1. Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SchoolUs Ltd (“SchoolUs”, “we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores and shares your personal data when you:

visit or use our website at schoolus.co.uk (the “Website”);
create an account or place an order for our services;
contact us by email, live chat or other channels; or
subscribe to receive updates and marketing communications.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Website or services.

1.1 Who we are (data controller)

SchoolUs Ltd is the data controller for personal data collected through the Website and in connection with our services, unless stated otherwise.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data rights, contact us at:

Email: team@schoolus.co.uk

1.2 Personal data we collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

A. Information you provide to us

Account information (e.g., name, email address, password).
Order information (e.g., service type, deadline, subject area, instructions, files you upload, messages with writers/support).
Contact and support information (e.g., emails, chat logs, complaint details).
Payment and billing information (e.g., billing address; card payments are processed by our payment providers – we do not store full card details).

B. Information collected automatically

Device and usage data (e.g., IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages viewed, referring URLs, time spent, clicks).
Cookie and similar tracking data (see Section 2 – Cookie Notice).

C. Sensitive data

Please do not upload special category data (such as medical information, religious beliefs, or information about criminal convictions) unless it is strictly necessary for the service you request. If you choose to provide special category data, we will process it only to the extent required to deliver the service and/or with your explicit consent where applicable.

1.3 How we use your personal data

We use your personal data for the purposes below:

To provide and administer services (e.g., process orders, match you with appropriate specialists, deliver work, handle revisions).
To communicate with you (e.g., order updates, queries, service notices).
To process payments, prevent fraud and manage chargebacks.
To provide customer support and handle complaints or disputes.
To monitor, maintain and improve the Website, our services and user experience.
To comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax, accounting, responding to lawful requests).
To send marketing communications where permitted (see Section 1.7).

1.4 Lawful bases for processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases:

Contract – where processing is necessary to perform our contract with you.
Legitimate interests – where necessary for our legitimate interests, provided these interests are not overridden by your rights.
Consent – where you have given consent.
Legal obligation – where processing is required by law.

1.5 Sharing your personal data

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your personal data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

Service providers who help us operate the Website and deliver services (e.g., hosting, analytics, customer support tools).
Payment processors and fraud-prevention partners (to process transactions and reduce fraud).
Contracted specialists (e.g., writers, editors, designers) who work on your order (only the information needed to complete your order).
Professional advisers (e.g., legal, accounting) where needed.
Authorities or regulators where required by law or to protect rights, safety and security.

All third parties are required to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

1.6 International transfers

Some of our service providers and contracted specialists may be located outside the UK. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (for example, UK-approved contractual protections) and that your data remains protected.

1.7 Marketing

We may send service-related messages (which are not marketing) such as order confirmations and updates.

We will send marketing communications (e.g., offers, newsletters) only where you have opted in or where permitted by law. You can opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting team@schoolus.co.uk.

1.8 Data retention

We keep personal data only for as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy, including to provide services, maintain records, resolve disputes, and comply with legal obligations

Typical retention periods may include:

– Account and order records: kept for as long as your account is active and thereafter for a period required for legal, tax, or audit purposes.

– Support communications: kept for a limited period to help us manage service quality, complaints and disputes.

– Analytics data: retained in aggregate/anonymous form where possible.

We may anonymise data so it can no longer be linked to you; in that case we may keep it for longer for statistical purposes.

1.9 Your rights

Subject to certain conditions, you have the right to:

Access: request a copy of your personal data.
Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erasure: request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
Restriction: request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
Data portability: receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.
Withdraw consent: where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

To exercise your rights, contact team@schoolus.co.uk. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

1.10 Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, please contact us first and we will try to resolve your concern.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK data protection regulator.

1.11 Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, such as access controls, encryption in transit where available, and secure hosting practices. However, no online system is 100% secure; you should also take steps to protect your account (e.g., using a strong password and not sharing login details).

1.12 Children’s privacy

Our Website and services are intended for adults. If you are under 18, you must not use our services or submit personal data without permission from a parent/guardian. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child without appropriate consent, we will take steps to delete it.

1.13 Third-party links

The Website may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. Please review their privacy notices before providing any personal data.

1.14 Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this document indicates when it was last revised. Your continued use of the Website after changes means you accept the updated policy.

2. Cookie Notice

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. We use cookies and similar technologies to make the Website work, improve performance, understand usage and (where permitted) support marketing.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Some cookies are essential and cannot be switched off without affecting core functionality.

2.1 Types of cookies we use

Strictly necessary cookies: required for the Website to function (e.g., security, session management).
Performance/analytics cookies: help us understand how visitors use the Website so we can improve it.
Functionality cookies: remember preferences (e.g., language, region) to improve your experience.
Marketing cookies: help deliver more relevant advertising and measure campaign performance (used only where permitted).

2.2 Managing cookies

You can delete or block cookies using your browser settings. If you block certain cookies, parts of the Website may not work properly.

If we implement a cookie preference tool/banner, you can also manage your cookie choices there.