1. About this policy
Smart School Choice (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website smartschoolchoice.com.au(the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). If you have any questions, contact us at hello@smartschoolchoice.com.au.
2. Information we collect
2.1 Anonymous analytics (all visitors)
When you use the Service, we automatically collect anonymised usage data to improve the platform. This includes:
- A random session identifier stored in your browser's local storage (not a cookie)
- Search queries and filters you apply
- School profile pages you view
- Schools you add to or remove from your shortlist
- Your general location (suburb and state only, derived from your browser or IP address)
- Device type (mobile, tablet, or desktop)
- The page you visited before arriving at Smart School Choice (referrer URL)
This data does not identify you personally. Session identifiers are random strings with no link to your name, email address, or any other identifying information.
2.2 School enquiries (if you submit an enquiry)
If you submit a “Register Interest” enquiry to a school via the Service, we collect:
- Your name and phone number (forwarded to the school)
- Your child's year level and preferred start year (forwarded to the school)
- Any message you include (forwarded to the school)
- Your email address (used only to send you a confirmation; not forwarded to the school)
We store a one-way cryptographic hash (SHA-256) of your email address for record-keeping purposes. The original email address cannot be recovered from this hash.
2.3 School listing enquiries (for school administrators)
If you submit the “Get started” form on the For Schools page, we collect your name, work email address, school name, role, and any message you provide. This information is used solely to follow up on your enquiry.
3. How we use your information
- To operate and improve the Service
- To deliver search results and school profile pages
- To forward parent enquiries to the relevant school
- To send enquiry confirmations to parents
- To respond to school listing enquiries
- To generate anonymised analytics reports for school administrators (Enhanced and Premium listings)
We do not sell your information to third parties. We do not use your information for advertising profiling or behavioural targeting.
4. Data storage and security
Data is stored on Supabase, a cloud database platform with servers located in the Tokyo (ap-northeast-1) region. Supabase acts as a data processor on our behalf and is bound by data processing agreements consistent with Australian privacy law.
We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted connections (HTTPS), role-based access controls, and row-level security policies to protect data at rest and in transit.
5. Cookies and local storage
Smart School Choice does not set tracking cookies. We use browser local storage to store your anonymous session identifier and your school shortlist. This data stays in your browser and is not transmitted to us except as part of normal analytics events described in section 2.1.
You can clear your local storage at any time through your browser settings. Doing so will reset your session identifier and clear your shortlist.
6. School data
School profiles on Smart School Choice are based on data sourced from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) My School dataset, which is publicly available. School contact details and additional profile content may be provided directly by school administrators.
If you are a school administrator and wish to request corrections to data displayed on your school's profile, please contact us at hello@smartschoolchoice.com.au.
7. Your rights
Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:
- Request access to personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Complain about a breach of the APPs
To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@smartschoolchoice.com.au. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Third-party services
We use the following third-party services to operate the platform:
- Supabase — database and authentication (Australian data region)
- Vercel — web hosting and content delivery
- Resend — transactional email (enquiry confirmations and notifications)
- Google Maps — school location maps on profile pages
Each of these providers has their own privacy policy. We only share data with them to the extent necessary to operate the Service.
9. Children's privacy
Smart School Choice is intended for use by parents, carers, and school administrators. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact
For any privacy-related questions or complaints, contact us at: