SIMS vs Arbor: Which Should Your School Choose?
Many UK schools are deciding whether to stay on SIMS or move to a cloud MIS such as Arbor. Both handle UK statutory requirements. Independent and international schools have a third option.
SIMS is best for
Schools that want to stay with a long-established UK MIS and its ecosystem.
Arbor is best for
Schools and trusts moving to a modern cloud-native UK MIS.
Third option: Schoolites
Independent and British international schools that need fees, boarding and parent apps more than DfE census depth.
SIMS vs Arbor vs Schoolites
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Based on publicly available information · Suggest a correction
| What schools compare | SIMS | Arbor | Schoolites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | |||
| Delivery | Legacy desktop, moving to cloud | Cloud-native | Cloud-native |
| UK statutory returns | Strong | Strong | Operational exports only |
| Product | |||
| Fees & billing | Via modules / partners | Available | Included |
| Boarding | Via ecosystem | Varies | Included |
| Parent app | Via partner apps | Yes | Yes, plus WhatsApp |
| Pricing | |||
| Price model | Quoted | Per-pupil subscription, quoted | One per-student price, all modules |
How to Decide
UK state schools and trusts should compare SIMS and Arbor on statutory depth and migration support. Independents and international schools should also look at a lighter platform built around fees and parents.
Comparing SIMS and Arbor? See the third option in 30 minutes
Tell us a little about your school. We will WhatsApp you to fix a 30-minute walkthrough and share your exact price.
- A 30-minute walkthrough of the modules you actually need
- Your exact price shared on WhatsApp before you pay anything
- First 1 month free after a small one-time registration fee (covers onboarding & training).
- We import your data and train your staff
Book a comparison demo
4 quick details. We'll WhatsApp you within 2 working hours to fix a time.
- 30 minutes
- No obligation
- Your exact price
- 1We WhatsApp youwithin 2 working hours
- 2Pick a timethat suits your day
- 3Live walkthrough30 minutes, your needs
SIMS vs Arbor Questions
Is migrating from SIMS to Arbor hard?
Is there an alternative to both SIMS and Arbor?
About this comparison
SIMS and Arbor are trademarks of their respective owners. Schoolites is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by either vendor. Information is compiled from publicly available sources as of October 2026; products and prices change, so confirm details with each vendor.
Spotted an inaccuracy? Write to info@schoolites.com with a source link.