Customers with on-premise SIMS – Update from PPG

There is a separate communication for on-premise and SIMS Connected schools. You can view each via the links below:

• Communication being sent to on-premise schools
• Communication being sent to connected schools

SIMS 7 permanent menu redirects to SIMS Next Gen

We’ve reached an important point in the SIMS Next Gen journey, with thousands of users now accessing SIMS Next Gen every day. As usage continues to grow, we’re moving into the next phase of transition: redirecting selected SIMS7 menu options to their equivalent experiences in SIMS Next Gen.

Following the introduction of SIMS7 redirect functionality in March, we’re now beginning a phased rollout of permanent menu redirects.

This step is about:

• simplifying the experience for staff
• reducing duplication between SIMS7 and SIMS Next Gen
• providing a clear, supported route forward for schools

From 8 June 2026, we will begin enabling redirects for schools, starting with timetables, then attendance registers (AM&PM + Lesson), then conduct and custom groups. When a user selects one of these areas in SIMS7, they’ll be taken directly to the equivalent workflow in SIMS Next Gen.

This is a structured, mandatory programme with confirmed dates, and it represents a significant step forward in driving adoption of SIMS Next Gen. Redirects will be introduced gradually, by module, and will continue through the remainder of 2026.

What is changing – and when

Schools will be transitioned through three stages as noted below:

Stage one – school-controlled (available now)
System Managers in schools can already enable redirects themselves at any time via the SIMS Next Gen Admin Console. Several schools have already enabled redirects successfully since March.

Stage two – redirects enabled, schools can still opt out

From the dates below, we’ll switch redirects on for schools.

• Schools can temporarily switch redirects off via the Admin Console
• This option is time limited and intended to support short term readiness
• Any changes made will take effect overnight

Stage three – redirects become permanent
At this stage:

• Redirects are permanently enabled
• Schools will no longer be able to switch them off
• All relevant users will need to be working in SIMS Next Gen

The key dates for each area are shown below:

Please note not all schools will have their redirects enabled on the same day. Individual school dates will fall on or after the dates shown above. 

 On-Premises Schools

Action required before stage two – redirects enabled, with a temporary opt out

• Ensure staff who use the areas noted have SIMS Next Gen login details.

• Confirm the school’s System Manager can access the SIMS Next Gen Admin Console, if they need to manage redirects. Any changes made will take effect overnight.

Action required before stage three – redirects are permanently enabled

•  Confirm all relevant users, particularly teaching staff, can access SIMS Next Gen to ensure continuity as we transition schools to SIMS Next Gen.

SIMS Connected Schools

Action required before stage two – redirects enabled, with a temporary opt out

• Staff will be able to use their existing login credentials.
• Schools should check users who need access can log in to home.sims.co.uk
Action required before stage three – redirects are permanently enabled

• Confirm staff can access SIMS Next Gen successfully to ensure continuity as we transition schools to SIMS Next Gen.

How we are supporting schools

We will be writing directly to all schools next week with the above information, and a checklist of what they need to do before their stage two date. There will be separate communications for on premise and SIMS Connected schools.

The content will cover:

• an explanation of the stages, modules, and dates
• actions needed
• links to guidance and support

We’ll also send reminder emails and share copies with you.

Resources to support 

To help schools visualise what this means in practice, we’ve created a short video showing a teacher moving from taking a register in SIMS7 to taking it in SIMS Next Gen

• Video for teachers who currently use SIMS7 for registration

Reminder of the onboarding guidance available

To support, we’ve compiled a list of key resources linked to each of the steps below.

• Main page: KB0010217 – Preparing SIMS for SIMS Next Gen
• Step 4: KB0010239 – Inviting users to SIMS Next Gen using the SIMS User wizard
• Step 5: KB0010240 – Supporting staff to access their accounts & KB0010263 – Activating a SIMS ID account

These steps are also covered in a series of short videos, which many schools find easier to follow.

• Video – main page
• Video – Step 4 Inviting Users
• Video – Step 5 Supporting Staff to activating and access their account

How you can help

SSUs play a crucial role in helping schools prepare smoothly. Your support makes a real difference, and we’d appreciate your help with:

• Reinforcing awareness of upcoming communications and key actions
• Continuing to support schools with inviting and activating users
• Reviewing weekly sync reports and helping resolve any data sync issues

In addition to the sync reports we’ll provide you with regular reporting that will help to keep you informed on schools status/dates as the rollout progresses.