UNIwise and Schoolyear partner to enable secure desktop applications in high stakes exams

At UNIwise, we’re guided by a clear ambition: combining standardised excellence with flexibility. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Schoolyear which bring even more adaptability to institutions that rely on authentic, application-based assessments. With WISEflow and Schoolyear working side by side, universities can now run desktop applications like Excel and SPSS in a secure, controlled exam environment without compromising academic integrity.

“This partnership is about giving institutions confidence to run authentic, application-based exams without compromising security or operational simplicity. WISEflow orchestrates the process; Schoolyear provides the safe workspace. Together, we make it seamless.”

- Rasmus Blok, Founder and Product Evangelist at UNIwise

Why UNIwise and Schoolyear are a great match

isciplines like business, statistics, psychology, and engineering require students to work in full desktop applications during exams. While the browser-based lockdown solution FLOWlock is ideal for many scenarios, it wasn’t designed for tasks that demand desktop tools like Excel or SPSS.

That’s where Schoolyear comes in. Their Safe Exam Workspace provides full desktop lockdown, via Azure Virtual Desktop. Combined with WISEflow, institutions get a secure, flexible exam environment that supports authentic, application-based assessment without compromising academic integrity.

“Our mission is to enable secure, authentic digital exams - allowing every discipline to assess real skills using real tools. Together with UNIwise, universities can combine powerful assessment workflows with a fully locked-down environment for real-world applications. ”

- Wim Graas, Founder & CEO at Schoolyear

This partnership addresses the following pain points:

• Authentic assessments: Let students solve tasks in the actual software (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS) to better mirror professional workflows and learning outcomes.

• Security by design: The exam device is locked down so candidates can only use the available desktop apps and resources you approve - no access to personal files, no internet, no distractions.

• Operational flexibility: Whether your exam is on campus in computer rooms or in lecture halls, the setup supports your context and scale.

• Clear roles and workflows: WISEflow continues to manage the end-to-end assessment lifecycle; scheduling, submissions, marking, moderation, while Schoolyear provides the secure application workspace during the exam session.

How WISEflow and Schoolyear work together

The solutions are designed to be used together without need for integration. WISEflow orchestrates the assessment process and timing; Schoolyear provides the secure environment during the exam so students can access only the desktop tools you’ve approved. No deep product integration is required to get started, though there is a manual setup step prior for Schoolyear. Institutions simply obtain a Schoolyear license, set it up instructed by Schoolyear and follow our joint guidance to configure the workflow.

From an invigilator and IT perspective:

1. Prepare the exam in WISEflow as usual (participants, timing, materials).

2. Configure the allowed desktop applications in Schoolyear for the specific cohort.

3. Run the exam: students enter a locked down desktop workspace where only the permitted apps (e.g., Excel, SPSS) are available.

4. Submit and assess in WISEflow, keeping all marking, moderation, and feedback in the same familiar workflow.

Benefits for institutions

• Better alignment with learning outcomes: Assess applied skills using the real tools students will encounter in professional settings.

• Reduced risk: A locked down, auditable environment protects exam integrity while giving staff operational control.

• Faster adoption: Start with the side-by-side setup. No complex integration project needed and scale your use as required.

• Consistent assessor experience: All submissions, marking, and moderation remain in WISEflow. No contexts witching for examiners.

How to get started

Reach out to UNIwise or Schoolyear to know more or to get started. If you’d like a walkthrough or to discuss your specific desktop application exam needs, book a conversation with UNIwise and we’ll help you evaluate the best configuration for your context. Once ready, our teams would gladly provide guidance on how to proceed and to set it up together with you.