Data Protection Policy and Privacy Statement Atlantic Centre of Education
PART A: GENERAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
About Atlantic Centre of Education
Atlantic Centre of Education is a provider of English language education programmes and services including assessment, placement, examinations, research, accommodation, social activities and excursions. We are committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Irish data protection legislation.
Company Details: Atlantic Centre of Education (IE319926), Fairgreen House, Fairgreen Road, Galway, H91 AXK8, Ireland
What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect different information from you based on your engagement with us:
- Marketing preferences – interests in our products and services
- Identification – name, age, gender and identification details
- Contact details – for communications purposes
- Enrolment details – mother tongue, course preferences, progression, special requirements, feedback and survey responses
- Technical data – IP address, login data, browser type for testing services or Wi-Fi provision
- Images – with your consent when attending activities or events
- What personal data do we collect?
How We Collect Personal Data
Personal data may be collected about you when you:
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Request information or ask questions about our services
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Complete registration/enquiry forms or make bookings
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Visit our websites or use web-based services
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Enter competitions or attend information sessions
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Engage with us via social media, email, or other communication methods
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Visit our school sites as a student or visitor
How We Use Personal Data
We use personal data based on:
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Consent you have given
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Contract delivery requirements
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Protection of vital interests
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Legal obligations or public responsibilities
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Legitimate business interests
We use your data to:
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Provide information on products and services
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Deliver contracted services
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Monitor, develop and improve our offerings
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Send informational communications about our activities
How We Share Personal Data
Atlantic Language may share personal data only in cases where it is necessary for us to:
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Engage with authorised parties, such as agents, who operate on your behalf;
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Deliver, or enable delivery of, products or services that we have contracted with you or on your behalf;
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Comply with the requirements of regulators, immigration or other governmental authorities or as required by law.
Data Transfer
We do not normally transfer data outside the EU/EEA. Any necessary transfers beyond the EU/EEA will have suitable protections to ensure data security.
Data Retention Periods
- Student records – 5 years
- Images/videos – 2 years
- Direct enquiries (no further contact) – 1 year
- Mailing list membership – 2 years
Your Rights
You can:
- Request a copy of your personal data
- Ask about how we collect, process or share your data
- Request restriction, updating, or deletion of your data
- Contact our Data Officer: data.officer@atlantic.ac
How We Use Cookies
Our websites use cookies to personalise your experience. You may disable these in your browser settings, though this may reduce website functionality.
PART B: STUDENT IMMIGRATION REGISTRATION POLICY
For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss/EFTA Students
Data Sharing with Immigration Authorities
As a condition of studying in Ireland, non-EU/EEA/Swiss/EFTA students must comply with immigration requirements. The Atlantic Centre of Education shares specific data with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration to verify compliance with residence permit conditions.
Legal Framework
This data sharing operates under a Controller-to-Controller Data Sharing Agreement with the Department of Justice, governed by:
- Article 6(1)(e) GDPR (public interest)
- Section 38(1)(a) Data Protection Act 2018
- Minister and Secretaries Act 1924
Immigration Data Shared:
Enrolment Data (submitted when you enrol):
- Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Address
- Course title and ILEP/TrustEd course code
- Enrolment date and course start date
Attendance Data (submitted routinely):
- Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Address
- Course start and completion dates
- Attendance percentage
- If applicable: reason for expulsion, date of expulsion, date of last attendance
- Withdrawal notifications and departure from Ireland dates
How Immigration Data Is Transmitted:
- Password-protected spreadsheets sent via secure email
- Stored on secure eDocs platform
- Access restricted to authorised Department of Justice officials only
Purpose of Immigration Data Sharing
To verify that you are:
- Attending your registered course of study
- Meeting the conditions of your immigration permission
- Complying with your residence permit requirements
Data Security for Immigration Sharing
- Encrypted transmission and storage
- 24-hour breach notification procedures
- Regular security reviews and staff training
- Access based on the least privilege principle
Your Rights Regarding Immigration Data
- Right to access data shared with immigration authorities
- Right to correct inaccurate information
- Right to object (where legally permitted)
- Right to lodge complaints with the Data Protection Commission
Agreement Review
The immigration data sharing agreement is reviewed every 2 years to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.
Contact Information
- General Data Protection Queries: data.officer@angela-aarts
- Immigration Registration Queries: regofficecustomerservice@justice.ie
- Data Protection Commissioner: www.dataprotection.ie
Amendments
Atlantic Centre of Education reserves the right to amend this privacy statement. Please check regularly for updates.
Disclaimer
Atlantic Centre of Education shall not be liable for claims arising from the use of personal information in accordance with this privacy statement and your consents. We have no control over linked websites and accept no responsibility for their privacy practices.


