The Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts cover certain issues relating to education and educational establishments.
Fingerprinting in schools
This is our view on the use of biometrics in schools for purposes such as cashless catering and borrowing library books.
Exam results
Do you want to find out more about your exam results? For example, examiners' comments, mark breakdowns or policies about marking and appeals.
The Data Protection Act gives you the right to access some exam related material. To find out more, read our good practice note on individuals' rights of access to examination records.
We also regularly receive enquiries about the data protection implications of schools disclosing students' exam results to the media for publication.
Taking photos in schools
We publish a good practice note about taking photos in schools.
This is aimed at Local Education Authorities and people working in schools, colleges and universities. It explains what sort of photos are exempt from the Data Protection Act (for example if a grandparent wishes to video a school nativity play) and which photos are not exempt (including photos of students taken for security passes).
Accessing pupils' information
We have produced some technical guidance about accessing pupil's information held by schools. These will help state primary and secondary schools, and Boards of Governors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland understand their data protection responsibilities regarding requests for pupils' information.
These also cover the separate right of access that parents have to their child's official education records.
Accessing official information
The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to access official information from public authorities. This includes all publicly funded educational establishments, ranging from state nurseries to universities.
You have the right to request official information, for example about how the establishment is run, by letter or email.
You can find out more about making a request under the Freedom of Information Act in access to official information.