About this policy
Imperial Education Services (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides university admissions and student support services. This Cookie Policy applies to the website at imperialeducationservices.co.uk and to any subdomains, application portals and student platforms we operate that link to it, including the student hub, the application tracker and IES Connect.
It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains more fully how we handle personal data, and our Terms & Conditions.
We set a small number of cookies that are required to make the site work and keep it secure. We also use first-party analytics to understand how the site is used, and — only if you agree — advertising and social media cookies. You can change your choices at any time using the cookie preferences panel.
Who we are
For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the data controller for personal data collected through cookies on this website is:
- Controller
- Imperial Education Services
- Registered office
- [London, United Kingdom]
- Company number
- [14603320]
- ICO registration
- [N/A]
- Telephone
- +44 7466 412555
What cookies and similar technologies are
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies allow the site to recognise your device on later visits or as you move between pages, and to store limited information such as a session identifier or a display preference.
UK law now uses the broader term storage and access technologies. Alongside cookies, this covers local storage and session storage, pixels and tracking beacons, software development kits, device fingerprinting and link decoration. Where this policy refers to cookies, it means all of these technologies.
First-party and third-party
- First-party cookies are set by our own domain and are read only by us.
- Third-party cookies are set by another organisation whose service appears on our pages, such as an embedded video or an analytics provider.
Session and persistent
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, shown in the tables below.
The legal basis for using cookies
Our use of cookies is governed by regulation 6 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Where a cookie also involves personal data, the UK GDPR applies as well.
The general rule under PECR is that we must tell you about any cookie we place and obtain your consent before placing it, unless a statutory exception applies. Since 5 February 2026, Schedule A1 to PECR sets out a wider set of exceptions, and we rely on them as follows:
- Strictly necessary. Cookies needed to transmit a communication, or to provide a service you have specifically requested — for example keeping you logged in or protecting a form from abuse. No consent is required.
- Statistical purposes. First-party analytics used solely to collect aggregate information about how the site is used, so we can improve it. Consent is not required, but you must be told clearly and given a simple, free way to object. You can do so in the preferences panel.
- Appearance and functionality. Cookies that remember how the site should look or behave for you, such as language or accessibility settings. These operate on the same inform-and-object basis.
- Security, fraud prevention and emergency assistance. Cookies used to protect the site, its users and their data.
- Advertising, remarketing and social media. These fall outside every exception. We place them only where you have given clear, affirmative consent, and you may withdraw that consent at any time.
Where we rely on consent under the UK GDPR, the lawful basis is Article 6(1)(a). Where a cookie is strictly necessary or used for security, our lawful basis for any associated personal data is our legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) in operating a secure and functioning website.
The categories of cookies we use
Strictly necessary
Enable core functions such as logging in, submitting an application, load balancing and security. The site cannot operate properly without them, so they cannot be switched off.
Appearance & functionality
Remember choices such as language, region and display settings so you do not have to set them again on each visit.
Statistical (analytics)
First-party measurement of pages visited, referrers and errors, reported only in aggregate. Used to improve course pages and the application journey — never to build an individual profile.
Advertising & social media
Set by advertising and social platforms to measure campaigns and show relevant course information elsewhere. Placed only after you opt in.
Turning off the opt-out categories will not restrict your access to any part of the site, your application, or the support you receive from our advisers.
