Privacy

This privacy notice explains how we will collect and use your personal information for the Ofsted: explore an area tool. You can see the Ofsted privacy notice here (opens in new tab)

Who we are

Ofsted: explore an area is operated by Ofsted ('we' or 'us'). For the purpose of data protection legislation, Ofsted is the data controller for the personal data processed as part of Ofsted: explore an area.

This privacy policy sets out how we collect and process your personal data on the Ofsted: explore an area website. This policy applies to all authorised users of the Ofsted: explore an area website ('you').

What data we collect

We collect certain information or data about you when you use the Ofsted: explore an area website. This includes personal information such as:

  • your internet protocol address (IP address)
  • details of which version of web browser you used

Google Analytics 4

We use cookies and page tagging techniques to enable Google Analytics 4 to collect information such as:

  • the pages you visit
  • how you arrive at the site
  • how you interact with the content
  • the files you download
  • what you search for on the site

We do not store your personal information through Google Analytics 4, for example, your name, address or internet protocol (IP) address. We do not allow Google Analytics 4 to use or share data about how you use the site. We will not identify you through analytics information, and we will not combine analytics information with other datasets in a way that would identify who you are.

Microsoft Clarity

We partner with Microsoft Clarity to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioural metrics, heatmaps, and session replay to improve our service. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine the popularity of services, online activity, and for product improvement. Additionally, we use this information for site optimisation, and fraud/security purposes. For more information about how Microsoft collects and uses your data, visit the Microsoft Privacy Statement (opens in new tab).

Why we need your data

We collect information through Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to see how you use the Ofsted: explore an area website. We do this to help:

  • make sure Ofsted: explore an area is meeting the needs of its users
  • make improvements, for example improving site search

We also collect data in order to:

  • gather feedback to improve our service
  • respond to any feedback you send us, if you’ve asked us to
  • monitor use of the site to identify security threats
  • monitor the performance of the site to identify inefficiencies and JavaScript errors

Our legal basis for processing your data

The legal basis for processing personal data in relation to site security is our legitimate interests, and the legitimate interests of our users, in ensuring the security and integrity of the Ofsted: explore an area website.

What we do with your data

The data we collect may be shared with other government departments, agencies and public bodies. It may also be shared with our technology suppliers, for example our hosting provider.

We will not:

  • sell or rent your data to third parties
  • share your data with third parties for marketing purposes

Further information about your data protection rights (opens in new tab) appears on the Information Commissioner's website.

How long we keep your data

Data collected by Google Analytics 4 are retained by Google for 14 months. After this point, the data are deleted from the Google Analytics 4 server.

Data collected by Microsoft Clarity are retained by Microsoft for 30 days. After this point, the data are deleted from the Microsoft Clarity server.

Data are extracted from both and stored in secure Ofsted databases where the retention period is for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined above.

If you are not satisfied

If you feel Ofsted has not kept its promises about the way we handle your personal information, we ask you write to, or email, our Data Protection Officer, Neil Greenwood.

Email: informationrequest@ofsted.gov.uk

or post to:

Information management team
Ofsted
2 Rivergate
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6EH

If you believe that we are not following the law when processing your personal data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) (opens in new tab).

Comments and questions

We may pass your enquiries to another government department so they can fulfil your information request.

Links to other websites

The Ofsted: explore an area website contains links to other websites, such as schools' websites.

This privacy notice only applies to the Ofsted: explore an area website, and does not cover other websites that we link to.

Last updated

We may need to update this privacy notice periodically so we recommend that you revisit this information from time to time. This version was last updated on 4 November 2025.