Not sure what cookies are? This page explains them in plain language — no legal jargon required. For our formal policy, see the full Cookies Policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small piece of text that a website saves in your browser — like a sticky note the site can read on your next visit. It might remember that you prefer dark mode, that you accepted our cookie notice, or that you are logged into the student portal.
Think of it like a coat-check ticket: the ticket itself is not your coat, but it helps the website recognise your session and preferences when you come back.
Why websites use cookies
- To keep you signed in securely
- To remember settings you chose (such as theme)
- To understand which pages people find helpful
- To protect forms from abuse and errors
Types of cookies on this website
Essential cookies
Keep the site workingThese cookies are necessary for security, logging into the student portal, and submitting your application. Without them, core features may not work.
Examples: Session login, form security, load balancing
Preference cookies
Remember your choicesThese save settings you pick so you do not have to set them again on every visit.
Examples: Light/dark theme, cookie banner acceptance
Analytics cookies
Help us improve the siteThese show us which pages are popular and where visitors may get stuck — in aggregate, not to identify you personally.
Examples: Page views, visit duration (Vercel Analytics in production)
Local storage — is that the same thing?
Similar, but not identical. Local storage lets our site save data in your browser without an expiry date — we use it for things like your theme choice and cookie consent status. It works like a cookie for preferences but stays until you clear it.
How to control cookies in your browser
You can block or delete cookies anytime through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Firefox:Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Blocking all cookies may prevent you from logging into the student portal or completing an online application smoothly.
First-party vs third-party cookies
First-partycookies are set by pinnacleculinaryacademyltd.com (or this site's domain) — they support our application form, portal, and preferences.
Third-party cookies may be set by services we use, such as analytics providers. We keep third-party tools to a minimum and review them regularly.
Common questions
Are cookies viruses or malware?
No. Cookies are plain text files. They cannot run programs or access files on your device by themselves.
Can cookies see my passwords?
Cookies do not read what you type unless a website deliberately stores something you entered. We use cookies for session and preference data — not to harvest passwords.
What happens if I decline cookies?
You can still browse much of our site. Some features — like staying signed in to the portal or remembering your theme — may not work until essential storage is allowed.
How long do cookies last?
Some expire when you close your browser (session cookies). Others stay for a set period (e.g. remembering that you accepted our cookie notice).
Ready to continue?
When you return to the site, click Accept Cookies on the banner to confirm you understand how we use cookies. You can always read the official Cookies Policy for full legal details.