Terms of Service

Last updated: June 17, 2026

1. Welcome to School Sentiment

School Sentiment is a UK-based platform providing honest, anonymous reviews of schools from students, parents, and staff, as well as a School Noticeboard for buying, selling, and passing on school-related items. By accessing or using our website (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you are under 18, you confirm that you have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

2. Anonymity & Account-Free Use

School Sentiment does not require user accounts to write reviews or browse the noticeboard. All reviews are posted anonymously. We do not collect usernames or passwords. However, we do collect basic technical data (e.g., IP address, browser type) to prevent abuse and maintain service security, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

You are responsible for not including any personal information (your own or others') within your review text. If you choose to include personal data, you do so at your own risk, as your review remains public and anonymous.

3. User Conduct & Review Guidelines

You agree to act in good faith and post reviews that reflect your genuine, first-hand experience. You must NOT post content that:

  • Is defamatory, abusive, harassing, or hateful toward individuals or groups.
  • Contains personal information about school staff, students, or other families.
  • Is false, misleading, or intentionally harmful.
  • Infringes on any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property.
  • Contains spam, viruses, or any form of malicious code.

We reserve the right to remove any review that violates these guidelines, without notice. Repeated violations may lead to a ban from future submissions (via IP address or email).

4. School Noticeboard Guidelines

The School Noticeboard allows users to post items for sale, free items, and wanted ads. When using the noticeboard, you agree to:

  • Post honest descriptions - Accurately describe the condition, price, and details of items
  • Upload appropriate photos - Photos must show the actual item; no inappropriate, offensive, or copyrighted images
  • Not post prohibited items - You may NOT list: alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, prescription medication, weapons, counterfeit goods, or any illegal items
  • Complete transactions safely - Arrange collection in a public place; School Sentiment is not involved in any transactions
  • Respond to messages promptly - If you are no longer selling an item, mark it as sold or delete the ad

⚠️ Any user found listing prohibited items (including alcohol, tobacco, or illegal products) will be permanently banned from the platform. We actively monitor listings and will report illegal activity to the relevant authorities.

We reserve the right to remove any ad that violates these guidelines. Repeated violations may lead to account suspension.

4.5 Image Privacy & Metadata

When you upload images to School Sentiment, we automatically remove all embedded metadata before the image is stored. This includes location data, device information, and timestamps that could otherwise be used to identify you or track your movements.

This process happens automatically and irreversibly, ensuring your privacy is protected from the moment you upload. Only the visual content of your image is preserved.

We do this because we believe your privacy matters. Whether you're a parent, student, or staff member, you should be able to share your experience without compromising your personal information.

4.6 Content Moderation & Safety

School Sentiment is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful community for all users. We employ automated systems to help identify and block content that may violate our community guidelines.

These systems may review submitted content, including images and text, to detect potentially inappropriate material. Users who repeatedly submit flagged content may have their accounts suspended or permanently removed.

We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including content removal and account suspension, to protect the integrity of our platform and the safety of our community.

5. Transaction Liability Disclaimer

School Sentiment is a platform for connecting buyers and sellers. We do not:

  • Own, sell, or inspect any items listed on the noticeboard
  • Verify the identity, trustworthiness, or legitimacy of any user
  • Guarantee the accuracy of any listing description, price, or condition
  • Handle payments or facilitate transactions in any way

All transactions are solely between the buyer and seller. You agree that:

  • You assume all risks associated with buying or selling items on the noticeboard
  • School Sentiment accepts no liability for defective, damaged, or misrepresented items
  • School Sentiment accepts no liability for failed transactions, non-delivery, or disputes
  • You are responsible for vetting the other party before completing a transaction

We strongly recommend that you:

  • Meet in a public place (e.g., school car park, library, coffee shop)
  • Bring a friend or family member when meeting a stranger
  • Inspect items before paying
  • Never send money in advance to someone you have not met
  • Report suspicious listings to us immediately

6. Messaging System

Our messaging system allows buyers and sellers to communicate about ads. When using messages, you agree to:

  • Be respectful - No harassment, abuse, or spam
  • Not share personal contact information unnecessarily - Use the messaging system for initial contact
  • Only message about active ads - Do not message users about unrelated topics

We may monitor messages for abuse prevention but do not read private conversations unless reported.

7. School Claims & Verification

School staff members may claim their school profile to:

  • Edit school contact information (phone, website, description)
  • Reply to reviews (one reply per review)
  • Display a "Verified School" badge

To claim a school, you must:

  • Use a work email address from a .sch.uk or .ac.uk domain (or provide proof of affiliation)
  • Provide your name and role at the school
  • Agree to respond to reviews professionally and constructively

School replies must be respectful and factual. We reserve the right to remove replies that are defamatory, abusive, or contain personal information.

8. Following Schools & Notifications

Users with accounts may follow schools to receive notifications about new reviews and ads. By following a school, you consent to receive:

  • In-app notifications (visible when logged in)
  • Email notifications (if you have provided an email address)

You may unfollow any school at any time. You may also opt out of email notifications by unfollowing schools or deleting your account.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on School Sentiment – including the design, logo, text, graphics, and code – is owned by or licensed to us. You may not copy, modify, or reproduce any part of the Service without prior written permission.

By submitting a review, ad, or reply, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to display, store, and use that content on our platform. You retain no ownership over the content once submitted.

10. School Information & Third-Party Links

School information (address, type, website) is compiled from public sources and user suggestions. We do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. The Service may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Google Maps, school websites). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability

School Sentiment is provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranties of any kind. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We are not liable for any damages arising from your use of the Service, including:

  • Reliance on any review or school information
  • Transactions conducted through the noticeboard (we are not a party to any transaction)
  • Interactions between users

12. Account Deletion

You may delete your account at any time from your account settings. Upon deletion:

  • Your reviews will remain anonymous but will no longer be linked to your account
  • Your ads will be removed from the noticeboard
  • Your saved items, followed schools, and messages will be permanently deleted

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: legal@schoolsentiment.co.uk

Summary for our community:

School Sentiment exists to help families make informed choices. By posting a review or ad, you agree to be honest, respectful, and follow our guidelines. Schools can claim their profile and respond professionally to reviews. Transactions on the noticeboard are between users - arrange safely in public places. Remember: listing alcohol, tobacco, or illegal items will result in an immediate ban. Thank you for being part of our community.