Build trust, open markets: Why ST4S is a smart move for EdTech businesses

The Ministry of Education recently partnered with EdTechNZ to host a lively and insightful panel discussion on the Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) assessment framework. 

Facilitated by Danielle Vandendungen, Strategic Advisor for Digital Security at the Ministry, the session brought together Stuart Dillon-Roberts (Hail), Andrew Lugg (StepsWeb), Natalie Screen (Accessit), and Doug Hetherington (Hero) — all of whom have taken their products through the ST4S assessment.

From the outset, the panel’s shared commitment to student privacy and digital safety was unmistakable. As Natalie from Accessit put it, “We really care about kids — their future, their success, their privacy.” Doug from Hero echoed this, noting that “going through the ST4S assessment helps organisations improve their practices, making them better overall, and ensuring they do the right thing for their customers — and for kids.”

Trust emerged as a central theme throughout the conversation. Panellists spoke about the value of having an independent way to communicate their security credentials to schools. Andrew from StepsWeb described the assessment as “a nice, easy way” for educators to confidently evaluate EdTech solutions — even without deep technical expertise.

Beyond supporting school decision-making, panellists also emphasised how the ST4S process has driven internal business improvements. Stuart from Hail shared that each round of assessment prompted valuable reflection, leading to strengthened security practices and overall organisational resilience. Natalie noted that achieving the ST4S Badge also enhanced Accessit’s international credibility, supporting its expansion into markets like Australia, where ST4S is increasingly expected in procurement processes.

Another theme that resonated strongly was the importance of continuous improvement. With technology evolving rapidly — particularly around AI — regular reassessment under ST4S was seen as a helpful way to stay current and responsive. Stuart found the recent AI-focused evaluation especially valuable, prompting new thinking about how to securely integrate emerging technologies into their platform.

While all panellists acknowledged that preparing for ST4S requires time and effort, there was strong agreement that the process is worthwhile. Andrew noted that the rigour and external validation reassured their team and stakeholders that their practices aligned with international best standards. Many also pointed to the ST4S readiness checklist as an excellent first step — a practical tool that helps organisations understand where they stand and what improvements might be needed before submitting for assessment.

Throughout the conversation, a strong sense of collaboration and shared responsibility emerged. While ST4S is clearly a competitive advantage — providing a trusted way to stand out in an increasingly crowded market — panellists also saw it as a benchmark that can raise the standard across the sector. As Natalie put it, “The more of us that do it together, the more people are likely to say… New Zealand takes this seriously.”

As the ST4S footprint continues to grow across New Zealand’s EdTech sector, now is a great time for other organisations to consider getting involved. The readiness checklist is freely available at st4s.edu.au, and the Ministry of Education welcomes enquiries and support requests at digital.services@education.govt.nz.

The panel discussion highlighted three clear benefits of ST4S for New Zealand suppliers: enhanced trust and credibility through independent verification; smoother entry into international markets, especially Australia; and a valuable structure for ongoing improvement and innovation — including safer integration of emerging technologies like AI.

For New Zealand’s EdTech sector, ST4S represents more than an assessment — it’s a shared commitment to safer, smarter, and more trusted technology for schools.