School Scout Cookies Policy
Effective Date: 1st September 2025
Last Updated: 5th August 2025
This Cookies Policy outlines how School Scout Ltd (“School Scout”, “the company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies (“Cookies”) on our website and platform (“the Platform”).
This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and store personal data, including data collected through Cookies.
By continuing to use our Platform, you agree to our use of Cookies as described in this Policy, unless you opt out or configure your preferences as explained below.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your browser or device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device and store certain information about your visit. Cookies may store user preferences, enhance performance, support security features, and allow for personalised content and advertising.
We also use related technologies such as:
- Pixels/Tags: small blocks of code that enable us to track user activity
- Local Storage: technology that allows data to be stored locally in your browser for persistent functionality
- Session Cookies: temporary files that expire when you close your browser
Together, these technologies help us to deliver a secure, efficient, and personalised experience for users of School Scout.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use both first-party (set by School Scout) and third-party Cookies (set by external providers) to support various functions across the Platform. These Cookies fall into the following categories:
Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies
These cookies are required for the operation of our website and services. Without them, certain core features (e.g. logging in, saving preferences, submitting enquiries) would not function properly.
- Authentication tokens
- Session management
- Consent banners
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform so that we can improve usability, functionality, and content.
- Google Analytics
- Meta Pixel
- LinkedIn Insight Tag
- Microsoft Clarity
We use anonymised or aggregated data where possible. These cookies do not directly identify you, but may include IP addresses, browser types, and user behaviour metrics.
Functional (Preference) Cookies
These cookies allow us to remember your preferences and personalise your experience based on:
- Selected region or language
- Saved filters, school shortlist or favourites
- Log-in details (where enabled)
They enhance convenience by avoiding the need to re-enter information on each visit.
Marketing and Tracking Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver targeted advertisements or content based on your interests or activity. They may track your browsing habits across websites to build a profile of your interests.
We use these cookies to:
- Support remarketing campaigns on Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), and LinkedIn
- Measure campaign performance
- Limit ad frequency
- Display relevant content on third-party platforms
Consent is required before these cookies are activated.
3. Use of Cookies in AI and Behavioural Features
Certain platform features, such as School Scout AI, personalisation engines, or behavioural reporting, rely on cookie-generated data. For example:
- Cookies help track which schools you’ve viewed, which may influence recommendations
- Your search history and preferences may be stored using local/session storage
- Aggregate data (never identifiable) may be used for internal analytics or reporting to School Partners
All data used in conjunction with School Scout AI or user insights is handled in accordance with our Children’s Data Policy and School Scout AI Use Policy, where relevant.
4. Third Party Cookies
Some third-party services integrated into the Platform may place their own cookies on your device when you visit our site. These include, but are not limited to:
- Google Ads and Analytics
- Facebook (Meta) and Instagram
- Embedded media or analytics tools (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo)
We do not control these cookies directly. Please refer to the relevant third-party privacy or cookie policies for more information.
You may also opt out of tracking by visiting:
5. Consent and Cookie Management
On your first visit to our Platform, a cookie banner will prompt you to:
- Accept cookies
- View cookie settings
- Reject non-essential cookies
You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by clicking Manage Preferences link on the Cookies banner, or Cookies Preferences link in the website footer.
Additionally, you may adjust your browser settings to:
- Block all or some cookies
- Delete stored cookies
- Notify you when a cookie is set
Please note: Disabling cookies may affect your ability to use some features or services on the Platform.
6. Retention of Cookies
Cookie-related data is retained for no longer than necessary. This may vary depending on the cookie type:
- Session cookies: Deleted automatically when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: Retained up to 12 months, depending on purpose
- Marketing/analytics cookies: May be retained for 6-12 months unless removed earlier via user settings
All retention is subject to our internal review, data minimisation, and security policies.
7. Your Rights
Under the UK GDPR, you have rights relating to personal data collected via Cookies, including the right to:
- Be informed about data collection and use
- Access personal data held by us
- Request correction or deletion of cookie-related data
- Object to certain types of processing (e.g. profiling or direct marketing)
To exercise these rights, please contact datacontroller@schoolscout.uk.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookies Policy or our use of tracking technologies, please contact:
Email: datacontroller@schoolscout.uk
Address: School Scout Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ
This Cookies Policy was last updated on 5 August 2025.