.

7.2. Test access details are typically issued shortly after registration is completed and payment has cleared. Issuance of access constitutes delivery of the service.

7.3. No refunds or cancellations will be granted after test access has been issued for any reason, including but not limited to failure to attend, technical issues on the candidate’s side, scheduling conflicts, or misconduct.

7.4. Where a cancellation request is submitted before test access has been issued, STEP-UK may, at its sole discretion, consider the request. Any approved refund will be subject to deduction of administrative and payment processing fees.

7.5. Where STEP-UK is unable to deliver the Test due to a verified internal error, a reschedule or alternative solution may be offered at STEP-UK’s discretion. Refunds are not automatic.

7.6. No refund will be provided where the Test is invalidated due to misconduct or breach of these Terms.

​

8. Test Access and Delivery

8.1. Test access details and instructions are issued to the registered email address following confirmed registration and payment.

8.2. Tests may be scheduled for a fixed date and time or provided within a defined access window, depending on the booking option selected.

8.3. It is your responsibility to ensure test access details are received and acted upon in a timely manner.

8.4. STEP-UK is not responsible for missed emails, spam filtering, incorrect contact details, or failure to monitor communications.

8.5. Failure to access or complete the Test within the specified timeframe will result in forfeiture without refund or reschedule.

​

9. Candidate Responsibilities

9.1. The Test must be completed independently by the candidate without external assistance.

9.2. Prohibited conduct includes use of AI tools, translation software, unauthorised devices, external assistance, recording or sharing test content, or communication with others during the Test.

9.3. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their device, internet connection, and environment meet test requirements.

9.4. Failure to follow instructions may result in invalidation of the Test.

9.5. For Junior Candidates, the registering adult is responsible for supervision and compliance.

​

10. Test Security and Monitoring

10.1. STEP-UK may use monitoring and security measures including identity verification, behavioural analysis, and recordings where applicable.

10.2. By taking the Test, you consent to the use of such measures for integrity and quality assurance purposes.

10.3. Misconduct may result in cancellation of the Test, voided results, denial of certificates, no refunds, and permanent restriction of access.

10.4. STEP-UK is not required to disclose internal security methods or evidence.

​

11. Results and Scores

11.1. Result release timelines are indicative only and not guaranteed.

11.2. Results provide CEFR-aligned indicative levels based on internal moderation.

11.3. STEP-UK may delay or withhold results for quality or security reasons.

11.4. STEP-UK is not responsible for third-party decisions based on results.

​

12. Certificates

12.1. Certificates are issued electronically only to candidates who purchase the Test + Certificate option.

12.2. Certificates are issued by Spinnaker School of English (UK).

12.3. Certificate details are generated from registration data; corrections may incur a fee.

12.4. Certificate recognition by third parties is not guaranteed.

​

13. Agents, Teachers and Third Parties

13.1. Agents and teachers do not act on behalf of STEP-UK unless formally authorised.

13.2. They must not guarantee results, misrepresent pricing, or misuse branding.

13.3. STEP-UK is not responsible for third-party arrangements or promises.

​

14. Technical Requirements

14.1. Candidates are responsible for meeting technical requirements.

14.2. Candidate-side technical issues do not qualify for refunds.

14.3. Verified STEP-UK technical failures may result in a discretionary reschedule.

​

15. Data Protection and Privacy

15.1. Personal data is processed only for test delivery and administration.

15.2. Data may be shared with Spinnaker, approved partners, or authorities where required.

15.3. STEP-UK does not sell personal data.

15.4. Further details are provided in the STEP-UK Privacy Policy.

​

16. Changes to the Test or Terms

16.1. STEP-UK may update the Test or these Terms as required.

16.2. Changes apply to new registrations only.

​

17. Limitation of Liability

17.1. STEP-UK is not liable for indirect or consequential losses.

17.2. Liability is limited to the fees paid for the Test.

17.3. Statutory rights are not excluded.

​

18. Complaints and Enquiries

18.1. Complaints must be submitted in writing to support@step-uk.com.

18.2. STEP-UK is not obliged to amend results unless an error is identified.

​

19. Governing Law

19.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

19.2. Courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction unless mandatory local law applies.

​

20. Acceptance of Terms

20.1. By registering, paying for, or accessing the Test, you confirm acceptance of these Terms.

20.2. If you do not accept these Terms, you must not proceed.