How long does it take to switch from our current system to MySchoolUpdate?

Most schools complete the switch within 1–2 weeks. The Wonde MIS integration is configured in approximately 30 minutes. Menu and template setup takes 1–2 hours. The first parent push notification campaign (announcing the new system and inviting opt-in) is typically sent within the first week. Full parent opt-in typically reaches 70%+ within 4 weeks of launch.

What happens to our data if we decide to leave MySchoolUpdate?

All school data (parent contacts, communication history, templates) is exported to you in standard formats on request. Data is deleted from MySchoolUpdate systems within 30 days of contract termination, in line with the Data Processing Agreement. Your Wonde connection is disconnected and parent contact data is no longer synced.

Do parents need to download an app to receive notifications?

No. MySchoolUpdate uses browser-based web push notifications — parents receive notifications on their phone or computer without downloading any app. The opt-in process takes approximately 20 seconds. For parents who have not opted in to push, messages are also sent via email and SMS.

What parent engagement rates should we expect?

Most schools achieve 75–90% parent opt-in to push notifications within the first term. Push message open rates are typically 60–85%. Email delivery rates exceed 95%. SMS delivery rates are near 100% for valid mobile numbers. These figures are significantly higher than typical school app adoption (40–60%) or email-only systems (30–45% open rates).

School Communication FAQ — Answers for Headteachers & School Business Managers

Q: How much does MySchoolUpdate cost?

MySchoolUpdate is £385/year for mainstream schools, with a one-time setup fee of £299. SEND schools (special schools and pupil referral units) pay £99/year. A free trial is available before purchase. There are no hidden fees, no per-message charges, and no SMS credit bundles to manage — SMS is included.

Q: Which MIS systems does MySchoolUpdate integrate with?

MySchoolUpdate integrates with all major UK school MIS systems via Wonde — including SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom, ScholarPack, iSAMS, Facility CMIS, and 20+ others. The Wonde connection is DfE-approved and handles automated sync of pupil, class, and parent contact data. Setup takes approximately 30 minutes.

Q: Is MySchoolUpdate GDPR compliant?

Yes. MySchoolUpdate is fully UK GDPR compliant. Data is processed and stored in UK data centres. MIS integration is via Wonde, which is DfE-approved. A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is provided to all schools as part of the subscription. The platform is configured to support schools' lawful basis for processing parent contact data for communication purposes.

Q: Can we try MySchoolUpdate before committing?

Yes. A free trial is available — contact us to arrange. The trial includes full access to the platform, MIS integration setup, and support to send your first communications to a test group of parents. There is no obligation to purchase following the trial.

Pricing

£385/yr

Mainstream schools

£299

One-time setup

£99/yr

SEND schools

Free

Trial available

How much does MySchoolUpdate cost?

MySchoolUpdate is £385/year for mainstream schools (£299 one-time setup fee). SEND schools, pupil referral units, and hospital schools pay £99/year. There are no per-message charges, no SMS credit bundles to purchase, and no hidden fees. SMS, push notifications, and email are all included.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. Contact us to arrange a trial — you get full access to the platform, MIS integration setup, and support to send your first real communications. No credit card required, no obligation to purchase.

Integration & setup

Which MIS systems does MySchoolUpdate integrate with?

All major UK school MIS systems via Wonde: SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom, ScholarPack, iSAMS, Facility CMIS, and 20+ others. The Wonde connection is DfE-approved. Setup takes approximately 30 minutes and keeps contact lists automatically in sync with the MIS.

How long does switching take?

Most schools complete the full switch within 1–2 weeks: MIS integration (30 minutes), template setup (1–2 hours), first parent campaign within the first week. Schools that have switched from ParentMail, SchoolComms, or Arbor messaging report the switch itself as straightforward — the main task is notifying parents of the new system via the first message.

Do parents need to download an app?

No. MySchoolUpdate uses browser push notifications — parents opt in in approximately 20 seconds via a browser prompt (no App Store, no password). For parents who have not yet opted in, messages also arrive via email and SMS.

GDPR & data

Is MySchoolUpdate GDPR compliant?

Yes. UK GDPR compliant: data processed and stored in UK data centres, DPA provided as standard, Wonde integration is DfE-approved, data minimisation principles applied (only contact data accessed from MIS, not sensitive pupil records).

What happens to our data if we leave?

All data is exported to you on request and deleted from our systems within 30 days of contract termination. The Wonde sync is disconnected immediately on cancellation.

Parent engagement

What engagement rates should we expect?

Push opt-in: 75–90% within the first term. Push open rate: 60–85%. Email delivery: 95%+. SMS delivery: near 100% for valid numbers. These are significantly higher than typical school app adoption (40–60%) or email-only systems.

What if a parent doesn't engage with push notifications?

Every message is sent across all channels simultaneously: push + email as default; SMS added for urgent messages. A parent who never opts in to push still receives every communication via email and SMS. No family falls through the gaps.

Still have questions?

Book a 30-minute demo and we will walk through your specific school's setup — MIS system, current communication approach, and what switching would look like.

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