Cookies and Website Traffic Analysis
This Cookie Policy explains how teachinscotland.scot uses cookies and similar technologies (such as pixels and local storage). It should be read alongside our Privacy Notice.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites work, remember your choices, and (if you agree) measure how the site is used and how campaigns perform.
How our cookie consent works
When you first visit our website, you’ll see a cookie banner.
- Strictly necessary cookies are always on because the website can’t function properly without them (for example, remembering your cookie choices).
- Optional cookies (advertising/measurement) are off by default and will only be used if you accept them.
- You can change or withdraw consent at any time using the site’s Cookie settings option.
Cookies and similar technologies we use: Strictly necessary (always on)
These remember your cookie choices and help the site function.
Cookie / storage
Cookie preferences cookie and/or local storage entry
Purpose
Stores your cookie choices so we can respect them
Expiry
Usually persistent
Cookies and similar technologies we use: Optional (only if you accept)
If you accept optional cookies, we use Google Tag Manager to run measurement tags, including:
- Google Marketing Platform Floodlight (via GTM)
- Conversion Linker: We also use the Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel for campaign measurement.
These tools help us understand campaign effectiveness and how people interact with the site (for example, page views or visits after a campaign). Reports are used in aggregated form.
These tools may process technical information such as device/browser details and online identifiers (cookie IDs). Like most websites, your IP address may be processed by service providers as part of delivering and securing web content and measurement, but we do not use cookies to identify you by name.
Common cookies that may be set when optional cookies are enabled (exact cookies depend on your choices and browser settings):
Google (Floodlight / Conversion Linker / related measurement)
| Cookie / storage | Purpose | Typical expiry |
| _gcl_aw | Stores ad click information to measure conversions | 90 days |
| _gcl_au | Advertising/measurement cookie | 90 days |
| _gcl_dc | Measurement cookie often used in Floodlight-style setups | 90 days |
| Local storage: _gcl_ls | Stores click/measurement info in local storage |
Until cleared (varies)
|
| IDE / test_cookie / DSID / id (third-party, may appear depending on browser settings) | Measurement/advertising cookies used by Google ad services | Varies |
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel
| Cookie | Purpose | Typical expiry |
| _fbp | Helps measure interactions with Meta campaigns |
~90 days (varies)
|
| _fbc | Stores a click ID from Meta to help measure conversions |
~90 days (varies)
|
How to manage cookies
- Use Cookie settings on the site at any time to accept or reject optional cookies.
- You can also delete cookies through your browser settings. If you block strictly necessary cookies, parts of the site may not work as intended.
Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time.
Last updated: 16 January 2026