Data protection is the means by which the privacy rights of individuals are safeguarded in relation to the processing of their personal data. Therefore, schools must be aware of the legal duties placed upon them when collecting or processing personal data.Schools bear a considerable responsibility and accountability for the development of young people, for the implementation of Government policies and for the expenditure of State funds. Schools accumulate substantial amounts of personal information about pupils, parents, staff, management and suppliers. It is therefore particularly important for schools that appropriate and up-to-date policies and procedures are in place for the protection and proper use of all such accumulated data and records.