Hi Bill10. I got a loan from the clydesdale bank for £3,000 to make up what i didn't have of the £4,950 owed to Barclays. This loan is costing me 25.9% apr, which is almost another grand added to my debt (but hey, it's less than what Barclays would've charged:)!) My advice to you would be, speak to your bank and try to get a loan to cover what you haven't got to give to Barclays. Let them know of your situation and if the worst should happen, and Barclays get their way, you won't be charged their massive rate of interest and a year's worth of charges as you will have the money there. But make sure you tell your bank that the situation is in dispute and you may be wanting to pay the loan off before the agreed date. (You'll no doubt have to be in full-time employment to get the loan). Or better yet, speak to a member of CAG or go to the CAB for advice. Ally

I would also like to accept CAG teams help and assistance

Please post it up here for the rest of us

Another thing which may be interesting: I phoned an advent service desk about a year ago to enquire what my options were in terms of cancelling my course (since i wanted to instead study at university). Although the advent employee was very sympathetic, she told me that i basically had no options. Later on in the week however, i received a letter in the post pretty much giving me this option. For my first workshop in kiddiminster, as a goodwill gesture, advent would: Pay my costs to commute both to and from the workshop location OR Pay for one nights accomodation on the day of the workshop. Would Computeach do this?

Hey guys, Sorry, no reply to my inquiry to Hausfeld. (Don't know if it was the same for you Bluedo?) The video link giving advice did put me a little more at ease...but not so much that i'll roll over and give up!! WE CAN DO IT!! (sorry bout caps) Ally8-)

Nice find, Bluedo. I have taken a look into the article and found the website for the company: Vision Statement :: Hausfeld LLP Have sent an inquiry: Dear Sir/Madam, Upon hearing about your recent expansion to London, i was wondering if some assistance could be provided. I, and several thousand others, have all paid for various distance learning courses in I.T. through Advent Computer Training. Recently however, the company has gone into insolvency, leaving all the students in limbo. The vast majority of finance agreements(mostly >£5,000) were signed through Barclays Partner Finance. The agreement states that: "if the provider were to be declared bankrupt, you may sue us, the provider, or both". Barclays, however, seem to think that finding another provider is still providing fulfilment of the agreement (there is no mention of anything of this sort in the agreement). The vast majority of students want their money back. Kind regards, Ally ********* Will let you guys know what they reply with.

1. NITLC are using this as a way to make money - by giving advent students access to their StudentNet student information and student community site (providing key note revision materials, online assessments and the ability to interact on the site and chat rooms). But charging £131.10 for each exam. 2. The article on the link states that: "NITLC are a Microsoft Gold Partner and accredited by CompTIA, IITT – Institute of IT Training and IITT Personally Funded Training Accreditation, Adobe, Cisco, and CIW." Hence they have the accreditation in the bag. 3. The lack of promise in finding students jobs is the only major factor, and i guess, the only argument we have not to accept this provider (should it be ruled that barclays are not in breach of S74-even though we all know they are). This company doesn't claim to get you a job...but to "get you on the first rung of the ladder". Seems they have learnt from Advents mistake. SORRY - Didn't realise there was already a thread on this x-(

Thanks Mantaxi. Waiting to hear back...won't be until monday though. Just found something kinda interesting...maybe these guys will be the "alternative provider": National IT Learning Centre Offer Support & Advice for Advent IT Students - Free-Press-Release.com

If you look at the signatures on the petition, it seems Advent Consulting Ltd has signed the petition =0

Don't know if there are many in my situation, but i had a "Buy now pay later" agreement with BPF and took out a loan to pay it to avoid getting shafted by the interest after the 12 months (which would've taken the cost from £4,995 to over £10,000). i saved up £2,000 in the BNPL period before getting the loan to cover the rest (cost £4,000 to borrow £3,000 over 32months). I still have £3,200 to pay on the loan and the BNPL period ended at the end of August just passed. I fully expect not to get a refund of the £1,000 interest being paid...but since the account is considered "closed", i'm somewhat unaware of where i stand in all this mess? Am i to follow the same procedures as the majority of you guys? Some advice would be appreciated. Ally