Can a training provider charge interest on late fees?

For employer-paid invoices, yes, under the Late Payment Act. For individual learners, only if the enrolment terms they accepted include fair interest or charges.

What if a learner withdraws and refuses to pay?

Refer to the withdrawal terms they accepted at enrolment. If fees are owed, send a clear statement of the balance and offer a payment plan before escalating.

How do I chase an employer for a course invoice?

Make sure the invoice goes to accounts payable with the purchase order number, then chase on your standard terms with polite, dated reminders.

Should I stop a learner's access if they miss payments?

Only if your terms allow it and you have given clear notice. Many providers find a quick reminder and a revised plan works better than suspending access.

How can I manage hundreds of small instalments?

Automate it. Tools like AutoSettle watch every instalment in Xero, QuickBooks or Sage and send reminders and follow-ups without manual work.

Is it worth chasing small course debts?

Individually they are small, but together they can be a significant share of revenue. Automated reminders make chasing small balances cost-effective.

Credit control for education and training providers

Credit control for education and training means collecting course fees on time from learners, employers and funders. It works best with clear enrolment terms, instalment plans set up at sign-up, reminders before each instalment, and a fair but firm process for missed payments. Automation keeps many small balances moving without adding admin for your team.

Training providers, private colleges, tutoring businesses and professional course companies share a common cash flow problem: lots of relatively small balances spread across many learners, often paid in instalments over months.

Some fees are paid by the learner, some by their employer, and some by a funding body or apprenticeship levy. Each payer behaves differently. This guide explains how to keep fees coming in without turning your admissions team into debt collectors.

Set up the instalment schedule at enrolment so every payment has a due date and reminder.

Always know who pays: learner, employer or funder.

Pre-due reminders prevent most missed instalments.

Payment plans often recover more from learners than escalation.

Statutory interest applies to employer-paid invoices, not individual learners.