Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how the School Partnerships Alliance (S.P.A.) uses any information that you give SPA when you use this website, and it forms part of the terms and conditions of use.

S.P.A. is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. This privacy policy sets out how the S.P.A. uses any information that you give it when you use this website, and it forms part of the terms and conditions of use. If you provide us with information from which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that your information will only be used in accordance with this privacy policy and the relevant privacy notice.

SPA may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 01/01/2022.

How we use your information

This privacy notice tells you what to expect when this website collects personal information. It applies to information we collect about visitors to this website.

When someone visits this website we collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behaviour patterns. We do this to find out things such as the number of visitors to the various parts of the site. We collect this information in a way which does not identify anyone. We do not make any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting this website. We will not associate any data gathered from this site with any personally identifying information from any source. If we do want to collect personally identifiable information through our website, we will be up front about this. We will make it clear when we collect personal information and will explain what we intend to do with it.

If you wish to restrict or block cookies you can set your internet browser to do so – click on the following link for further information http://www.aboutcookies.org/Default.aspx?page=1.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer.

How to control cookies

All modern browsers allow you to change your cookie settings, typically be found in the ‘options’ or ‘preferences’ menu of your browser. In order to understand these settings, the following link may be helpful: http://www.aboutcookies.org/Default.aspx?page=1

If you disable cookies you will not be able to use all the interactive features of our website.

Cookies used on our website

SPA may use publicly available sources of information to comply with our legal duty to hold accurate and up to date information. The legal basis for this is legitimate interest.

Should you want more information, or you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact info@schoolpartnershipsalliance.org.uk.

In addition, WordPress may use some of the cookies listed on their cookie policy page.

Content management system

The SPA website was developed using Word Press. As of WordPress 4.9.6, the WordPress core software is GDPR compliant. WordPress core team has added several GDPR enhancements to make sure that WordPress is GDPR compliant. More information on WordPress’s GDPR enhancement tools can be found here.

Data Transfer: Data Received from the Independent Schools Council (ISC)

The School Partnerships Alliance (S.P.A.) will receive information from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) following the closure and archiving of the Schools Together database, by the end of 2026. The information transferred may include school and partnership details, case studies, and professional contact information such as names, job titles, school names, email addresses and telephone numbers.

Purpose of processing

S.P.A. will use this information to preserve and maintain the existing database of school partnerships, with the intention of developing and relaunching it as a resource for schools and other stakeholders.

The information may also be used to support S.P.A.’s charitable objectives, including promoting and facilitating meaningful partnerships between schools, sharing examples of effective partnership practice, supporting research and communicating with relevant school staff about the database and associated partnership activities.

Personal data received from ISC will not be used for unrelated marketing purposes or shared with third parties for unrelated purposes without an appropriate lawful basis.

Lawful basis for processing

S.P.A. will primarily rely on its legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) to process personal data received from ISC. These interests include maintaining and developing the school partnerships database, supporting collaboration between schools, and furthering S.P.A.’s charitable aims.

Where consent is required for a particular activity, S.P.A. will obtain the necessary consent before processing the relevant personal data.

Notification and transfer of data

Schools will be informed by ISC before the transfer takes place and will be given the opportunity to opt out of having their information shared with S.P.A. Where a school exercises this option, its information will not be transferred.

Data will be transferred securely between ISC and S.P.A. using methods agreed by both organisations. This may include encrypted file sharing through Microsoft 365 services such as OneDrive or SharePoint, with access restricted to authorised individuals.

Data storage and security

Once received, the data will be stored securely within S.P.A.’s Microsoft 365 environment. Access will be limited to authorised individuals who require the information to carry out their responsibilities.

S.P.A. will implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect the security and confidentiality of the information.

Data retention

S.P.A. will retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined above and to meet any applicable legal or regulatory obligations. Information will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant, accurate and necessary.

Individual rights

Individuals whose personal data is processed have rights under UK data protection legislation. Further information about these rights, including how to exercise them, can be found in the Your Rights section of S.P.A.’s Privacy Policy, below.

Newsletters and alerts

When users sign up to receive communications, they are added to Hubspot, which we then use to send out email alerts and newsletters. Hubspot maintain administrative, physical and technical safeguards for protection of the security, confidentiality and integrity of personal data uploaded to the Hubspot Services, as described on Hubspot’s Security Page:

For email sign ups, we keep the information as long as you remain subscribed to the relevant newsletter. You can unsubscribe from any newsletter at any time, by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email, by emailing need email address or by writing to us at need postal address We will keep your name and email as deleted or unsubscribed to keep a record of your preference.

We may also need to pass your information to third parties such as professional organisations who we employ to provide us with advice, or where we might be legally required to do so.

Occasionally, we will use a third party who hosts information outside of the EEA. Should this occur, we will ensure that we have an appropriate agreement in place with them, which protects your personal data. For more information on this, please contact email address.

Your Rights

If you are unhappy with the way that SPA has dealt with your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.org.uk.

You have various rights in relation to this data, including the right of access, the right to object to certain types of use of your information, the right to request rectification or erasure of information, and the right to request your information in a portable format. Not all of these rights are absolute. More information can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at: https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/