Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Sapienza Education ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our tutoring services and website.

We are a Data Controller as defined by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy applies to all users of our services, including students, parents, and guardians.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
• Educational Information: Current school/college, academic year, subjects of interest, target universities, and educational goals
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), and account preferences
• Communication Data: Records of correspondence and interactions with us, including messages sent through our website
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage data collected through cookies
• Payment Information: Billing details and transaction records (payment card details are processed securely by third-party payment processors and are not stored by us)

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases under UK GDPR:

• Contract Performance: To provide tutoring services and fulfill our contractual obligations to you
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure the safety of our platform
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies (where applicable)
• Legal Obligations: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide and manage tutoring services, including matching students with appropriate tutors
• To process bookings and payments
• To communicate with you about lessons, schedules, and service updates
• To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• To improve our services and website functionality
• To send you marketing communications (with your consent, which you may withdraw at any time)
• To comply with legal obligations and safeguarding requirements
• To prevent fraud and maintain the security of our platform

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information with:

• Our Tutors: We share necessary information with tutors to facilitate tutoring sessions
• Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist us with payment processing, email communications, website hosting, and data analytics
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Sapienza Education, our users, or others
• Professional Advisers: Lawyers, accountants, and other professional advisers

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. All third-party service providers are required to maintain appropriate security measures and process data only in accordance with our instructions.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure hosting infrastructure with regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Staff training on data protection and security

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• For the duration of our relationship with you
• As required to comply with legal, regulatory, tax, or accounting requirements
• To establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
• As necessary for our legitimate business interests

When your information is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymise it.

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances
• Right to Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing based on consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at sapienza.education@pm.me. We will respond to your request within one month.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

10. Children's Privacy

Many of our students are under the age of 18. When processing personal data of minors, we obtain consent from parents or guardians as required by law. We take additional precautions to protect the privacy and safety of young users.

11. International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily stored and processed within the United Kingdom. If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at sapienza.education@pm.me.