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Continuously coming up with new content for your school’s social media channels can often feel like an arduous task. But there are a wealth of ways that you can engage on your channels with video content. From a glimpse inside each of your departments through to capturing the Head Teacher’s future vision on film, video is a fantastic way of giving a more in depth insight into your school. If you’d like to chat with one of the Small Films team about social media for schools, then do get in touch. 

1. Meet the Department Heads:

   Introduce each of your school department heads to help give prospective students a glimpse into what their favourite subjects might have in store for them.

2. School History:

   Share the story of the origins of your school, from the year it began through to how it has evolved over time.

3. Student Testimonials:

   Feature happy students (both past and present) sharing their favourite things about your school.

   

4. Department Tours:

   Take viewers on a guided tour of your art, sports, drama or science department. Tell the story of how your departments have changed over the years to help your students develop.

5. Milestones and Anniversaries:
   

   Celebrate your school’s achievements and history. Mark key milestones with celebratory video content highlighting the key successes over the years.

6. Future Visions

   : Share your school’s vision for the future, including upcoming celebrations, department growth, investment areas and CSR activities.

7. Partnerships:
   

   Showcase partnerships the school might have with environmental organisations, charities or local communities that demonstrate your school’s commitment outside of academia.

8. Welcome Message:
   

   Create a warm welcome video for students who are starting with your school at the beginning of the year.

9. Virtual School Tour:

   Showcase different areas of the school through a virtual tour to help new students or parents familiarise themselves. This is an excellent way to help drive Open Day attendance.

10. Teacher Spotlight:
    

    Highlight a teacher each week, showcasing their achievements, teaching style, and a fun fact.

11. Student Achievements:
    

    Share videos celebrating student accomplishments, such as academic achievements, sports victories, or drama performances.

12. Behind the Scenes:
    

    Give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a school event or a day in the life of staff members.

13. Interview with the Head Teacher:

    Conduct an interview with the Head Teacher to discuss upcoming events, goals, and important updates.

14. Study Tips:

    Create short videos with study tips and tricks to help students improve their study habits.

    Eton College Promotional School Film – Small Films

15. Virtual Workshops:
    

    Stream live or pre-recorded workshops on various subjects or skills to enhance student learning.

16. Sports Highlights:

    Capture exciting moments from school sports events and share highlights on social media or YouTube.

17. Alumni Success Stories:

    Feature successful alumni who have achieved notable accomplishments since graduating from the school.

18. Community Outreach:
    

    Showcase the school’s involvement in community service projects and initiatives.
    

    >> Read Blog: Everything to include in your school YouTube channel. 

19. Career Day Highlights:
    

    Share snippets from a virtual or in-person career day, featuring professionals from various fields.

20. Student Art Exhibition:

    Display the creativity of students through a virtual art exhibition, explaining the inspiration behind their pieces.

    Croydon High School Promotional Film – Small Films

21. Technology Tips for Parents:
    

    Share videos guiding parents on how to navigate online platforms, access grades, and stay informed about school activities.

22. Cultural Awareness:
    

    Highlight diverse cultural events, celebrations, and activities happening within the school community.

23.  Historical Highlights:
    

    Share interesting facts or historical events related to the school’s founding and development.

24.  Choir Performance:
    

    Showcase the musical talents of students through virtual choir or band performances.
    

    >> Read Blog: Everything to consider when marketing your Open Day

25. Parent Testimonials:
    

    Record short video testimonials from parents expressing their thoughts on the school, teachers, and the impact on their children.

This is just a small snapshot of all the types of video content you can create for your school’s social media. At Small Films, we’ve shot promotional films, virtual tours, Head Teacher welcomes and more for many of the leading private schools, including Eton College, Marlborough College and Croydon High School. If you’d like to chat with one of the team about how we can help you, then do get in touch. 

Whilst we might be slightly biased here at Small Films, we really do believe that hands-down promotional videos are the top way to market your school. Able to give a visual view of behind-the-scenes and showcase your ethos, video content is a top way to drive school admissions.

