Cookies & Tracking
This page explains the cookies and similar technologies we use, why we use them, how long they last, and how you can change your mind at any time.
1. What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. We also use closely related technologies — local storage, session storage, pixels, and SDKs — which we refer to collectively as "cookies" on this page for simplicity. Cookies are either set by us ("first-party") or by third parties whose services we use ("third-party").
2. Categories we use
- Strictly necessary. Required for the Service to work — e.g. recording your cookie choice, maintaining your session, preventing cross-site request forgery, and remembering form progress while you complete it. These cookies cannot be disabled, as the Service would not function without them.
- Analytics. Help us understand how families use the Service so we can improve it. Set only with your consent.
- Advertising. Allow us to measure the effectiveness of our Google Ads campaigns and to show relevant ads on other sites. Set only with your consent.
- Personalization. Remember preferences such as language or display choices. Set only with your consent.
3. Detailed cookie list
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Category | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
is_consent | InternationalSchools.org | Stores your cookie-consent choice so we don't ask again. | Strictly necessary | 12 months |
is_cookie_consent_v2 (local storage) | InternationalSchools.org | Same purpose as above; local-storage mirror used by the site. | Strictly necessary | Until cleared |
_ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguish users and sessions for aggregate site analytics. | Analytics | Up to 13 months |
_gcl_au, _gcl_aw, _gcl_dc | Google Ads | Conversion measurement and Google Ads attribution. | Advertising | Up to 90 days |
NID, IDE (set by Google) | Google LLC | Ad personalisation and remarketing on the Google ad network. | Advertising | Up to 13 months |
We may add or remove cookies from time to time as our tools change. Material updates will be reflected on this page and announced where appropriate.
4. Google Consent Mode v2
We implement Google Consent Mode v2. This means the following signals start in a denied state and are only updated to "granted" if and when you allow the corresponding category in our cookie banner:
ad_storagead_user_dataad_personalizationanalytics_storage
Until you grant consent, Google receives only cookie-less, aggregated signals (called "consented" pings) so that ad measurement can function lawfully without setting tracking cookies on your device.
5. Regional rules
- EEA, UK, and Switzerland: we ask for opt-in consent before setting analytics, advertising, or personalization cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time from the button below.
- United States and other regions: we honour the Global Privacy Control (GPC)signal as a request to opt out of "sale" or "sharing" of personal information for cross-context behavioural advertising.
- Children: the Service is not directed at children. We do not knowingly set advertising or analytics cookies on devices used by children under 13.
6. Manage your preferences
You can re-open the cookie banner at any time and change your choices:
You can also clear cookies and local storage from your browser settings, opt out of personalised Google ads at My Ad Center, and use mobile OS controls (e.g. iOS App Tracking Transparency, Android Ad ID reset) to limit advertising identifiers.
7. Your current choices
You have not yet made a cookie choice on this device. Use the button above to open the banner and choose.
8. Third parties
The advertising and analytics cookies above are set by Google LLC. Google's processing of your information is governed by the Google Privacy Policy and the Google Ads Data Processing Terms. Other vendors we use to deliver the Service are listed on our Sub-processors page.
9. Changes to this page
We will update this page when our cookie usage changes. The effective date at the top reflects the latest update. For privacy-related questions, contact privacy@internationalschools.org.