As UK independent schools continue to gain popularity and with more students applying, it is important to ensure that your school stands out amongst the competition. With the right strategy, any independent school can increase their admissions and make sure they are attracting the right kind of student. This article will provide guidance on how to increase admissions at an independent school and maximise visibility in the education market.
Utilising targeted marketing campaigns
By understanding your target audience, your school is better equipped to create effective messages to reach potential students and their families.
For any successful campaign, it is important to understand your ‘brand’ and articulate its distinct value proposition. This includes defining the unique aspects of your school such as its mission, pedagogy and curriculum offerings that set you apart from other schools in the area. Once this has been established, you should then identify your target demographic which will vary depending on factors such as location or specialisations offered by your school. With this information in place, you can begin crafting customised messaging strategies that will be tailored towards chosen audiences.
Optimising visibility through digital tools
Independent schools have long relied upon traditional marketing strategies to increase admissions. However, with the advent of digital tools, there are now more effective ways to reach prospective families and optimise visibility. Digital tools such as SEO optimisation, website design and remarketing campaigns can be used to create a comprehensive strategy for school admissions. For example, SEO optimisation involves using keywords and phrases that people search for when looking for independent schools in their area. You school website should also include clear calls-to-action that encourage prospective families to contact the you or schedule a tour. Additionally, remarketing campaigns allow schools to target online users who have already interacted with their website or social media accounts.
Leveraging school networks for referrals.
Schools that are looking to increase their admissions should consider leveraging their current networks for referrals. Networking with other schools is a reliable way to not only increase your student population, but also to improve the quality of each new student. Through active networking, schools can build positive relationships and develop a referral system that will aid in gaining more admissions. By building relationships within their own network, schools can create an environment where they are the primary referrer of students. This not only keeps the power in the school’s hands, but it also helps ensure that incoming students meet the criteria set by each school. Reach out beyond your immediate network and connect with potential referrers such as private tutors or education consultants who can provide referrals based on their knowledge of prospective students’ abilities and goals.