At Small Films, we’ve proudly worked with the likes of Eton College, Blundell’s, Gayhurst and Marlborough College, so we’re well-versed in what makes a great school promotional video.  If you’d like to have a chat about a video for your school, do get in touch with the team. 

Eton College

This video about Eton College’s Orwell Award (a fully paid bursary scheme for bright boys from underprivileged backgrounds) highlights the benefits of receiving this amazing accolade. The video strikes the perfect balance of showcasing the opportunities available to the boys, the school facilities, and Eton’s exceptional heritage. A mixture of drone footage, classroom scenes and interviews with Orwell Award winners, the film is an impactful piece of content to help drive applications. 

Watch our Eton College video, and other school promotional videos on our YouTube channel here

Moulsford School

A heart-warming piece of content, the Moulsford video takes us through all the amazing activities their students have access to. From rock climbing to outdoor adventures to scientific experiments, the video highlights that there really is something for every child. There’s drone footage, underwater shots and high-action content – making this a great watch right through to the end. 

Watch our Moulsford School video, and other school promotional videos on our YouTube channel here

St Margaret’s Preparatory School

This video really highlights what a great time pupils have at this Wiltshire prep school. Shots of students enjoying their outdoor classroom, taking part in science experiments or out on the rugby pitch give a great look at behind the scenes of St Margaret’s. 

Watch our St Margaret’s Prep School video, and other school promotional videos on our YouTube channel here

Harvard University

By focusing on the idea that Harvard is home, they’ve successfully made a really welcoming video. Future students concerned about whether they’ll fit in have all their worries answered in a short space of time, as a variety of current students describe how much they enjoy the university. Footage of some of the 420 different extracurricular activities (yes, you read that right, 420!) helps prospective students feel like they have a host of pursuits to get involved in.     

Croydon High School

The Small Films team received a briefing from Croydon High, outlining objectives for their promotional film. Goals included boosting local awareness, establishing themselves as the preferred choice for girls aged 3 to 19, and increasing attendance at Open Days. The message aimed to highlight Croydon High girls as confident, creative, stereotype-defying change makers, emphasizing their ability to aspire to any future role.

>> Looking to create a video for your private school? Read our blog, How to Create a Promotional Video for your School. 

Blundell’s

This two-minute video is a great introduction to this independent school in Devon. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside, near the cosy town of market Tiverton, the footage really showcases what a beautiful setting the school has.  The promotional school video delves into Blundell’s ethos whilst incorporating footage of students learning and having fun. 

Watch our Blundell’s School video and other school promotional videos on our YouTube channel here.

John XIII College

A different take on a school promotional video, this footage instead shows only the school campus. There are no Heads of Department interviews, footage of classes in action or even a single shot of a pupil – Instead, this video is a cinematic piece showcasing the campus in an artistic manner.  

Marlborough Difference

The Marlborough College bursary team enlisted us to produce a signature film for their campaign, “The Marlborough Difference,” focusing on the impact a bursary has on pupils at the college. The campaign aimed to raise funds for bursary places, making Marlborough College accessible to those unable to afford the fees. Through a series of films leading up to Giving Day, culminating in the main film on the designated day, the campaign achieved remarkable success. Over 1,000 donors contributed an impressive £1.3 million, establishing Giving Day as the most successful school fundraising event in the UK.

 

University of Sydney

We love this film as it’s a captivating campus tour that’s bound to be a big driver for university applications. The 250,000 YouTube views alone show what an effective video this is. Instead of a voiceover, the University of Sydney has opted for a student to perform the campus tour – a much more engaging way to handle this type of video. Emelie (our tour guide) talks us through every area of the campus, from gym facilities to accommodation. She even gives us a brief overview of what Sydney offers and the university’s proximity to the centre.    

Stanford University Campus Tour

The Stanford University tour is a whistlestop view of this Californian campus. This time we have two guides to show us around the university, stopping off at different areas of the campus. In this video, they touch on the university’s history whilst also showcasing some of the top architecture the college has on offer.    

