Under Pressure - Marketing & Admissions in prep schools

The Future of School Marketing with Melanie Burke and Mike Longfellow

In this episode we explore the evolving landscape of school marketing in 2026, highlighting how authenticity, digital innovation, and community are reshaping how schools attract and engage families. Our guests, Mike Longfellow from Iff Digital and Melanie Burke from Ryde School, share insights, practical tips, and future trends. Key topics: * The shift towards authentic and "back to basics" marketing strategies * The growing impact of AI and digital tools in school discovery and reputation management * Practical advice on budgeting, measurement, and continuous campaign strategies * The importance of community and connectivity in small schools' marketing efforts * Tips for small teams to prioritise and measure marketing efforts effectively Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-longfellow-56078817/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-burke-29a0bb60/

The AMCIS Annual Conference 2026

Recorded live at the AMCIS Annual Conference on Monday, 11th May 2026, host Simon caught up with delegates, speakers, and exhibitors throughout the day. AMCIS is the Association for Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools.

Attracting and building relationships with tomorrow's parents

In this episode, we dive into the world of independent education with insights from Victoria Deadman Gatt (Royal Russell School) and Dominic Kalantary (OpenApply by Faria). We explore the tools and strategies that schools can use to enhance their admissions processes and build stronger relationships with prospective families. Victoria's LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/victoriagatt] Dominic's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominickalantary/]

Digital advertising strategies in schools

In this episode, James and Taz share insights on digital and organic marketing strategies in schools, including how to measure ROI, create viral content, and foster authentic community engagement. Contact details james.busson@ackworthschool.com

Under Pressure - Marketing & Admissions in prep schools

Simon engages in discussion with Katherine Bluck, Katie Henderson, and Sophie Lodge about the current state of independent prep schools in the UK. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, particularly in light of recent changes in parental expectations and market dynamics. Katherine emphasises the need for schools to differentiate themselves and invest in marketing, while Katie and Sophie share insights on the pressures of competition and the importance of authenticity in communication with prospective families. Takeaways 1. It's an exciting time for independent schools despite challenges. 2. Schools need to invest more in marketing to stand out. 3. Parental expectations have changed significantly post-COVID. 4. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool in school reputation. 5. Authenticity in school marketing is crucial for building trust. Links https://amcis.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-b-543796139/ kjb@iaps.uk [kjb@iaps.uk] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-lodge-27831179/ s.lodge@bps.school [s.lodge@bps.school] https://www.linkedin.com/in/katielhenderson/ katie.henderson@bansteadprep.com [katie.henderson@bansteadprep.com]