British Academy of Jewellery closure of courses - information for students

This page provides information for current students affected by the closure of higher education courses at British Academy of Jewellery.

Students at British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) have been told that their higher education courses will be closed.

We have been working with the provider, its validator and awarding body to do all we can to ensure that students' interests are protected in this challenging situation.

Kingston University and Pearson Education have written to all current students about their transfer or certification options. However, as the academy is now in liquidation, students are unable to contact the academy directly.

Students whose courses are validated by Pearson

Pearson will be supporting BAJ to ensure students have good information, advice and guidance about their options for continuing their studies, as well as support for their wellbeing. Pearson wrote to all of BAJ’s students on the BTEC on Friday 14 August 2026 to explain next steps.

Any current students who, for whatever reason, may not have received a direct communication from Pearson can make direct contact, either through the Pearson support portal or by calling 0345 618 0440 (select option two, then option five) to speak with a member of the team.

Students whose courses are validated by Kingston University

For students on the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production course, Kingston University will provide support to help students continue their studies and consider the options available to them.

You have the option to transfer your studies to Kingston University so you will be a fully registered Kingston University student. Kingston University will also provide support on alternative study options or the option to withdraw from the course and request an award of credit.

Kingston University has access to your transcript and student record for you to continue with your studies.

If you have any questions in the meantime, you can email Nick Gorse at Kingston University at [email protected]. If you require wellbeing support, you can email [email protected] to access services and other useful resources.

What can students expect?

In this situation, all students at BAJ must be given:

• the opportunity to continue with their studies at another university or college, or
• the option to end their studies and receive credit for their academic attainment to date.

Any applicants affected can also explore the full range of study options available to them through UCAS, which has information on most undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK.

Students should be able to discuss transfer options or other suitable courses they are interested in during their conversations with their validator or awarding body.

Students may be entitled to compensation for the disruption and associated costs.

We are working with the academy’s partner providers to support students to find an acceptable alternative to continue their studies.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is responsible for paying tuition fees directly to colleges and universities on behalf of students.

Once the student confirms to SLC which provider they will study at, the accepting provider will inform SLC and tuition fees will be paid as per the normal process. This only applies to courses eligible for higher education funding for providers that are registered with the OfS.

Self-funded students

If you have paid for all or part of your course upfront without a student loan, you may experience delays to any refund you seek because a liquidator would be appointed to consider all creditor’s claims.

When we receive more information on the arrangements we will provide an update on this page.

If you used a credit card to pay for your fees you may be able to use Section 75 refunds) – this is a UK consumer protection law.

For students with an Advanced Learner Loan

If you have paid for all or part of your course with an Advanced Learner Loan, SLC will write to you with advice on the steps you can take to continue your learning, including seeking alternative provision through the National Careers Service.

For students on an apprenticeship

If you are undertaking an apprenticeship, the Department for Education will write to your employer with guidance on securing alternative provision to enable you to continue and complete your apprenticeship.

Contact with British Academy of Jewellery

BAJ students have been told that their courses are being closed. Current students and student applicants have been sent a letter outlining their options. However, as the provider is now in liquidation, students will be unable to contact the provider directly.

Any students should contact the validator or awarding body for their course with any questions and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.