 

Marlborough College

This admissions video is a fantastic all-round view of what Marlborough College offers. With an abundance of footage of the different departments, extra-curricular activities and interviews with Heads of departments, the video hits all the right notes for driving admissions to the school. Whilst the school is steeped in history, it also has highly innovative practices – this is perfectly represented in this video.     

Would you like to create a video for your school or university? The Small Films team has delivered videos for some of the top schools in the country, including Eton College, Blundell’s, St Margaret’s and Marlborough College. Do drop us a line at george@smallfilms.com if you’d like to chat about an upcoming video project.  

Blogging is a powerful tool for private schools to connect with current and prospective students, parents, and the broader community. It’s a platform that allows you to showcase your school’s unique personality, share important information, and engage with your audience. However, coming up with fresh and engaging content can be a challenge. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 14 content ideas for your private school blog.

 

1. Student Spotlights

Highlight the achievements, talents, and experiences of your students. Share their success stories, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. This not only showcases the excellence of your school but also provides inspiration for current and prospective students.

Video tip: Consider capturing your students on film talking about their experience at your school. 

 

2. Faculty Features

Introduce your teaching staff. Share their qualifications, teaching philosophies, and personal anecdotes. This humanises your school and helps parents and students connect with the educators who play a significant role in their lives.

 

3. Parent Perspectives

Invite parents to contribute guest posts sharing their experiences with your school. These firsthand accounts can be valuable for prospective parents who are looking for insights into the private school experience.

Video tip: Build authenticity by filming the parents giving their accounts

 

4. Educational Trends and Insights

Write about the latest trends in education, curriculum development, and teaching methods. Offering insights into how your school stays current and adapts to these trends can demonstrate your commitment to providing a top-notch education.

 

5. Admissions Advice

Create content that guides prospective parents through the admissions process. Explain application deadlines, admission requirements, and tips for preparing for interviews or entrance exams.

 

6. Campus Tours

Offer virtual or photo-rich tours of your campus. Highlight key facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, and extracurricular spaces. This helps prospective students and parents get a feel for your school even if they can’t visit in person.

Video tip: From drone footage to highlights of departments, video is an excellent tool to highlight your campus.

 

7. Alumni Success Stories

Showcase the achievements of your alumni. Share stories of former students who have gone on to excel in various fields. This can be a powerful testament to the quality of education your school provides.

 

8. Parent-Teacher Collaboration

Discuss the importance of parent-teacher partnerships in a child’s education. Share strategies for effective communication and collaboration between parents and educators.

 

9. Educational Resources

Recommend books, websites, apps, and other educational resources that can benefit students and parents. This positions your school as a valuable source of guidance and support.

 

10. Community Involvement

Highlight your school’s involvement in the local community. Share stories about charity events, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships with local organisations. This demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact beyond your campus.

 

11. School Traditions and Events

Write about special traditions, celebrations, and annual events at your school. These posts can generate excitement among current students and create a sense of community.

Video tip: Capture your celebrations on film and create shorter edits for use in blog content.

 

12. Educational Challenges

Address common challenges students and parents face in the education journey. Offer solutions, tips, and advice on topics such as time management, study skills, and stress management.

 

13. Diversity and Inclusion

Discuss your school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Share stories and initiatives that promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

 

14. Parenting Tips

Provide parenting advice and tips related to education. Topics could include homework help, fostering a love for learning, and supporting children through transitions.

 

Bonus Idea: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Consider creating a dedicated FAQ section on your blog. Address common questions and concerns that prospective parents and students might have about your school. This can be a valuable resource for streamlining the admissions process and providing transparency.

 

Remember, the key to a successful private school blog is consistency and relevance. Regularly update your blog with fresh content, engage with your audience through comments and social media, and always keep the needs and interests of your readers in mind. By implementing these content ideas, you can create a blog that not only informs but also strengthens your school’s online presence and community engagement. Happy blogging!

If you’d like to chat with one of the team about videos for your school, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re experts in promotional films, Head Welcomes, and department highlights and have shot films for the likes of Eton and Marlborough Colleges. 

