Arbor is our new school information system, designed to make it easier for parents to stay informed. Arbor can support everything SIMS Parent offered—and more.

Just some of the things you can view in Arbor include:

• Student reports
• Attendance information
• Timetables
• Achievement points (from September onwards)
• Data collection forms (to be implemented)

For more details on what Arbor offers and how to use it, see:
Log into the Parent Portal and the Parent App – Arbor Help Centre: click here to access the portal

How you receive access

All legal guardians with parental responsibility will automatically be given access to Arbor using the email address held on the school system.

Accounts are created automatically when parent/carer details are added to our system.

Please allow up to one week after your child starts at Cathays High School for your Arbor account to become available. After this time, you can sign in using your email address, even if you have not yet received an Arbor welcome email.

Once your account is available, you can set your password by following the steps below.

If you believe you should have access but are unable to log in, please contact us at schooladmin@cathays.cardiff.sch.uk so we can check your details are recorded correctly.

How to set up your account

1. Go to: https://login.arbor.sc
2. Click “Forgot your password?” just below the login button
3. Enter your email address and follow the instructions to set your password

Using the Arbor App

1. Download the Arbor App from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
2. Open the app and enter your email address
3. Select our school (if prompted) and enter your password
4. Accept the Terms & Conditions and confirm your child’s date of birth

Enable Notifications (Important)

We strongly recommend enabling push notifications to receive alerts for new messages.

• Android: Settings > Apps > Arbor > Notifications
• iPhone (iOS): You will be prompted when opening the app — select Allow

If notifications are not enabled, you may miss important updates. Key messages will still be sent by email.

Using a computer

You can also access the Parent Portal through any internet browser on a laptop or desktop computer using the same login page above.

If you have any issues accessing Arbor or have questions, please see the resources below:

• Parent App Overview: https://youtu.be/kFCuC1NyH5U
• Parent Portal and App Help: Arbor Help Centre

Or contact us:

• schooladmin@cathays.cardiff.sch.uk
• 02920 544400