In this conversation, AMCIS podcast host Simon Jones interviews Katharina Roelofsz about the merger between Headington School and Rye St Anthony to form Headington Rye Oxford. Katharina was Director of Marketing & Admissions during the merger and is now joining Radley College for her next challenge. Simon also speaks with Head Nick Hewlett from the St. Dunstan's Education Group about their merger with prep schools Rosemead Prep and St Christopher's The Hall, and the complexities and strategies involved.

They discuss the structure of the new schools, the challenges faced during the mergers, particularly in the admissions departments, and the importance of communication throughout the process. Katharina shares insights on how to navigate such changes effectively and offers advice for other schools considering mergers. Whilst Nick shares insights on evaluating growth options and the significance of trust in merger partnerships, while also addressing the future of school consolidations in the independent education sector.

Links

www.amcis.co.uk

www.thebonjouragency.com

In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Amy Lindley and Helen Lewis-McPhee about their experiences in marketing and admissions within independent schools. They discuss the structure of their marketing departments, the challenges of working with limited budgets, and the importance of collaboration between teams. The conversation also touches on measuring ROI, the need for creativity and innovation, and strategies for marketing prep schools. They share insights on maintaining work-life balance and the current challenges faced in admissions and marketing, emphasising the importance of authenticity and understanding the target audience.

Takeaways

• Every day is a school day in marketing.
• Collaboration with admissions is crucial for success.
• Understanding your audience is key to effective marketing.
• Creativity can thrive within budget constraints.
• Authentic content resonates more with prospective families.
• Measuring ROI is important but not always straightforward.
• Maintaining work-life balance is essential for marketers.
• Prep school marketing requires a different approach than senior school marketing.
• Don't panic; confidence is key in challenging times.
• Building a supportive network is vital for marketing professionals.

Links

Amy Lindley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylindley/

Helen Lewis-McPhee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-lewis-mcphee/

Pretty Little Stamford: https://www.instagram.com/prettylittlestamford?igsh=MWJ5YmFpcjJuZjV3bA==

www.amcis.co.uk

www.thebonjouragency.com

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Scott Delleville, Gwen Byrom, and Emma Hart about the evolving landscape of education, particularly in admissions and marketing for international schools. They discuss innovative approaches to recruitment, the importance of family engagement, and the role of technology in enhancing the educational experience. The guests share personal reflections on their careers and offer advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the need for memorable experiences and the challenges of international recruitment.

Takeaways

• The experience families have with schools is crucial.
• Combining admissions and marketing can enhance family engagement.
• Innovative approaches in education are essential for attracting students.
• Technology plays a significant role in modern education.
• Families are increasingly involved in the school selection process.
• Open days should create memorable experiences for prospective families.
• Communication is key in addressing parents' concerns about different educational systems.
• Career paths in education can be unpredictable but rewarding.
• International recruitment presents both challenges and opportunities.
• Schools must balance cultural integrity with the need for international students.

Contacts

Emma Hart, Director of Admissions at Halcyon London International School

ehart@halcyonschool.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamhart

Gwen Byrom, Director of Education Strategy, NLCS International Ltd

gbyrom@nlcs.org.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwenbyromdirectoredstrategy/

Scott Delleville, Director of Finalsite Enrollment, Finalsite (collaborates with schools worldwide, specialising in optimising admissions processes)

scott.delleville@finalsite.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-delleville-1257584/

Links

www.amcis.co.uk

www.thebonjouragency.com