Moodle 5.3 LTS
Compatible themes and support dates.
Version 5 is a completely new theme for the new Moodle core, so it needs to be configured from scratch.
Support dates
LTS means Long-Term Support. Moodle 5.3 receives general bug fixes for one year and security fixes for three years.
- Released
- Bug fixes until
- Security fixes until
Themes for Moodle 5.3
These themes list Moodle 5.3 support. Open a product page to check its preview and download the matching version.
SpaceA persistent left sidebar.
AlphaClassic navigation or a sidebar that collapses to icons.
UniverseSeparate colours for each course.
ScholasticaAn academic layout with dark mode.
MonocolorA minimal interface with dark mode.
XYSidebar navigation without a classic top bar.
BAZISA boxed layout with cards and sections.
What changes in 5.3
Course navigation
Previous and Next buttons let learners move between activities.
Assignment feedback
Teachers can keep feedback from multiple markers separate.
Learning outcomes
A course page shows outcomes and their linked activities.
AI tools
Claude joins the available providers, with new AI usage reports.
Check your theme before upgrading
Classic is removed from Moodle core. Boost adds experimental dark mode, and navigation components change. Check custom templates and styles.
Before you upgrade
Moodle 5.3 supports upgrades from 4.4 or later. It requires PHP 8.3 or 8.4 and a supported database. Check the full server requirements with your hosting provider.
- Check compatibility. Confirm that your theme and every plugin support 5.3.
- Back up the site. Save the database, moodledata and application files. Make sure you can restore them.
- Test a copy first. Check sign-in, course navigation, grading, assignments and quizzes, including keyboard use and mobile layouts.
- Schedule the upgrade. Follow the Moodle upgrade guide, then repeat the checks on the live site.
Common questions
Use a theme package that explicitly supports Moodle 5.3. Test your plugins and custom styles on a copy of the site before upgrading.
Moodle 4.5 receives security fixes until 4 October 2027. Plan your upgrade around plugin compatibility and time for testing.
All licenses include lifetime access to the purchased product. Updates are included for the Moodle 5.x major-version line. Moodle 6.x and later major Moodle versions are not included and may require a separate license or paid upgrade.