The Do’s and Don'ts of Biometric Data in Schools

From fingerprint scanners in libraries to cashless catering in canteens, biometric technology is rapidly becoming part of everyday school life. In fact, a growing number of UK schools now use biometric systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency, but with this convenience comes serious responsibility.

Get it wrong, and the consequences aren’t just technical. They can involve safeguarding risks, legal breaches, and loss of trust from parents and pupils alike.

If you’re unsure what actually counts as biometric data, when it’s appropriate to use it, or how to stay on the right side of compliance, you’re not alone. Many schools are navigating this evolving space without clarity.

This practical session will give you the confidence to use biometric data responsibly, efficiently, and in full compliance—while keeping pupil privacy front and centre.

This session will cover:

• What biometric data actually is (and what counts)
• How schools are using it in practice
• The legal requirements and compliance checks you can't afford to miss

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speaker

Daniel Richardson

Daniel is a qualified solicitor and Data Protection Consultant within Judicium’s Data Protection Team, specialising in supporting schools and trusts to manage data protection risks and navigate complex regulatory requirements.

Daniel began his career with a degree in Medical Microbiology with Immunology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne before cross-qualifying as a solicitor. He went on to spend several years in legal practice, working extensively on data protection claims and gaining first-hand experience in enforcing individuals’ data rights. He now brings this expertise to the education sector, advising schools on how to avoid complaints and claims through clear, practical, and preventative guidance. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys travelling, reading, and following football, maintaining a loyal—if often tested—support for Sunderland AFC.