It has been a much asked question in the editorial.
This is from a
very very old editorial
Quote:
Can you withdraw from the Training School before you pay for the course?
No, once you enroll your Neopet in a course at the Training School or Swashbuckling Academy, you need to wait for your Neopet to complete the course and then pay the correct amount.
and
very old editorial:
Quote:
How come you can cancel a course at the Swashbucklers Academy but you can`t at the training school?
The Academy is a lot easier, it is designed for lower level pets who are just starting out and may make mistakes.
and
another:
Quote:
Why can't we withdraw our pets from the Mystery Island training school?
The training school on Mystery Island is slightly harder than the Swashbuckling Academy. The master expects total dedication from his students so giving up on a course is not an option.
So it seems the Duke is correct - it is supposed to be that way.