In today’s digital age, private schools continually face increasing competition from other schools for student enrollment. With most prospective parents and students likely turning to search engines for information, it’s crucial to ensure that your SEO game is strong. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) plays a vital role in improving a school’s visibility on search engine result pages (SERPs) and driving organic traffic to their website. In this blog, we will explore 12 effective SEO tips for private schools to enhance their online visibility and attract prospective students and parents.

Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research:

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. Identify the keywords and phrases that prospective parents and students are likely to search for when looking for schools in your area, such as ‘private school Scotland’ or ‘best schools in Kent’. Tools such as Moz or SEMrush are excellent in finding relevant keywords with high search volume and low competition.

What to consider when conducting keyword research
– Start typing your search into the Google search bar and take note of recommended searches

• Don’t target keywords which have too low a volume, or you’ll be working hard without seeing much of a return
• Analyse what keywords your competitor private schools are targeting
• Ensure keywords are being used in titles, meta descriptions, Headings and throughout the body copy on the page that you’re targeting that term. 

Optimise Website Structure and Navigation:

Ensuring your website has a well-organised structure and intuitive navigation is key for a successfully optimised site.  A user-friendly website structure helps search engines crawl and index your content effectively. Use clear and descriptive URLs, and create a logical hierarchy of pages. Implement internal linking to establish connections between relevant pages and make it easy for users and search engines to find and navigate your website.

 

Create Engaging and Relevant Content:

Develop high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Create pages that highlight your school’s unique selling points, academic programmes, extracurricular activities, and faculty expertise. Write informative blog posts addressing common questions and concerns of parents and students. Ensure your content is well-written, error-free, and optimised with relevant keywords.

Optimise On-Page Elements:

Optimise your website’s on-page elements to improve its search engine visibility. Each page should have a unique title tag and meta description that accurately describes its content while incorporating relevant keywords. Use header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content and make it more scannable for both users and search engines. Include alt tags for images to improve accessibility and provide search engines with context.

Include a video on your website:

Video is a brilliant way to improve your SEO. Not only does it help users engage better with your website, and therefore staying longer on a page, but it also for some searches appears in the search results. Therefore perform keyword research to understand for what topics video is shown, and create video content around these searches. 

Implement Local SEO Strategies:

As a private school, targeting local search is crucial. Optimise your website for local SEO by including your school’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on every page, preferably in the footer or header. Create a Google My Business profile for your school and ensure it is complete and regularly updated. Encourage satisfied parents and students to leave positive reviews, as they can significantly impact your online reputation and search rankings.

Leverage Social Media Channels:

Social media platforms provide excellent opportunities to engage with your target audience and drive traffic to your website. Create profiles on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Regularly share engaging content, school news, and updates. Encourage social sharing and interaction with your posts. Social signals, such as likes, shares, and comments, can indirectly impact your search engine rankings.

Build Quality Backlinks:

Backlinks, or incoming links from other websites, are a crucial factor in SEO. Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant sources. Seek opportunities for guest blogging on educational websites or partner with local businesses, community organisations, or alumni associations for collaborations. Building relationships and providing valuable content can lead to natural backlinks, improving your website’s authority and visibility.

Optimise for Mobile Devices:

With the increasing use of mobile devices, optimising your website for mobile responsiveness is imperative. Ensure your website’s design is responsive and adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes. Test your website on various mobile devices

These are just a few of the many ways that you can set your school website up for success when implementing SEO. Being able to get in front of your target audience, when they’re actively searching for you is hugely effective. 

The power of social media grows stronger each year, and it has come a long way from being a place to share memes and hear what celebrities have to say. Today, it’s an important marketing tool for some of the biggest companies on the planet, who use it to build their profile and connect with audiences. But social media isn’t solely limited to our favourite brands – private schools can also tap into it to promote their institution. If you’re a private school looking to expand your reach, you’ve come to the right place. We’re looking at how to make the most of social media to promote your school. 

Have a solid school social media strategy

Nothing is accomplished without planning, and you should have a strategy with clear goals. Social media can be complicated, especially as so many platforms use it. Do you promote on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or all of them? 

