Ofsted reports, academic achievement, reputation, a school’s ethos. Just a few things parents will look at when deciding on what school is best for their children. It’s one of the most important decisions a parent can make and can be an absolute mind field.
So what can you do to raise the profile of your school? How can you make sure parents are putting you down as first choice? Communicate!
Not all parents are able to attend Open Evenings, make it easy for parents to find the information they need. The number of people looking for information online is growing all the time, is your website easy to navigate, does is contain all the key information and show a vibrant, nurturing environment for children to thrive and grow?
A strong content-based strategy will ensure your website is constantly updated and relevant along with printed materials as a constant reminder of what your school has to offer.
Social media provides a platform for you and your colleagues to shout about all the good things that happen at your school, dispel myths and show why your school should be parents’ first choice. It allows your school to be in the limelight, whilst at the same time gaining the benefits of a positive online image.
If your school is not already on social media, or not actively using the accounts you probably set up a long time ago…. what are you waiting for? Get sharing, interacting and exploring platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
There is a common misconception that speaking to the local press is only needed when a crisis is at hand, however this just isn’t the case. Build trust and respect with your audiences when times are good. Create and nurture existing and new relationships with consistent, strategic messaging by sharing good news; whole school successes, the success stories of employees and your student’s achievements.
Communicate with existing parents on a regular basis, they can be your biggest advocates, in the playground and beyond! Recent news has discovered how important this is, to consistently and successfully engage parents in their children’s education and how working with them helps pupils to reach their full potential. It also helps to build a strong sense of community within the school, and having a two-way communication process helps build those much needed positive relationship
I know that it can all seem a bit overwhelming and daunting.
But don’t worry, everyone feels those pre-nerves at the thought of creating attention to yourself online and worrying about the smallest little things. Your school does amazing things and impacts children and young people’s lives for the better. It deserves to be acknowledged and staff deserve to be praised and recognised for their hard work and dedication to the education of their pupils.
If your school or academy requires marketing support or just a little help in the right direction, One Education can provide you with a range of services that include marketing strategy, branding, communications, website service, social media and photography & video production. These can be tailored to provide a bespoke package incorporating one or more services.
Find out more via our website or contact us for more information
