What's new in 4.52?
Welcome to EBS 4.52, our final release of 2026. This release brings a strong focus on security alongside new functionality, further statutory updates and continued progress towards EBS5. It includes the largest number of security-related changes we have ever delivered in a single EBS release, which we hope offers real reassurance to you and your organisation.
As with previous releases, users of EBS Central will be prompted to view the release notes post-upgrade. All changes are documented there, and we recommend all customers read them as they contain key information on product updates and how you can make use of them. We also hosted a release webinar on 4th November, and the recording is available on Tribal Communities alongside the slides.
User processes
This release brings valuable improvements based on your feedback. Interview Management now supports custom fields, which can be defined, displayed and edited in both the grid and side panel. Markbook Verification has a richer audit history with learner and unit now shown as well as recording an entry whenever grades are synced to exams. Safeguarding offers greater flexibility, including more control over who receives records and the option to remove learners’ ability to raise records or notes on behalf of others.
Security and technical
As mentioned above, security has been a major theme. 4.52 includes third-party library upgrades, Angular upgrades, and fixes for findings from both static application security testing and penetration testing. We have also introduced output sanitisation across the full API layer and input sanitisation on the Register Learner service, protecting against injection attacks and malicious payloads.
Statutory
We have continued maintenance and fixes across all regions. We are also excited to introduce the first phase of our integration with the DfE Education Record App. This allows learners to confirm they have the app, check for an education record and grant permission to share it with the provider using a share code, from anywhere they access Learner Hub. Providers can then retrieve the learner’s validated ULN from the shared record.
Future plans
EBS5 continues to progress well. Our modern register experience continues to develop, a new timetable viewer is in its final stages, and we are laying the foundations for our Beta programme, which will invite customers to take a first look at the new platform and help shape its direction.
Looking ahead, our roadmap includes continued DfE app integration, SDR API submission, HESA GO and 26056 changes, the Worldpay integration replacement, and further resource and learner management tooling.
Please remember we have lots of ways to engage with us, whether that is via our monthly Coffee Call, 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