Privacy policy

This policy explains how UCAS Points Calculator ("we", "us", "our") handles information when you use ucaspointscalculator.co.uk. We aim to collect as little as possible and to be honest about what we do collect.

This is a genuine, usable policy. Even so, we recommend you obtain independent legal advice to confirm it meets your specific circumstances.

Who we are and how to contact us

UCAS Points Calculator is an independent UK website operated at ucaspointscalculator.co.uk. We are the data controller for personal data processed through this site.

If you have any questions about this policy or about your personal data, please contact us at [email protected].

What information we collect

Calculator inputs

The grades and qualifications you enter into our calculator are processed entirely in your browser to produce your UCAS Tariff point total. We do not send those inputs to our servers and we do not store them. We have no user accounts. If you use the "Share" link, your selections are encoded into the URL you choose to share; we do not receive or log that URL.

Analytics data

When you consent to analytics cookies, we collect information about how you use the site via Google Analytics 4 (via Firebase Analytics). This includes the pages you visit, how long you spend on them, your approximate location at country or city level, your device type and browser, and your approximate internet service provider. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally.

Server logs

Our site is hosted on Firebase Hosting, a Google product. Google's servers automatically record standard access log information — the page requested, the time of the request, your IP address, and your browser type — for security and infrastructure purposes. These logs are retained by Google in line with their standard data retention policies.

Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies on this site. For the full list of cookies, what they do and how long they last, see our cookie policy.

In brief:

• Strictly necessary cookies store your consent choice and are always set.
• Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) are set only after you consent in Google's consent message (UK, EEA and Switzerland).
• Advertising cookies (Google AdSense) are set only after you consent in Google's consent message (UK, EEA and Switzerland).

Lawful bases under UK GDPR

We do not process special category personal data.

Analytics

We use Google Analytics 4, loaded through Firebase Analytics, to understand which pages are useful and how visitors arrive at the site. Analytics scripts and cookies are only loaded after you consent.

Google processes analytics data as our data processor. You can read how Google handles this data at:

• Google Privacy Policy
• How Google uses information from sites that use its services

Advertising

We show ads from Google AdSense, a third-party vendor, and its advertising partners.

• Google and its partners use cookies to deliver and measure ads, cap how often you see an ad, and prevent fraud.
• Ads on this site are never personalised. We keep Google's ad personalisation switched off for every visitor, even if you consent, because many of our visitors are under 18. Ads are chosen from context, such as the page you are reading, and not from your browsing history or a profile of you.
• In the UK, the EEA and Switzerland, advertising cookies are only set after you give consent in Google's consent message. If you do not consent, ads may still appear, but without advertising cookies.

You can review and manage your Google ad settings at Google Ads Settings. For more on how Google uses data for advertising, see Google's advertising technologies page.

How we obtain and how you can withdraw consent

If you visit from the UK, the EEA or Switzerland, you will see a consent message from Google on your first visit. Google provides it for us (it is a certified consent tool under the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework). You can consent, refuse, or choose purpose by purpose. Visitors from other countries do not see it, because their local law does not require it.

You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the "Cookie preferences" link in the footer of any page. You can also delete or block cookies through your browser settings; see your browser's help documentation for instructions. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing that took place before you withdrew it.

Sharing and international transfers

We do not sell your data. We share data only as described below:

• Google (Firebase / Analytics / AdSense): Google acts as our data processor for hosting, analytics and advertising. Data may be transferred to and processed in the United States and other countries outside the UK and EEA. Google relies on standard contractual clauses and other approved transfer mechanisms to safeguard these transfers. See Google's Privacy Policy for details.

We have no other third-party data sharing arrangements.

Data retention

• Analytics data is retained by Google Analytics for up to 14 months by default (this is the standard GA4 setting).
• Server logs are retained by Firebase / Google in line with Google's standard infrastructure policies.
• Your consent preference is stored by Google's consent message for about 13 months, after which you will be asked again.

Your UK GDPR rights

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the following rights:

• Access — request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Rectification — ask us to correct inaccurate data.
• Erasure — ask us to delete your data in certain circumstances.
• Restriction — ask us to limit how we process your data.
• Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Portability — receive your data in a portable format where processing is based on consent or contract.
• Withdraw consent — you can withdraw consent for analytics/advertising cookies at any time via "Cookie preferences" in the footer.

Because we hold no user accounts and do not store calculator inputs, most rights requests will relate to analytics or advertising cookies, which you can control directly via "Cookie preferences" or your browser. To make any other request, email [email protected].

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at ico.org.uk. We would, however, appreciate the chance to address your concerns first.

Children

This site is intended for UK students typically aged 16 and over. It is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal data through this site, please contact us at [email protected] and we will delete it promptly.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of the site after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated policy, but for any material changes we will update the date prominently so you can review what has changed.