SMS vendors Data Services

This is the main page for vendors of student management systems (SMS) with regard to school roll returns, that is, the collection of student data from schools.

Last updated: November 2025

Description

This page is specifically developed for the vendors of student management systems and focuses on school roll returns. Information on this page is often technical in nature. Code sets made available here are specifically for vendors. These code sets may be pre-release versions and should not be used by schools until they are formally released as they will provide invalid results. Schools looking for current information on roll returns should use the following link: Collection forms

Page contents:

Roll return and e-returns
specification manual (version 32.0) Updated: November 2025

The manual provides the roll return specifications for Student Management Systems (SMS) in schools. Please see the section on key changes (page 5) which outlines the changes to the most recent roll return specifications.

Historical specification manuals

e-Return SMS design specificationUpdated: September 2012

Business requirements for
electronic sign-off for roll returns Updated: October 2018

This document has been included in the 2019 Roll returns and e-returns specifications manual.

Test scripts and test plan Updated: November 2025

If you would like to request the roll return test scripts, please contact the Schooling Data team at school.returns@education.govt.nz

Data sharing approval student management systems Updated: November 2025

Country or jurisdiction of citizenship codesUpdated: October 2023

Iwi classification codesUpdated: November 2025

Language codes

Schooling subject codes

Secondary-tertiary programme codesUpdated: November 2025

Current directory of educational institutions

You can find current addresses and other descriptive details of all New Zealand educational institutions from schools through to tertiary education providers.

School name and number codes

A list of school names and school number codes are provided for those schools completing the "Previous school" question in roll returns.

ART (Achievement Reporting specifications)Updated: October 2016