The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data privacy law that came into effect on 25 May 2018. It aims to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens by regulating how organisations collect, store, and use their data. GDPR gives individuals greater control over their personal information, including the right to access, correct, and delete their data.

GDPR is particularly important for schools as it governs how they handle the personal data of pupils, staff, and parents. Schools must ensure that they collect, store, and process personal information, such as names, addresses, academic records, and health data, in compliance with GDPR standards. This means schools need to obtain clear consent for data collection, allow individuals to access or correct their data, and ensure proper security measures to protect sensitive information. Non-compliance with GDPR can lead to significant fines, so schools must implement strong data protection policies and training for staff to safeguard privacy and uphold pupils’ rights.