Decide what you want to accomplish by having a presence on social media. Is it to build the brand at your private school, or is your aim to increase admissions? How will you measure success? Will it be through impressions, clicks, click-through rate (CTR), new followers or engagement?  

If you want to expand the brand, then follower count will be a key indicator of success. Likewise, if leads are the name of the game, you’ll look at conversions directly from your social media marketing. 

There are plenty of questions to answer before you start. You’ll only have a clear idea of your goals once you’ve defined what it is you want to achieve from your social media marketing. 

Be creative with your social media content

If the content you post to social media isn’t interesting or doesn’t strike a chord, then you’ll ultimately fail – no matter the amount of planning. It’s all about creative and engaging content, whether you’re Nike or a private school. 

Look at the different methods you can use to engage, such as promoting blog posts, sharing relevant news, engaging with audiences through polls and using video to capture people’s attention. 

Video is particularly important, as it has become an increasingly influential component on social media. Indeed, 87% of marketers are satisfied with the return of investment they see from video marketing on social media platforms. 

The heart of every successful social media tactic involves high-quality content. And video can help drive the charge, whether it’s promotional, explainers or something designed primarily for social media.

Be consistent with your brand

Brand consistency is essential as it’s a reflection of your principles, culture and everything your school represents. Your visuals and spoken material need to communicate in the same way, and your overall messaging architecture needs to be reflective across every marketing channel. 

Ask yourself what kind of school you are you? What classes do you offer? What are your teacher profiles? What makes you different from other schools? Why should parents and their children select you over another school?

Then feed these answers into your website, blog posts, videos and social media channels. Create synergy and ensure that the primary person who manages the social media accounts knows the importance of keeping your core messaging on point, regardless of the social media network you’re on. 

Engage with your social media audience

Social media and schools both have the community aspect in common. They’re both places where the community is invested, be it digitally or in real life. You can tap into this mindset to create a successful social media profile. 

One of the best ways to do this is through engagement. Ask questions to your audience and make them fun and easy to answer. It can be as simple as “what are your plans during the school holidays?” or “what would you like to see from the after-school club?” The goal is to start conversations. 

You can also link to online events, share group pictures of the school rugby team’s success or do a teacher profile. By sharing this type of organic content, you’ll make it easier for people to interact with you and start spreading the word about your school.

Don’t be afraid to try new things

Trying, failing, and learning is all part of success, regardless of the goal. Don’t be afraid to try new things even if they don’t get the response you were hoping for. There’s an element of trial and error on social media, especially if you’re new to building an audience. 

Fortunately, social media platforms tend to provide analytics so you can study the results of your posts. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns emerge and find what’s generating the most engagement and what isn’t quite resonating. 

Focus on the popular posts and double down, creating more of that type of content. Soon, you’ll find your rhythm and see tangible results that lead to more impressions, interactions and, hopefully, more direct enquiries.

How to win at school social media marketing

Private schools have a great opportunity in front of them with social media. With an excellent strategy, creative content, readiness to engage and an analytical mind, you can use it to highlight your school and get people excited about becoming students. 

Small Films is an educational video production company. We’ve created films for the likes of Eton College, Blundell’s, St Margaret’s Preparatory and Marlborough College, so we know exactly what makes a great school promotional video. If you’d like to chat with one of the team about your school video project, then do get in touch. 

There is competitiveness everywhere you look, including in the school world. Institutions vie to get new students, and one of the best ways to impress parents and children alike is with sleek promotional videos showing off the best of your school. But what should be included in school promotional videos? As an educational video production company, Small Films has got the answers to make your school stand out from the crowd. 

Should you outsource your school promotional video?

Before you even brainstorm concepts, you’ll need to decide whether it’s worth outsourcing your school promotional videos to a video production company or doing it in-house. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to making a school promotional video. However, you want to land on what sets you up for success. A well-executed video can elevate your school in the mind of parents and students, with the final video added to your website, social media channels and other platforms. 

