The new IRIS ParentMail
Search for answers and browse topics about upgrading to the new IRIS ParentMail
We are excited to announce a new version of IRIS ParentMail is coming soon that includes lots of improvements and new features.
The new version has lots of improvements based on feedback from our customers, including a refreshed and modern design, more modules and features available, and so much more, including...
- New instant messaging with Parents and Carers.
- Group conversations and posts that work like Social Media that you can control.
- Access to all modules and features without additional costs or changes to your contact.*
*Excludes access to the Payments module. It can be purchased for an additional cost.
To learn more about the new version, try our demo:
We also have demos to help you learn more about what has changed with existing features, and new ones. To try the demos, go to New IRIS ParentMail Demos.
Why are we being upgraded
iWe are committed to providing you with the best customer experience we can. IRIS ParentMail is being upgraded to move to modern technology. This brings it in line with our newer products and allows us to develop and bring you new features and integrations.
The upgrade is free, and there are no changes to your contract. Everyone is being upgraded, starting from the end of 2025 and into 2026. When it is time for your organisation to upgrade, we will notify you and share the details on our new Upgrade page.
The upgrade does not require the system to be offline. It is being done automatically outside of normal working hours.
What to expect during the upgrade
If your organisation uses IRIS Reach: This section does not apply to you. There is no Upgrade page for IRIS Reach.
There is a dedicated Upgrade page in IRIS ParentMail available to all users. The page keeps you updated about everything relating to the upgrade for your organisation. When it is available for you, we notify you within IRIS ParentMail.
The page includes:
- The date your organisation is due to upgrade.
- Demos to learn more about the improvements and try the modules and features.
- Access to help and support with the upgrade.
The person listed as the main administrator on your organisation's record receives communications about the upgrade. If this needs to be changed, you can update it via the Upgrade page in IRIS ParentMail.
What you need to do
If your organisation uses IRIS Reach: You do not need to complete any tasks on this page. There are no actions required before your upgrade. Wait for your scheduled upgrade date, which we send by email. It is still worth verifying that everyone who needs access has the right permissions.
If you are an administrator, check the Upgrade tab in IRIS ParentMail to review and complete any tasks required before your upgrade. Completing these tasks before the upgrade date is important - if they are not completed, some areas of IRIS ParentMail may not be accessible afterwards.
To help you prepare for the upgrade, try the demos and explore the guides available on the Upgrade tab in IRIS ParentMail and in our Help Centre.
What happens after we are upgraded
You can sign in and continue as normal.
If your administrator did not complete the upgrade tasks, your access might be limited. To check your permissions and get access to areas of the system you need to use, contact them.
If your organisation uses IRIS Reach: You did not need to complete any tasks before your upgrade, so this does not apply to you. You still need to set up a link using IRIS Sync to keep your data from your Management Information System (MIS) up to date, as explained in this section.
All the data for your organisation is available as soon as you sign in.
Importing data is not available after your upgrade. To keep data up to date from your Management Information System (MIS), a link must be set up using IRIS Sync. After your organisation is migrated, administrators receive a notification with details on how to enable and begin the IRIS Sync set up. For guidance, go to How to set up IRIS Sync.
If your organisation was previously set up with the MIS Autolink, the link to your MIS must be set up again using IRIS Sync.
For guides and help with using the new system, go to our Help Centre.
For Administrators, if you need further help and guidance on the day your organisation is upgraded, use our Upgrade Day Checklist.
Help and support with the upgrade
We have a dedicated team to support you through the upgrade. Full details of training, and other support and help options available for your organisation are being shared in the communications about the upgrade.
For help before you upgrade, request help from the team using our form.
If you have questions about your upgrade, we also have demos and guidance on our new Help Centre.
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