Privacy Policy

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Bedford Modern School – Website Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

 

1. Introduction and Who We Are

In this statement, “we”, “our”, and “us” refer to Bedford Modern School, which is part of The Harpur Trust (the “Trust”), Princeton Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7PZ.

 

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal data when individuals:

  • Visit our website: https://www.bedmod.co.uk
  • Contact us as prospective parents or prospective students

 

The Harpur Trust is the data controller under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, and is responsible for ensuring that personal data is processed lawfully and securely.

 

This Privacy Policy applies only to website visitors and prospective families. If you are a current parent or student, please refer to the relevant privacy notices listed in Section 9.

 

2. Personal Data We Collect Through the Website

We may collect and process the following types of personal data when you use our website.

a. Information you provide voluntarily

This includes information you provide when you:

  • Submit an enquiry or registration form.
  • Register for open days, tours, or admissions events.
  • Request a prospectus or downloadable material.
  • Contact us through forms or email links.

This may include:

  • Name.
  • Email address.
  • Telephone number.
  • Child’s name.
  • Child’s date of birth.
  • Current school.
  • Year group of interest.
  • Any learning, medical, SEN, disability, emotional, behavioural, or social needs.
  • Any other information you choose to include.

 

b. Information collected automatically

We may collect:

  • IP address.
  • Browser type and version.
  • Device and operating system.
  • Pages visited and time spent on each page.
  • Referral sources.
  • Cookies and tracking technologies (see Section 6).

 

This data helps us improve website performance, accessibility, and security.

 

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use personal data for the following purposes:

  • Responding to enquiries.
  • Arranging school visits, open days, and admissions appointments.
  • Sending prospectuses and admissions information.
  • Communicating relevant follow‑up information.
  • Improving website functionality, security, and performance.
  • Monitoring website usage trends.
  • Meeting legal or regulatory obligations.

We do not:

  • Use website enquiry data for fundraising or alumni relations
  • Use automated decision‑making or profiling in admissions

 

Website enquiry data is only added to our admissions systems when relevant to processing an enquiry or registration.

 

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interests: admissions‑related communication and improving website services.
  • Consent: for optional cookies and marketing opt‑in communications.
  • Legal obligation: where processing is required by law.

 

Special Category Data

If you provide any special category information (such as special educational needs, medical data, or disability‑related information), we process this under:

  • Substantial public interest (education and safeguarding); or
  • Explicit consent, depending on context.

 

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

  • Personal data is stored securely using appropriate technical and organisational measures.
  • Access is limited to authorised staff involved in admissions, marketing, or website administration.
  • We do not sell or rent your personal data.

If you access any password‑protected areas, you are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.

 

Although we take extensive precautions, transmission of data over the internet cannot be fully guaranteed. Any transmission is at your own risk. Once received, we apply strict security controls to prevent unauthorised access.

 

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

  • Support essential website functionality.
  • Improve user experience.
  • Analyse website usage.

 

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some features may not function correctly.

 

Full details are available in our Cookie Policy.

 

7. Data Sharing

We may share limited personal data with trusted third‑party providers who support our website, such as:

  • Website hosting providers.
  • Analytics services.
  • IT and technical support partners.

 

All providers are contractually required to comply with UK GDPR.

 

We do not share website enquiry data with:

  • Alumni systems.
  • Fundraising systems.
  • External marketing platforms.

 

International Transfers

Where data is transferred outside the UK (for example, by certain analytics tools), we ensure appropriate safeguards – such as UK International Data Transfer Agreements are in place.

 

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:

  • Respond to enquiries.
  • Support the admissions process.
  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Analytics data is retained only for standard operational periods.

 

Admissions‑specific retention

Admissions‑related information submitted via the website may be retained after the admissions cycle to:

  • Review applications
  • Maintain admissions records
  • Support future enquiries

 

This follows our internal retention schedule.

 

Marketing communications

Where you opt in to receive updates about admissions or school events, you may withdraw your consent at any time.

 

9. Privacy Notices for Current Parents and Students

This policy applies only to website visitors and prospective families.

Please refer to the following for pupils currently enrolled:

 

 

10. Third‑Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices, and we encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

 

11. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Request correction of inaccurate data.
  • Request deletion of your data.
  • Restrict or object to processing.
  • Withdraw consent (where applicable).
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

 

You may contact us via the website contact form or directly email our Data Protection Officer (Director of Finance and Operations) at dfo@bedmod.co.uk.

 

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Any changes will be published on this page with a revised date.

 

Last updated: February 2026