Think about the budget in place, as well as team capabilities. It’s one thing to get out a smartphone and record a video, but it’s another entirely to ensure you have a high-quality piece of content ready to wow audiences. Many schools are new to video content, and the best option might be the one that involves outsourcing to a professional team. They will have a strong background in video production and can edit and film a video designed to impress viewers.

>> Read our Ultimate Guide to Marketing your Independent School (2022)

Budget is important, of course, and you should factor in the cost. Outsourcing is more expensive, but you should only really go down the in-house route if you have a professional who can film and edit to an exceptionally high quality.  

A school promotional video the Small Films team delivered for Eton College. 

Know your audience

Who are you creating a school video for? That might seem obvious at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and the answer might not be crystal clear. For example, is it for new school admissions? Do you want to connect to the existing community or promote possible partnerships with other businesses? Or is the aim to recruit high-quality teachers? 

Focusing on one audience segment will help you make smarter decisions and increase the chances of making a polished video that speaks directly to its target audience. Once you’ve settled on the intended viewers, you can begin brainstorming with the team, whether an outsourced video production company or someone in-house.

Consider the school story you want to tell

You stand little chance of achieving the ambitions of your video without a story that resonates with its target audience. That’s not to say it needs to have a gripping plot or end on a cliffhanger, but a well-executed story goes some way to striking an emotional connection and getting the audience to take action. 

Think about the story you’re trying to tell and ask yourself how you want the audience to feel after watching it. Then explore how you can make viewers feel that way to generate a response. Doing so will help you craft a story that impresses those watching and demonstrates your key objectives, whether it’s showing the school values, why it’s such a good place to work or why students want to attend. 

Assess which channel you want to promote your school video

When deciding what to include in a school promotional video, you shouldn’t include the formatting. It plays a significant role in how it looks and the end product. Therefore, you need to think about which platforms will host the school promotional videos you make. 

Videos shot and edited for your website might not work so well on social media because of formatting issues. The best way to combat this is by making it clear from the offset which platforms you’d like the content to feature on. That way, you ensure the video offers the best possible user experience. 

If you’re outsourcing, the video company will be able to inform you of the best formats and film it accordingly. As a rule of thumb, standard video for YouTube, Facebook and even TV is 1920 by 1080.

Blundell’s School Video used on their website

Make the call to action count

Regardless of who the video is for or what’s included in the content, you’ll want a strong call to action. If the intended viewer watches it to the end, you don’t want to disappoint them with a weak or confusing CTA. The last thing you want is for people to ask ‘what now?’ after watching. 

But what should your CTA say? It could be a simple website link or contact details. Other options for a CTA include sending them to a specific landing page, booking a meeting or even an online enrolment. Whatever you decide, make sure it fits within the target audience and is clear and concise. 

Making a great school promotional video

With these tips, you can include the right features in your school promotional video. From deciding on who will film it to ensuring the story arc is on point and that there’s a strong call to action, you can ensure your video has the best chance of success. 

Small Films is an educational video production company. We have created promotional videos for some of the top schools including Eton College, Blundell’s and St Margaret’s Preparatory. If you’d like to discuss a video for your school, then do get in touch. 

Whether you are looking to increase school admissions, shout about your art department, or gather sign-ups for your school open day, video can be one of the best mediums to promote your private school. The right sort of videos can build awareness of your school, strengthen your brand and keep your school front of mind for prospective students and parents. 

At Small Films we’ve shot films for Eton College, Blundell’s School and The Oratory Prep, so we’re well versed in how to deliver videos that give phenomenal results for schools.  

There are multiple ways video can be used to promote a private school. But first up, it’s about deciding on your objectives. Check out our Video Marketing for Independent Schools 101 article where we discuss our five step formula. Once you’ve nailed your objectives then here’s an idea of the types of videos you can use to help you in marketing a private school. 

Types of private school videos

Welcome from Head Teacher video

The Head Teacher will play an instrumental role in whether parents can imagine their child going to your school.  Therefore it’s an excellent way to make your school more appealing by showing your Head Teacher’s personality, whilst also having them explain how the school functions and the experience a child will get if they were to enroll. 

Pupil Stories

A pupil talking on video about their experience of their school is the ultimate selling point to prospective parents. By choosing a variety of pupils who have interests in different areas such as sport, science or art, will give a more rounded view of a day in the life of each student. These types of videos are an excellent way to show a closer look at the pastoral side of school life. Your pupils are your best ambassadors, so use them to drive interest in your school.   

Pupil’s story promotional school video ideas

• A day in the life of a boarder
• Getting to know an A Level art student
• A leaver’s story
• An interview with the school choir
• Getting to know the Head Boy/Head Girl

Department School Videos

Departmental films are a great way to give a more indepth view of different areas of your school. You may have recently built a new sports centre and you want to showcase this to increase school admissions, or you want to celebrate the creativity of your private school by showing your art department on film.  Departmental films can also be used to shift a perception you may have, i.e if you are traditionally known as a sporty school but you would like to portray your academic qualifications. Departmental films can be a mixture of teacher/pupil interviews, action footage and behind the scenes shots. 

School open day video production

A school open day video is a brilliant way to show a snapshot of your school that will help entice parents to attend an open day. This promotional school video can cover everything from messaging from the Head Teacher, a behind the scenes look at different departments through to interviews with the pupils. Incorporate footage of your grounds, extra-curricular activities, school achievements and make sure to include a call to action for how to sign up to the open day. 

Virtual Open Day Video

Whilst the pandemic is still giving a level of uncertainty, the school open day video can instead promote a virtual school open day. The video can still give a snapshot of the school and all its highlights, but the commentary can lean more towards how the parents will attend virtually.

Promoting your school on YouTube

YouTube is an excellent channel to host your promotional school videos.  This channel works really well to show more of the personality of your school, such as your annual sports day, the school’s rendition of Macbeth or interviews with your pupils.  Segment into different playlists to help parents search more easily for the types of video content they are looking for such as

• School plays
• Sports day videos
• Departmental films
• Interviews with pupils
• Head Teacher welcome
• Interviews with department heads
  

SEO videos for schools

Optimising your videos for Google search is a fantastic way to help your school get found by prospective parents. When in the discovery stage, parents may perform a number of private school related searches such as ‘school open days London’ or ‘private schools in Wiltshire’. If you have optimised your videos to be in line with keyword searches then you are more likely to convert a prospective parent to click on your video and view your content.   

Paid Facebook and Instagram Ads

Facebook and Instagram ads are a highly effective marketing channel as you can be so highly targeted. By being able to choose location, gender age and multiple other types of segments, you can really tap into your target audience. They can be a great way to increase enrollments in private schools by getting in front of parents who may not have considered your school as an option. With social media ads for your private school you must always have a really strong idea of who your target audience is to help you create the most suitable and compelling video content for them. 

Video emails

Email marketing can be one of the most successful channels for driving conversions. Think about what sort of information you want to share with prospective parents, such as upcoming open days, a welcome from the Head Teacher or content around a new department opening. By including video in your email campaigns, your audience can get a much better visual view of what it’s like to attend your school.

Read our article on ‘How to create a promotional video for your school’
to learn everything you will need to know to get started. 

Website Video

Hosting a video on your website homepage can be an incredibly effective way to give an insight into your school. The video will help to cut down the time the prospective student/parent has to spend looking for information about your school on your site. Within a few minutes a parent can feel far more emotionally connected to your school and will begin to start to imagine sending their child to your school. Check out the video we did for The Oratory Prep School that is hosted on their website’s landing page. 

Social Media marketing for a private school

There are many ways you can use your school promotional video on social media to help promote your private school. Use it as your banner on your Facebook business page, so parents can immediately see behind the doors of your school. Include your open day video in focused posts or use it on an an event page that gives more information about what parents can expect.  

Working with a school promotional video company

At Small Films, we are a team of experienced videographers and digital marketers who create compelling videos for schools including Eton, Marlborough College and St Margaret’s Prep School. We are passionate about helping schools harness the power of video to help tell their story.

If you’re looking to create a promotional school video, then do get in contact. Our experienced team have shot films for many of the UK’s leading independent schools, so you can feel confident we will bring your objectives to life.