Privacy Policy

1Who we are

IELTS Essentials is an online platform for IELTS practice. It offers Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking practice, examiner-marked Writing and paid subscription plans.

This policy explains what personal information we collect when you use our website and services, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. By using IELTS Essentials you agree to the practices described here.

2Information we collect

We collect only the information we need to run the platform. This is what we collect and why:

We also receive information you give us directly, for example when you fill in a form, take a test or contact support.

3How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and let you sign in.
• To score your tests, save your progress and resume a test if your connection drops.
• To send your Writing to an examiner and return your band, comments and PDF report.
• To process payments, activate your plan and send receipts.
• To reply to your messages and give you support.
• To send service messages such as test results, marking updates and plan reminders.
• To keep the platform safe, prevent fraud and misuse, and fix technical problems.
• To understand how the platform is used so we can improve tests, tools and lessons.
• To send news or offers only if you agree, and you can opt out at any time.

We do not sell your personal information.

4Writing submissions and examiners

Your Writing is personal, so we treat it with extra care. Each submission is sent to a qualified IELTS examiner who marks it and writes feedback on your text. Examiners only see what they need to mark your work, such as your essay and the task. They are bound by confidentiality obligations and may not use your work for any other purpose.

We may use submissions in an anonymised form, with your name and any identifying details removed, to improve our marking quality and training. We will never publish your essay with your name without your permission.

5Who we share information with

We share personal information only with people and companies who help us run the platform, and only as much as they need:

• Examiners who mark your Writing.
• Payment providers such as JazzCash and card payment providers who process your payment.
• Hosting and technology providers that store data and run the website.
• Email, messaging and support tools used to contact you, for example email service and WhatsApp.
• Analytics providers that help us understand how the platform is used.
• Authorities or advisers when the law requires it, or to protect our rights and users.

If our business is ever sold or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owner, who must follow this policy.

6Payments

Payments are handled by trusted third-party payment providers. When you pay, your payment details go to the provider, not to us. We only receive confirmation of the payment, the plan you bought, the amount and a transaction reference. We keep these records for accounting and refund purposes. See our Refund Policy for how refunds work.

7Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar tools to make the platform work and to understand how it is used:

• Essential cookies keep you signed in and save your test progress. The site cannot work properly without them.
• Analytics cookies show us which pages and tests are popular, so we can improve them.
• Preference cookies remember settings such as your last module.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. If you block essential cookies, parts of the platform, including saved progress, may stop working.

8How long we keep your information

• Account and test data: for as long as your account is active, so you can see your progress.
• Writing submissions and feedback: for 90 days after marking, or until you delete your account.
• Payment records: for 7 years, as required for accounting and tax.
• Messages to support: for 12 months after your request is closed.
• Deleted accounts: personal information is removed or anonymised within 30 days, except where we must keep it by law.

9How we protect your information

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), encrypted passwords, access controls for our team and examiners, and regular backups. No online service can be completely secure, so please choose a strong password, keep it private and contact us straight away if you think your account has been used without your permission.

10Your rights and choices

You have control over your personal information. You can ask us to:

• Show you the information we hold about you.
• Correct information that is wrong or out of date.
• Delete your account and personal information.
• Give you a copy of your information.
• Stop sending you marketing messages.
• Stop using your information for a purpose you have not agreed to.

To make a request, email support@ieltsessentials.com or use our Contact page. We may ask you to confirm your identity first, and we will reply within 30 days.

11Children

IELTS Essentials is intended for people aged 16 and over. If you are younger, please use the platform only with a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe a child has given us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

12International transfers

Our providers may store or process information in countries other than your own. When this happens, we take steps to make sure your information is still protected in line with this policy and with applicable law.

13Third-party links

Our site may link to other websites, such as social media, review sites or payment pages. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so please read their policies before sharing information with them.

14Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time, for example when we add new features. When we make important changes we will update the date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you by email or on the platform. Please check this page regularly.

15Contact us

If you have questions about this policy or how we handle your information, contact us: