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Our legal bases for using your information


This section contains information about the legal bases that we are relying on when handling your information.This section contains information about the legal bases that we are relying on when handling your information.

The two tables below contain a general description of the different legal bases but we have also used a colour code system so that you can see which bases we are relying on for each of the purposes described at paragraphs 1 to 33 below.

Legitimate interests (“LI”)

This means that the School is using your information when this is necessary for the School’s legitimate interests except when your interests and fundamental rights override our legitimate interests.

Specifically, the School has a legitimate interest in:

  • providing educational services to your child and to other children;
  • safeguarding and promoting the welfare of your child, other children and our employees;
  • promoting the objects and interests of the School.  This includes fundraising and using photographs of you and your children at our school events in promotional material.  It also includes making sure that we are able to enforce our rights against you, for example, so that we can contact you if unpaid school fees are due;
  • keeping the school buildings safe;
  • using your information in connection with legal disputes. For example, if you or your child bring a claim against the School;
  • protecting the School’s reputation;
  • facilitating the efficient operation of the School;  and
  • ensuring that all relevant legal obligations of the School are complied with (for example in relation to inspections).

In addition your personal information may be processed for the legitimate interests of others.  For example another school will have a legitimate interest in knowing if you have not paid School fees that are due to us.

Necessary for contract (“CT”)

We will need to use your information in order to perform our obligations under our contract with you and for you to perform your obligations as well.  For example, we need your name and contact details so that we can update you on your child’s progress and so that we can contact you if there is a concern.

Legal obligation (“LO”)

Where the School needs to use your information in order to comply with a legal obligation, for example to report a concern to Children’s Services.  We may also have to disclose your information to third parties such as the courts, the local authority or the police where legally obliged to do so.

Vital interests (“VI”)

In limited circumstances we may use your information to protect your vital interests or the vital interests of someone else (e.g. if you or they are seriously hurt).

Performance of a task carried out in the public interest (or carrying out public tasks) (“PI”)

The following are examples of when we use your information to perform tasks in the public interest:

  • providing your child with an education;
  • safeguarding and promoting your welfare, your child’s welfare and the welfare of other children;
  • facilitating the efficient operation of the School; and
  • ensuring that we comply with all of our legal obligations.

The School must also comply with an additional condition where it processes special categories of personal information.  These special categories are as follows:  personal information revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic information, biometric information, health information, and information about sex life or orientation.

Substantial public interest (“SPI”)

The School is also allowed to use special categories of personal information where doing so is necessary in the substantial public interest.  This is similar to “public interest” in the table above.

Social protection and social security laws 

Also the School may use your information to comply with social protection law (e.g. to look after your child) and social security laws.  Social protection law is concerned with preventing, managing, and overcoming situations that adversely affect people’s wellbeing.

Vital interests (“VI”)

n limited circumstances we may use your information to protect your vital interests or the vital interests of someone else (e.g. if you or they are seriously hurt).

Legal claims (“LC”)

We are allowed to use your information if this is necessary in relation to legal claims.  For example, this allows us to share information with our legal advisors and insurers.