Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

1. Introduction

York Castle High School ("we", "our", or "the School") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our students, parents, guardians, staff, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data in accordance with Jamaica's Data Protection Act, 2020.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Student information: Full name, date of birth, gender, address, parish, nationality, religion, years of residence, CSEC results, and academic records.
• Guardian information: Parent or guardian name, relationship to student, contact phone numbers, and address.
• Application data: Programme choices, personal statements, referee details, and supporting documents submitted as part of the Sixth Form application process.
• Contact information: Email addresses and phone numbers provided via contact forms or registration.
• Website usage data: Browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our website, collected via analytics tools.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

• Processing and reviewing admission applications (including Sixth Form applications).
• Communicating with students and parents regarding applications, enrolment, and school activities.
• Maintaining academic records and fulfilling our educational obligations.
• Responding to inquiries submitted through our website or contact forms.
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Improving our website and services through anonymised analytics.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data on the following legal bases:

• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., submitting an application or contact form).
• Contractual necessity: Where processing is necessary to fulfil our enrolment obligations.
• Legal obligation: Where we are required to process data to comply with Jamaican law.
• Legitimate interests: For school administration and communication purposes.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share data with:

• The Ministry of Education and Youth (as required for government reporting).
• Examination bodies such as CXC for registration and results purposes.
• Trusted service providers who assist with school operations, under confidentiality agreements.
• Law enforcement or regulatory authorities where required by law.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Student academic records are retained in accordance with the Ministry of Education's guidelines. Application data for unsuccessful applicants is deleted after one academic year unless retention is required by law.

7. Your Rights

Under Jamaica's Data Protection Act, 2020, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations).
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below or submit a Data Subject Request.

8. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and analytics tools (including Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site. These tools collect anonymised data such as page views and browser type. You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some features of our website may not function correctly as a result.

9. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure. All data submitted through our online forms is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS). Access to personal data is restricted to authorised staff only.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any material changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.