Privacy Policy for UK School Explorer
Last updated: November 2, 2025
Introduction
UK School Explorer ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website.
Information We Collect
We operate without user accounts - no registration required.
UK School Explorer does not require users to create accounts or provide personal information to use the service.
Usage Data:
- Pages viewed
- Search queries
- Schools compared
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- IP address (anonymized)
- Date and time of visits
We do NOT collect:
- Your name (unless you choose to provide it)
- Your address
- Your child's name or information
- Financial information
- Phone numbers
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide Our Service - Enable search, comparison, and data visualization features
- Improve Our Service - Understand how users interact with the site to make improvements
- Analyze Usage Patterns - Understand which features are most helpful
We do NOT:
- Sell your data to third parties
- Share your data with schools
- Use your data for advertising
- Track you across other websites
No Authentication Required
UK School Explorer does not require user registration or authentication. The service is freely accessible to all users without creating an account.
Cookies
We use minimal essential cookies to:
- Remember your preferences (if any)
- Ensure website functionality
We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect functionality.
Data Storage and Security
Where We Store Data:
- Application servers: DigitalOcean (London region)
- Static files: DigitalOcean Spaces (London region)
Security Measures:
- All data transmitted over HTTPS (encrypted)
- Regular security updates and monitoring
- No personal data stored
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access - Request information about any data we may have
- Object - Object to processing of your data
Since we don't collect personal information or require accounts, there is minimal data to manage.
Children's Privacy
UK School Explorer is designed for parents and adults researching schools. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services:
- DigitalOcean - Hosting and infrastructure
- Mapbox - Interactive maps (if enabled)
These services have their own privacy policies governing their use of data.
School Data vs. Personal Data
Important distinction:
The school performance data, Ofsted reports, and school information we display are public government data about schools, not personal data about individuals.
This data is published by the government and available to everyone. We simply present it in an accessible format. No personal information about pupils, parents, or staff is included.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes via a prominent notice on the website.
Continued use of UK School Explorer after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please visit the website for the latest contact information.
Complaints
If you believe we have mishandled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Your privacy matters to us. We're committed to being transparent about how we use your data.