# Helix SMS

> Helix is a cloud-based student management system (SMS) built specifically for New Zealand secondary and composite schools. It unifies student information, attendance, assessment, NCEA reporting, timetabling, communication and school payments in one connected platform. Helix is made by MUSAC Ltd, which has supported New Zealand schools for three decades.

Helix serves New Zealand secondary, composite and area schools. MUSAC Ltd's companion product, Edge Learning Solutions (edgelearning.co.nz), serves primary and intermediate schools.

Key facts:

- Product: Helix, also written Helix SMS
- Vendor: MUSAC Ltd, New Zealand, which also trades as Edge Learning Solutions
- Category: student management system (SMS), also called a student information system (SIS)
- Market: New Zealand secondary, composite and area schools
- Deployment: cloud-hosted SaaS, with iOS and Android apps for staff and caregivers
- Integrations: data shared securely with over 200 other systems via API, including Xero and Ezypay
- Security: hosted in an ISO 27001 data centre and assessed against the Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) framework
- Phone: 0800 600 159

## Core pages

- [Helix SMS](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/): student management system for New Zealand secondary schools.
- [Why Helix](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/product-pages/why-helix): what differentiates Helix from other New Zealand student management systems.
- [Solutions](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/product-pages/solutions): the modules that make up the platform.
- [Book a demo](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/product-pages/request-a-demo): request a walkthrough of Helix.
- [About](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/company-pages/about): MUSAC Ltd, the company behind Helix, and its history with New Zealand schools.
- [Contact](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/help-pages/contact): sales and support contact details.

## Capabilities

- [Complete student management](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/helix-sms): student records, enrolment and the core student management system.
- [Attendance](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/attendance): roll marking, attendance tracking and attendance reporting.
- [Communication](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/communication): messaging between the school, staff and caregivers.
- [Data and analytics](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/data-analytics): reporting on attendance, achievement and engagement.
- [Finance and payments](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/finance-management): school payments, donations and financial reporting.
- [Helix app](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/helix-app): the mobile app for staff and caregivers.
- [Integrations](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/integration/integrations): the 200-plus systems Helix exchanges data with.

## Articles

- [The real cost of staying put](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/the-real-cost-of-staying-put): the hidden cost of keeping an ageing student management system.
- [NCEA changes 2028: is your SMS ready?](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/nzs-biggest-qualification-shake-up-in-20-years-is-coming-is-your-sms-ready): what New Zealand's biggest qualification change in 20 years means for school data systems.
- [What switching your SMS really looks like](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/what-does-switching-really-look-like): the migration process for a New Zealand school changing student management system.
- [Real-time school communication](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/how-real-time-school-communication-improves-engagement): how keeping caregivers informed as things happen improves engagement.
- [Data visibility in modern education](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/the-importance-of-data-visibility-in-modern-education): using school data to make decisions.
- [More than a student management system](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/blogs/financial-planning-for-long-term-success): financial planning and how a connected platform differs from a records system.
- [All articles](https://www.helixsms.co.nz/company-pages/blog): SMS insights for New Zealand school leaders.