sims learning gateway has served UK schools for years as a digital portal for parents, staff, and students. Now, it’s entering its final year of support, with migration underway to newer tools designed for improved engagement, safeguarding, and classroom management. This article unpacks the phase-out timeline, highlights replacement systems, offers practical migration advice, and helps schools stay on track.
What’s Happening with sims learning gateway
The provider announced that the platform will be phased out over the next twelve months. For schools hosting their own SLG or using hosted services, this means planning for decommissioning and moving to an enhanced digital suite. The good news: replacement solutions are already live, offering modern capabilities while maintaining core functionality.
Why the Change?
Moving away from sims learning gateway is driven by three main factors:
- Improved engagement tools: New apps support parent and student communication more efficiently.
- Advanced safeguarding features: Enhanced monitoring, access controls, and reporting tools.
- Seamless integration: Next-gen solutions connect smoothly with the existing MIS infrastructure, reducing duplication and frustration.
These modern systems are designed to offer better value and more flexibility over the long term.
Timeline for Decommissioning
| Milestone | Timeframe | Details |
| End-of-Life Announcement | Initial rollout began earlier | Start of phase-out communication |
| Migration Planning for Self-Hosted SLG | Immediately | Schools receive direct guidance and support referrals |
| Hosted SLG Transition | Ongoing over 12 months | Support teams contact schools directly to support migration |
| Service Shutdown | Within 12 months from announcement | Schools must complete migration or face shutdown |
Schools using hosted or self-hosted SLG should already be planning or migrating. Active support channels remain open to assist in each case.
What Comes Next? The Replacement Ecosystem
Core Next-Gen Products
- SIMS Next Gen: Cloud-based replacement for desktop MIS, offering a modern interface and smooth integration.
- SIMS Connected & Parental Engagement: Platforms for parent and pupil apps with real-time updates on attendance, reports, and behavior.
- SIMS Group Analytics: Advanced dashboards and insights to support school leaders and MATs.
- Schoolcomms, Finance, Support Tools: Supporting staff efficiency and administrative workflows.
New Features You’ll Love
- AI-driven attendance insights: Automated alerts for staff absence trends.
- Enhanced SEND support: Streamlined SEND/ALN logs and profile management.
- User-defined fields visibility: Custom data fields surface across school profiles and tools.
- One-click Next Gen access from SIMS7: Easier navigation and seamless experience.
Table: Comparing SLG and Next‑Gen Tools
| Feature | sims learning gateway | Next‑Gen Solutions |
| Parent/student portal | Basic info access | Interactive app with alerts and two-way messaging |
| Safeguarding tools | Core functionality | Integrated monitoring with customizable workflows |
| Attendance management | Manual registers | AI-powered insight and analytics |
| SEND/ALN tracking | Basic support tracking | Enhanced logs and data integration |
| Platform integration | Separate portal | Unified with SIMS Next Gen MIS |
Preparing for Migration: A Guide for Schools
- Audit your current SLG setup
Check hosting, custom fields, user lists, and data flows. - Engage with your support provider
Attend briefings and webinars on next‑gen tools. - Train your staff
Provide teachers and office staff with hands-on workshops. - Communicate with parents and students
Share a timeline for app rollout and support materials. - Monitor transition progress
Set weekly check-ins, track access, and solve issues fast. - Decommission SLG cleanly
Capture essential data, disable accounts, and remove portal links once migration completes.
Final Thoughts
The phase-out of sims learning gateway marks a meaningful change, but it’s a step forward. By embracing next-gen platforms, schools can enhance engagement, strengthen safeguarding, and streamline administrative tasks. The migration is well-supported, and the new tools offer real benefits right away.
FAQs
Is sims learning gateway still working now?
Yes—SLG remains live until each school completes its migration or the 12‑month window ends.
Can I run SLG and Next Gen side by side?
Yes. During migration phases, data flows continue in both systems to reduce disruption.
Will my data be lost during migration?
No. User data, attendance records, and custom fields can be mapped and transitioned safely.
Is training available?
Absolutely. Support units and service providers offer workshops, online resources, and personalised training.
What if a school is self-hosting SLG?
Self-hosted schools receive tailored migration support and technical documentation for decommissioning.
