1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Progress Learning Centre Ltd ("Progress Learning Centre”, "Progress Online”, "we”, "our”, or "us”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects the personal information of all users ("you”, "your”) who access or use our website, online platform, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform”).

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.

By using Progress Online, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account details – name, email address, password, phone number, profile photo, and other registration data.
• Tutor verification details – qualifications, background checks (e.g., DBS), identification documents, bank/payment details.
• Student/Parent details – names, contact details, child’s age, educational level, and booking information.
• Payment information – payment card or billing data processed securely via our third-party payment processors.
• Communication – messages, emails, or enquiries sent via the Platform.
• Feedback and reviews – information you post in relation to lessons or tutors.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access or use our Platform, we may automatically collect:

• Device and browser information;
• IP address and approximate location;
• Log data such as access times, session duration, and site navigation;
• Usage analytics via cookies and tracking technologies (see Section 8).

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive data from:

• Payment processors;
• Background check providers;
• Learning or booking platforms integrated with Progress Online;
• Marketing partners or affiliates.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

• To create and manage user accounts;
• To connect students with tutors and facilitate online lessons;
• To process and manage bookings, payments, and commission deductions;
• To verify tutor identity, qualifications, and safeguarding status;
• To provide customer support and respond to enquiries;
• To monitor compliance with our Terms and Conditions;
• To improve the functionality and security of our Platform;
• To send important administrative or service-related messages;
• To send marketing or promotional communications (with consent);
• To comply with legal, regulatory, or safeguarding obligations.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Performance of a Contract – when providing lessons, processing payments, or fulfilling service obligations.
• Legitimate Interests – improving the platform, preventing fraud, ensuring safety and integrity.
• Legal Obligation – compliance with applicable laws, such as safeguarding and financial regulations.
• Consent – when you opt in to receive marketing communications or allow data sharing.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Tutors or Students – to facilitate lesson bookings and communication;
• Payment Processors – for secure transaction processing (e.g. Stripe, PayPal);
• Service Providers – such as hosting, analytics, and customer support systems;
• Law Enforcement or Regulators – when required by law, safeguarding, or fraud prevention;
• Business Transfers – in the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring of Progress Learning Centre.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Account data – retained while your account is active.
• Transaction data – retained for a minimum of six (6) years for tax and audit purposes.
• Safeguarding or compliance records – retained as required by law.
  Once no longer needed, data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

7. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure, including:

• Encrypted connections (HTTPS / SSL);
• Restricted staff access;
• Regular data security reviews;
• Encrypted payment gateways.

While we take all reasonable precautions, no online platform can guarantee complete security. You use Progress Online at your own risk.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Platform uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable key site functions;
• Analyse user behaviour and improve performance;
• Remember preferences and login sessions.

You can control cookie preferences in your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect the platform’s functionality.

9. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Access – Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification – Correct inaccuracies in your data.
• Erasure – Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten”).
• Restriction – Limit how your data is used.
• Data Portability – Request transfer of your data to another provider.
• Objection – Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

To exercise these rights, email: privacy@progresslearningcentre.com