- Marketing and admissions are your engine. If they’re not firing on all cylinders, your school is at risk. We help you answer the big questions and make the bold moves that matter.
- Most internal marketing and admissions teams are filled with dedicated, hardworking professionals – but even the most committed staff can struggle to see beyond the day-to-day demands.
- Not every team has the strategic thinkers or the experience to navigate the acute challenges that come with times of rapid change. That’s where Lions and Tigers make the difference. We don’t just bring extra hands; we bring a new perspective, deep sector knowledge, and the bravery to challenge convention.
The independent school sector is at a crossroads. The pressures of rising costs, shifting parental expectations, and political uncertainty are converging to create a landscape where only the bold will thrive. In this environment, your admissions and marketing strategy isn’t just important - it’s essential.
The old ways won’t cut it
For years, many schools have relied on reputation, tradition, and word-of-mouth to fill their classrooms. But the world has changed. Families are more discerning, competition is fiercer, and the margin for error is shrinking. The “safe” approach – doing what’s always been done now carries the greatest risk.
That goes for the marketing and admissions process too. The traditional approach has to be replaced by radical thought. Work smart, think big.
The new musts
- Get your user experience right – both online and through the admissions process
- Ensure all communications are personalised, relevant and persuasive
- Marketing and admissions work hand in hand to help and inform families
- Deliver a cohesive and inventive Feeder School plan
If your admissions engine isn’t firing on all cylinders, your school is at risk of falling behind.
Why the urgency?
- Enrolment dips can happen fast. Once numbers start to fall, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to recover.
- Competitors are investing in digital. Schools that embrace data-led admissions, seamless user experiences, and bold marketing are already pulling ahead.
- Parental expectations are evolving. Today’s families expect instant answers, personalised journeys, and digital-first experiences. If you can’t deliver, they’ll look elsewhere.
- The next few years will be tougher. Economic and political headwinds are likely to intensify. The schools that act now will be best placed to weather the storm.
What does a future-proof admissions engine look like?
Key components include:
- CRM Implementation:
A robust CRM system is the backbone of modern admissions. It gives you real-time insights, helps you personalise every interaction, and ensures no lead falls through the cracks. - Seamless Digital Journeys:
From the first website visit to enrolment, every touchpoint should be intuitive, engaging, and tailored to the user. This means investing in your website, digital output, and automated communications. - Bold, Creative Campaigns:
In a crowded market, you need marketing that turns heads. Data-led campaigns, compelling storytelling, and creative content are essential to stand out. - Continuous Training and Support:
Your team needs the skills and confidence to use new tools and adapt to changing expectations. Ongoing training and external support can make all the difference.
The cost of waiting
Every term you delay is a missed opportunity to get ahead. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to catch up with competitors who are already investing in their admissions engine. Inaction now could mean existential risk later.
The time to act is now
At L&T, we specialise in helping schools build future-ready processes. We bring deep sector knowledge, bold thinking, and the bravery to challenge convention. Our team can help you audit your current process, implement new systems, and deliver campaigns that drive real results.
Don’t wait for the storm to pass. Build today – and secure your school’s place in tomorrow’s landscape.