Last Updated: August 2026

Houghton School of Music is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

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1. Who We Are

Houghton School of Music ("we", "our" or "us") provides music tuition, workshops, performances and educational services for children and adults.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we use your information, please contact us using the details on our website.

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2. Information We Collect

When you register with Houghton School of Music we may collect:

Student Information

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Instrument(s) studied

• Lesson information

• Musical experience

• Examination history (where applicable)

Parent/Guardian Information

• Name

• Address

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Emergency contact details

Medical Information

Where necessary, we may collect information relating to:

• allergies

• medical conditions

• accessibility requirements

• emergency medical information

This information is only collected where relevant to keep students safe.

Financial Information

We may hold records relating to:

• invoices;

• payment history; and

• account balances.

If you choose to save your payment details within our lesson management system (MyMusicStaff), these details are stored securely by the platform's payment provider.

Houghton School of Music does not have access to your full bank or card details and cannot view or retrieve this information.

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3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• provide music lessons

• arrange timetables

• contact parents and students

• issue invoices

• process payments

• organise examinations and performances

• ensure student safety

• respond to enquiries

• comply with legal obligations.

We only collect information that is necessary to provide our services.

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4. Photographs & Videos

From time to time we may take photographs or videos during:

• lessons

• concerts

• performances

• workshops

• school events

These may be used on:

• our website

• social media

• printed marketing materials

• promotional videos

We will only use identifiable photographs or videos where consent has been given.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

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5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information because:

• it is necessary to fulfil our agreement to provide lessons;

• we have a legal obligation to maintain financial records;

• we have a legitimate interest in operating our school efficiently; and

• where required, we rely on your consent (for example, photographs and marketing communications).

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6. Who We Share Information With

We do not sell your personal information.

Information may be shared only where necessary with:

• examination boards

• trusted software providers (such as our lesson management and invoicing systems)

• teachers working on behalf of Houghton School of Music

• emergency services if required for safeguarding or medical emergencies

• legal or regulatory authorities where required by law.

All third parties are expected to handle your information securely.

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7. How We Store Your Information

Your information is stored securely using password-protected systems.

Only authorised members of staff have access to the information required to carry out their role.

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss or misuse.

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8. How Long We Keep Information

We only keep personal information for as long as necessary.

Typically:

• Student records are retained while lessons continue.

• Financial records are retained for at least six years to comply with UK tax requirements.

• Safeguarding records are retained in accordance with current safeguarding guidance where applicable.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or destroyed.

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9. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to:

• access your personal information;

• request correction of inaccurate information;

• request deletion of your information (where legally possible);

• restrict or object to certain processing;

• withdraw consent where consent has been given;

• request a copy of your data.

Requests can be made by contacting Houghton School of Music.

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10. Cookies & Website

Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors use our website.

You can control cookie preferences through your web browser.

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11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The latest version will always be available on our website.

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12. Contact

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact Houghton School of Music.

If you are unhappy with how your personal data has been handled, you also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).