A* Admissions ESAT mock platform

Who we are

This mock exam platform is operated by A* Admissions. For privacy questions, contact andrew@astaradmissions.com.

Information we collect

We collect the information needed to run realistic online ESAT practice and provide diagnostic feedback.

• Account details: name, email address, login provider and authentication identifiers.
• Access and purchase details: products, entitlements, voucher redemptions, Stripe checkout references and payment status. We do not store full card details.
• Mock attempt data: selected module, answers, flags, score, question timings, topic breakdown, start/end times and saved progress.
• Free-practice progress: questions attempted, selected options, correctness, module/topic, practice time and the device identifier used to merge progress safely. When account recording is enabled, we also preserve your first recorded answer for each question version, its result, answer time and optional stopwatch duration.
• Feedback: ratings, problem reports and comments you submit about questions. Question ratings and problem reports are private to A* Admissions. Student discussion comments use fixed anonymous aliases; authorised moderators can identify the associated account to review reports.
• Technical data: browser/session data needed for login, security, progress saving and troubleshooting.

How we use information

• To create and secure your account.
• To control free, paid and voucher-based access.
• To run timed mock modules, save progress, mark attempts and show results.
• To save optional Free Practice practice progress across a signed-in student's devices without mixing it with protected mock results.
• To prepare feedback, including timing and topic analysis. Authorised A* Admissions tutors can review your saved first answers and optional question times with your account details to discuss your progress. These records are not visible to other students.
• To respond to support requests and improve future mocks.
• To meet accounting, fraud-prevention and legal obligations.

AI-assisted feedback

Where AI feedback is enabled, the system uses performance data such as score, timings, topics and authored option feedback to draft a review. It should not be used to reveal protected question text, correct answers or worked solutions. AI drafts are intended for review before being sent or acted on.

Services we use

The platform uses trusted service providers to operate the app, including Supabase for authentication/database services, Resend for transactional account emails such as verification and password reset, Netlify for hosting and server functions, Stripe for payments, Google for optional Google sign-in, and OpenAI for optional AI-drafted feedback. These providers may process data in the UK, EEA, US or other countries using their own security and transfer safeguards.

Watermarking and anti-sharing

Timed question screens include a visible watermark containing your email address, A* Admissions branding and the platform domain. This discourages copying or redistribution of protected mock content.

Cookies and local storage

The mock app uses essential browser storage for login sessions, saved progress, access status and exam state. Anonymous Free Practice progress stays on the current device; if you sign in, the latest per-device record is linked to your account so it can be shown across devices. Optional Google Analytics cookies measure visits and confirmed purchases when you allow them. You can separately allow Google Ads measurement to help us understand which adverts lead to purchases. Choose Cookie settings to change or withdraw your choices. We do not send your name, email address, answers or question content to Google. Essential account and progress features work without optional cookies.

How long we keep information

We keep account, purchase and attempt records for as long as needed to provide access, maintain results history, handle support, improve the mock platform and meet legal or accounting requirements. Financial and order records may be kept for up to six years where required. You can ask for deletion where this is compatible with legal and operational requirements.

Your choices and rights

You can ask to access, correct or delete your personal information, or object to certain processing. You can also ask questions about how your data is used by contacting andrew@astaradmissions.com. If you are unhappy with how your data is handled, you can contact the UK Information Commissioner's Office.

Changes

We may update this policy as the mock platform develops, for example when adding new payment, voucher, analytics or feedback features.