The cookies we set
The tables below list the cookies used on this website at the date of the last review. Names and durations set by third parties may change without notice; the preferences panel always reflects what is actually in use.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID | First party | Maintains your session state across page requests, for example while completing a form. | Session |
ies_consent | First party | Records your cookie preferences so we do not ask again on every page. | 6 months |
wordpress_logged_in_* | First party | Identifies you when signed in to the Student Hub or agent portal. | Session / 14 days |
wordpress_test_cookie | First party | Checks whether your browser accepts cookies before sign-in. | Session |
__cf_bm | Cloudflare | Distinguishes human visitors from automated traffic to protect the site. | 30 minutes |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
wp-settings-* | First party | Remembers interface preferences for signed-in users. | 12 months |
ies_lang | First party | Remembers whether you are viewing the English or Romanian version of the site. | 12 months |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another to count visits and sessions. | 13 months |
_ga_<ID> | Google Analytics | Maintains session state for aggregate reporting. | 13 months |
_gid | Google Analytics | Groups activity within a single day for reporting. | 24 hours |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_fbp | Meta | Measures the effectiveness of campaigns and supports remarketing. | 3 months |
fr | Meta | Delivers and measures advertising across Meta platforms. | 3 months |
IDE, test_cookie | Google DoubleClick | Measures ad performance and limits repeat impressions. | Up to 13 months |
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC | YouTube | Set when an embedded video is played; estimates bandwidth and tracks video views. | Session / 6 months |
li_sugr, bcookie | Campaign measurement and audience insight. | Up to 12 months |
Run a scan of the live site and delete any row above that does not correspond to a cookie you actually set. Listing cookies you do not use is as much of a compliance problem as omitting ones you do. Review the list again whenever you add a plugin, embed or tracking tag.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by organisations other than us. We do not control how those organisations use the information they collect, and their processing is governed by their own privacy notices. The third parties currently involved are:
- Google (Analytics, embedded maps, advertising) — policies.google.com/privacy
- Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram tools) — facebook.com/privacy/policy
- LinkedIn (campaign measurement) — linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy
- YouTube (embedded video) — policies.google.com/privacy
- Cloudflare (security and performance) — cloudflare.com/privacypolicy
Where an embedded video or map is present, we load it in a privacy-enhanced mode where the provider offers one, so that no advertising cookie is set until you press play or interact with the embed.
Managing your choices
Cookie preferences
Open the panel to review each category, object to statistical and appearance cookies, or withdraw consent for advertising cookies. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it, and takes effect immediately for any future placement.
Your choice is stored for six months, after which we will ask again. We also ask again if we introduce a new cookie in a category you have not already decided on. We keep a record of the consent given, the version of this policy in force at the time, and the date, so that we can demonstrate compliance.
We honour the Global Privacy Control signal where your browser sends one, and treat it as an objection to statistical and appearance cookies and a refusal of advertising cookies.
Browser and device controls
Independently of our preferences panel, you can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking all cookies will prevent parts of this site, including the application portal, from working properly.
To opt out of Google Analytics across all websites, you can install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
International transfers
Some of our third-party providers process data outside the United Kingdom, including in the United States. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we rely on the UK international data transfer agreement, the UK addendum to the European Commission’s standard contractual clauses, or an adequacy regulation made by the Secretary of State, and we carry out a transfer risk assessment where required. Further detail is set out in our Privacy Policy.
How long we keep cookie data
Each cookie expires after the period shown in the tables above. Analytics data derived from cookies is retained in aggregate form for up to 26 months, after which it is deleted or further aggregated so that individual sessions can no longer be distinguished. Records of the consent you give are kept for 24 months so we can evidence compliance, and then deleted.
Your rights
Where cookies involve personal data, you have the following rights under the UK GDPR. Exercising them is free, and we will respond within one month.
- Access — obtain a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification — have inaccurate data corrected.
- Erasure — ask us to delete data where there is no continuing reason to hold it.
- Restriction — ask us to pause processing while a concern is investigated.
- Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interests, and to any direct marketing at any time.
- Portability — receive certain data in a structured, commonly used format.
- Withdraw consent — at any time, without affecting processing carried out before withdrawal.
To make a request, email info@imperialeducationservices.co.uk with the subject line “Data protection request”. We may ask for information to verify your identity.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data or your cookie choices, please contact us first so we can try to resolve it. You also have the right to complain to the UK supervisory authority:
- Authority
- Information Commissioner’s Office
- Address
- Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
- Helpline
- 0303 123 1113
- Website
- ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
Changes to this policy
We review this policy at least once a year, and whenever we add or remove a cookie, change provider, or the law changes. The version number and date at the top of the page show when it was last revised. Material changes affecting the cookies you have consented to will be brought to your attention through the preferences panel before they take effect.
Contact us
If you have a question about this policy or about how we use cookies, our team will be glad to help.
- Telephone
- +44 7466 412555
- Enquiry form
- Send us a message
- Post
- [London, United Kingdom]
This policy is provided as a well-researched starting point that reflects UK law as at August 2026. It is not legal advice. Before publishing, complete the highlighted fields, verify the cookie tables against a live scan of your site, and have the final wording reviewed by a solicitor or data protection adviser.
