Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Sapphire International Education ("we", "us", "our") is committed to safeguarding your privacy. We act as the data controller under UK GDPR, responsible for how your personal data is collected, used, shared, and protected.

2. Information We Collect & Why

2.1 Website Visitors

When you visit our site—whether or not you're a registered client—we may collect:

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, geolocation, page views, navigation behavior (via cookies and similar technologies).

  • Volunteered Data: Contact details such as name, email, phone, and areas of interest when you fill in consultation requests, event registrations, or sign-ups.

Purpose: To enhance your browsing experience, personalize content, market our services, and analyze visitor behavior.

2.2 Registered Users & Clients

When you engage with our services, we collect:

  • Personal Data: Full name, address, email, phone number, academic history, financial information (e.g., fee payments), and documentation needed for university applications and visas.

Purpose: To deliver consultancy services—such as university applications, visa processing, and accommodation—and to fulfill contractual and legal obligations.

3. Legal Basis & How We Use Data

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: e.g., subscribing to newsletters.

  • Contractual Performance: delivering consultancy services you’ve requested.

  • Legal Obligation: compliance with financial audits or immigration rules.

  • Legitimate Interests: improving service quality, analytics, and fraud prevention—with care taken not to override your privacy rights.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tools to:

  • Enhance site navigation and performance.

  • Analyze usage patterns via analytics tools.

  • Provide marketing functionalities.

If you disable cookies, some features may not work as intended.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We may share your data with:

  • Third-party service providers (e.g., analytics, payment processors, accommodation partners)—under strict confidentiality agreements.

  • Educational institutions, visa authorities, and accommodation providers—to fulfill your requested services.

  • Legal and professional advisors—for audit, insurance, compliance, or legal claims.

  • Law enforcement or regulatory bodies, when legally mandated.

6. International Data Transfers

If your data is transferred outside the UK or EEA (e.g., to partner institutions or service providers), we ensure:

  • Adequate safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses.

  • Transfers only to jurisdictions with appropriate data protection frameworks.

7. Data Retention & Deletion

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

  • Provide services, fulfill obligations, or comply with legal requirements.

Guidelines for retention:

  • Client records or finance-related data: typically up to 6 years (for HMRC and contractual purposes).

  • Email subscribers/newsletter contacts: until consent is withdrawn.

After the retention period, data is either securely deleted or anonymized.

8. Your Rights Under Data Protection Laws

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.

  • Correct inaccuracies.

  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”).

  • Oppose or restrict processing.

  • Obtain data portability.

  • Withdraw your consent at any time.

  • Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

9. Data Security

We implement strong organizational and technical measures, such as encryption, firewalls, access controls, and secure storage, to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. If a breach affects you, we'll notify you as required by law.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy when our services, regulations, or business needs change. Key changes will be communicated through the website. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, wish to exercise your rights, or lodge a complaint:

Email: info@sapphireinternationaleducation.com
Address: Primrose Ave, Romford RM6 4PR, London