Privacy Policy

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY DECLARATION

Ripley Academy of Dance Ltd. and Ripley Academy of Drama Ltd. are committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our students and their families.

What information we collect

When enrolling a student, we collect and store personal information including (but not limited to):

• student and parent/guardian names
• addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers
• date of birth
• medical or health information relevant to the student’s safety
• photographs and video recordings (where permission is given)

Information is stored securely on our password-protected computer systems and as hard copy records, which are kept locked in our office. Access is restricted to authorised Academy staff only.

How we use this information

We use personal data for the following purposes:

• to maintain accurate student records
• to ensure staff are aware of any relevant medical conditions
• for emergency contact purposes
• to administer classes, rehearsals and examinations
• to submit examination entries
• to communicate important information about Academy activities

Where consent has been given, we may also use contact details to send newsletters and information about courses and events at the Academy by email.

Sharing information with third parties

From time to time, it is necessary to share limited personal data with third parties. This will only occur where required and for the following purposes:

• Examination entries submitted on your behalf to organisations such as the Royal Academy of Dance, the National Association of Teachers of Dancing and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). These organisations may require information such as the student’s full name, date of birth, ethnicity, Unique Learner Number (where applicable), and contact details.
• Casting and performance purposes for students enrolled with our in-house casting agency, Academy Kidz. This may include sharing photographs, showreels, vital statistics and contact details with directors and costume or make-up departments.
• Performance licensing applications submitted to the local authority (LEA) for theatre, television or film appearances.

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

Photography and video

Photographs and videos may be taken during classes, rehearsals or performances. Separate permission is requested on our enrolment form for the use of images and videos for publicity and promotional purposes, including our website and social media platforms.

Images and videos are deleted from mobile devices once uploaded. Selected images may be stored securely on the Academy’s office computer for future promotional use. Consent for promotional use may be withdrawn at any time in writing.

Data retention

We retain personal data for the duration of a student’s enrolment with the Academy and for a reasonable period afterwards to meet legal and administrative requirements. When tuition ends, data is securely deleted or destroyed in accordance with data protection legislation.

Your rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• access the personal data we hold about you or your child
• request correction of inaccurate information
• request deletion of personal data (where applicable)
• restrict or object to certain types of processing
• withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
• lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)