About this policy
Imperial Education Services (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides university admissions and student support services. This Cookie Policy applies to the website at imperialeducationservices.co.uk and to any subdomains, application portals and student platforms we operate that link to it, including the student hub, the application tracker and IES Connect.
It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains more fully how we handle personal data, and our Terms & Conditions.
We set a small number of cookies that are required to make the site work and keep it secure. We also use first-party analytics to understand how the site is used, and — only if you agree — advertising and social media cookies. You can change your choices at any time using the cookie preferences panel.
Who we are
For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the data controller for personal data collected through cookies on this website is:
- Controller
- Imperial Education Services
- Registered office
- [Registered address]
- Company number
- [Company no.]
- ICO registration
- [ICO reference]
- Telephone
- +44 7466 412555
What cookies and similar technologies are
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies allow the site to recognise your device on later visits or as you move between pages, and to store limited information such as a session identifier or a display preference.
UK law now uses the broader term storage and access technologies. Alongside cookies, this covers local storage and session storage, pixels and tracking beacons, software development kits, device fingerprinting and link decoration. Where this policy refers to cookies, it means all of these technologies.
First-party and third-party
- First-party cookies are set by our own domain and are read only by us.
- Third-party cookies are set by another organisation whose service appears on our pages, such as an embedded video or an analytics provider.
Session and persistent
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, shown in the tables below.
The legal basis for using cookies
Our use of cookies is governed by regulation 6 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Where a cookie also involves personal data, the UK GDPR applies as well.
The general rule under PECR is that we must tell you about any cookie we place and obtain your consent before placing it, unless a statutory exception applies. Since 5 February 2026, Schedule A1 to PECR sets out a wider set of exceptions, and we rely on them as follows:
- Strictly necessary. Cookies needed to transmit a communication, or to provide a service you have specifically requested — for example keeping you logged in or protecting a form from abuse. No consent is required.
- Statistical purposes. First-party analytics used solely to collect aggregate information about how the site is used, so we can improve it. Consent is not required, but you must be told clearly and given a simple, free way to object. You can do so in the preferences panel.
- Appearance and functionality. Cookies that remember how the site should look or behave for you, such as language or accessibility settings. These operate on the same inform-and-object basis.
- Security, fraud prevention and emergency assistance. Cookies used to protect the site, its users and their data.
- Advertising, remarketing and social media. These fall outside every exception. We place them only where you have given clear, affirmative consent, and you may withdraw that consent at any time.
Where we rely on consent under the UK GDPR, the lawful basis is Article 6(1)(a). Where a cookie is strictly necessary or used for security, our lawful basis for any associated personal data is our legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) in operating a secure and functioning website.
The categories of cookies we use
Strictly necessary
Enable core functions such as logging in, submitting an application, load balancing and security. The site cannot operate properly without them, so they cannot be switched off.
Appearance & functionality
Remember choices such as language, region and display settings so you do not have to set them again on each visit.
Statistical (analytics)
First-party measurement of pages visited, referrers and errors, reported only in aggregate. Used to improve course pages and the application journey — never to build an individual profile.
Advertising & social media
Set by advertising and social platforms to measure campaigns and show relevant course information elsewhere. Placed only after you opt in.
Turning off the opt-out categories will not restrict your access to any part of the site, your application, or the support you receive from our advisers.
The cookies we set
The tables below list the cookies used on this website at the date of the last review. Names and durations set by third parties may change without notice; the preferences panel always reflects what is actually in use.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID | First party | Maintains your session state across page requests, for example while completing a form. | Session |
ies_consent | First party | Records your cookie preferences so we do not ask again on every page. | 6 months |
wordpress_logged_in_* | First party | Identifies you when signed in to the Student Hub or agent portal. | Session / 14 days |
wordpress_test_cookie | First party | Checks whether your browser accepts cookies before sign-in. | Session |
__cf_bm | Cloudflare | Distinguishes human visitors from automated traffic to protect the site. | 30 minutes |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
wp-settings-* | First party | Remembers interface preferences for signed-in users. | 12 months |
ies_lang | First party | Remembers whether you are viewing the English or Romanian version of the site. | 12 months |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another to count visits and sessions. | 13 months |
_ga_<ID> | Google Analytics | Maintains session state for aggregate reporting. | 13 months |
_gid | Google Analytics | Groups activity within a single day for reporting. | 24 hours |
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_fbp | Meta | Measures the effectiveness of campaigns and supports remarketing. | 3 months |
fr | Meta | Delivers and measures advertising across Meta platforms. | 3 months |
IDE, test_cookie | Google DoubleClick | Measures ad performance and limits repeat impressions. | Up to 13 months |
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC | YouTube | Set when an embedded video is played; estimates bandwidth and tracks video views. | Session / 6 months |
li_sugr, bcookie | Campaign measurement and audience insight. | Up to 12 months |
Run a scan of the live site and delete any row above that does not correspond to a cookie you actually set. Listing cookies you do not use is as much of a compliance problem as omitting ones you do. Review the list again whenever you add a plugin, embed or tracking tag.
Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by organisations other than us. We do not control how those organisations use the information they collect, and their processing is governed by their own privacy notices. The third parties currently involved are:
- Google (Analytics, embedded maps, advertising) — policies.google.com/privacy
- Meta Platforms (Facebook and Instagram tools) — facebook.com/privacy/policy
- LinkedIn (campaign measurement) — linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy
- YouTube (embedded video) — policies.google.com/privacy
- Cloudflare (security and performance) — cloudflare.com/privacypolicy
Where an embedded video or map is present, we load it in a privacy-enhanced mode where the provider offers one, so that no advertising cookie is set until you press play or interact with the embed.
Managing your choices
Cookie preferences
Open the panel to review each category, object to statistical and appearance cookies, or withdraw consent for advertising cookies. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it, and takes effect immediately for any future placement.
Your choice is stored for six months, after which we will ask again. We also ask again if we introduce a new cookie in a category you have not already decided on. We keep a record of the consent given, the version of this policy in force at the time, and the date, so that we can demonstrate compliance.
We honour the Global Privacy Control signal where your browser sends one, and treat it as an objection to statistical and appearance cookies and a refusal of advertising cookies.
Browser and device controls
Independently of our preferences panel, you can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking all cookies will prevent parts of this site, including the application portal, from working properly.
To opt out of Google Analytics across all websites, you can install the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
International transfers
Some of our third-party providers process data outside the United Kingdom, including in the United States. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we rely on the UK international data transfer agreement, the UK addendum to the European Commission’s standard contractual clauses, or an adequacy regulation made by the Secretary of State, and we carry out a transfer risk assessment where required. Further detail is set out in our Privacy Policy.
How long we keep cookie data
Each cookie expires after the period shown in the tables above. Analytics data derived from cookies is retained in aggregate form for up to 26 months, after which it is deleted or further aggregated so that individual sessions can no longer be distinguished. Records of the consent you give are kept for 24 months so we can evidence compliance, and then deleted.
Your rights
Where cookies involve personal data, you have the following rights under the UK GDPR. Exercising them is free, and we will respond within one month.
- Access — obtain a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification — have inaccurate data corrected.
- Erasure — ask us to delete data where there is no continuing reason to hold it.
- Restriction — ask us to pause processing while a concern is investigated.
- Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interests, and to any direct marketing at any time.
- Portability — receive certain data in a structured, commonly used format.
- Withdraw consent — at any time, without affecting processing carried out before withdrawal.
To make a request, email info@imperialeducationservices.co.uk with the subject line “Data protection request”. We may ask for information to verify your identity.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data or your cookie choices, please contact us first so we can try to resolve it. You also have the right to complain to the UK supervisory authority:
- Authority
- Information Commissioner’s Office
- Address
- Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
- Helpline
- 0303 123 1113
- Website
- ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
Changes to this policy
We review this policy at least once a year, and whenever we add or remove a cookie, change provider, or the law changes. The version number and date at the top of the page show when it was last revised. Material changes affecting the cookies you have consented to will be brought to your attention through the preferences panel before they take effect.
Contact us
If you have a question about this policy or about how we use cookies, our team will be glad to help.
- Telephone
- +44 7466 412555
- Enquiry form
- Send us a message
- Post
- [Registered address]
This policy is provided as a well-researched starting point that reflects UK law as at August 2026. It is not legal advice. Before publishing, complete the highlighted fields, verify the cookie tables against a live scan of your site, and have the final wording reviewed by a solicitor or data protection adviser.