Update on secure communication arrangements: Extension of HertsFX and SchoolsFX

Message from Tony Fitzpatrick, Director of Education Hertfordshire County Council

I am writing to provide an update on the council’s secure communication arrangements with schools, specifically in relation to HertsFX and SchoolsFX.

Three‑month extension agreed

Following extensive discussion with school-facing services, technology colleagues and senior leaders, we have taken the decision to extend the availability of HertsFX and SchoolsFX for a further three months beyond the previously communicated end date of 31st March 2026.

Why an extension is necessary

Over recent months, the Council has been developing Herts Secure as a replacement for HertsFX. While Herts Secure is now being used successfully for many types of secure communication, it has become clear through testing, live use and direct feedback that it does not yet meet all of the practical requirements for communication between schools and the Council.

In particular:

• Schools are currently unable to initiate secure messages or send documents to us independently using Herts Secure; instead, a request must first be generated by a Council Officer;
• This presents challenges for statutory and operational processes where schools need to submit information independently, such as SEND and attendance related activity;
• Feedback from both schools and Council teams has highlighted that removing HertsFX and SchoolsFX without a workable alternative will increase administrative burden, introduce delays and risk inconsistent or less secure workarounds.

The extension is therefore a pragmatic pause, enabling current arrangements to remain in effect while additional analysis and development is conducted.

How we will use the next three months

During this extension period:

• HertsFX will continue to be used for secure communication between schools and the council, as it is today.
• SchoolsFX will remain available for schools that currently use it to send information securely into the council and to other external parties
• Herts Secure will continue to be used for secure communications where it is already working well, while further development and review takes place.

Developing a long‑term solution

Although the County Council is not responsible for guaranteeing the safe and secure transfer of documents from external agencies, we acknowledge that having practical and consistent methods for sharing information required to fulfil our collective statutory duties to children and young people would benefit both schools and the Council.

Over the next three months we will be exploring long‑term options that include developing Herts Secure further, providing information and guidance on improved secure email arrangements, shared document portals, or expanded digital workflows for processes such as annual reviews and SEND activity.

We will look to ensure that any future approach is usable, secure, proportionate and sustainable and does not create unnecessary workload for schools or council staff.

Schools should recognise that any long-term solution will not reproduce the full functionality of SchoolsFX, which currently enables secure file transfers to individuals and organisations beyond HCC. Accordingly, schools are responsible for determining suitable alternative arrangements for such transfers, and it is outside the scope of the County Council’s responsibilities to advise or guide on possible solutions.

What you need to do now

There is no immediate action required from schools. Please continue to use HertsFX and SchoolsFX as you currently do during this extension period. We will keep you updated via the Schools Bulletin or direct emails over the coming months.

I would like to thank you for your patience and for the constructive feedback many of you have already provided. Your insight is essential in helping us arrive at a solution that genuinely works for schools and supports our shared statutory responsibilities.