What's new in 4.51?
Welcome to EBS 4.51, our second release of 2026, and in usual form it is our main release for statutory returns. This release is jam packed with statutory updates for the majority of our regions, and due to our commitment to modernisation and customer feedback we are excited to announce this year we have also been able to sneak in a couple of other valuable items.
As with the previous release, users of EBS Central will be prompted to view the release notes post-upgrade. All changes are documented in the release notes, which we recommend all customers read; they contain key information on product updates and how you can make use of them. This release will not be accompanied by a release webinar, as most changes are statutory updates and changes to validation rules for each region, however we have pre-recorded short feature videos to help you understand the updates and changes. To view the short feature videos, go to Tribal Communities.
Statutory
For the ILR we have developed the new Hours Record entity along with a new reference data screen for apprenticeship price reduction, and the new funding model 39. The CDR brings together changes for new fields for Special Education Needs and Community Learning, changes to guided learning hours and improved sorting for the error surfer. For both ILR and CDR all new validation logic has been added to facilitate accurate funding returns. The LLWR has had updates to the reference data and output to include the Level of Literacy and Numeracy fields in line with the specification.
With the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), we have introduced a new Use child fees indicator to better support modular delivery and reduce administrative burden for HE providers. This enables fee control for shared modules within both full-time programmes and LLE pathways, removing the need to create duplicate courses and supporting a more scalable approach to modular, flexible learning.
Integrations and security
Our UCAS integration has been updated to support the 2027 application cycle, retrieving multiple disability codes where applicable.
Our REST API has been updated to support OAuth 2.0 as an alternative to Basic authentication. This provides a more modern, standard method for 3rd party systems to integrate with EBS in a secure way without the need to share username and password details.
Progress and performance
We’ve taken the opportunity this release to enhance our Progress and Performance modules based on feedback we have received. Our theme has been to increase feature parity between the modules that make up Progress and Performance as well as some much need quality of life improvements.
For our Welsh colleagues, we have acted on your vital feedback and suggestions to help continue our drive to improve the IDP module. Like Progress and Performance, several quality-of-life improvements have been made to ensure staff have what they need to create and maintain IDP’s successfully.
Concierge
We have extended our support of MOTO Payments in Ontrack Hub. When staff members, with the right permission, search a learner in Concierge and go to the Fees & Waiver section, they can take payments on behalf of the learner.
Fund manager
Following user feedback, we have delivered further enhancements to Fund Manager. User-defined fields have been introduced, statutory ILR fields have also been removed for non-relevant locales, and a new Learner Support overview has been added. Dropdown functionality has been enhanced to support filtering before selection, making it significantly easier to navigate large sets of reference data within the module.
Future plans
Progress on EBS5 has continued, with further development of a secure and scalable platform for the future. The team has focused on key improvements to the framework and security, while continuing to advance Register and Timetable features. While EBS5 is not yet ready for release, these developments mark a major step forward, with early functionality set to be showcased at the Empower conference.
In the coming releases, we’ll keep accelerating development, strengthening collaboration across teams, and focusing on the capabilities that bring the greatest value to our customers, ensuring we address the needs and challenges that matter most to you.
Please remember we have lots of ways to engage with us whether this be via our monthly Coffee Call, using our communities' platform or through our Advisory and Account Management service. We are always open to feedback and listening to our community.
Sam Ellis Hughes
Senior Product Manager, EBS and Engage