A successful school prospectus is a key part of the marketing strategy for any educational establishment. It is a chance to show off the school’s unique selling points and ethos in a beautiful and engaging booklet that can be used at multiple touchpoints. Unlike the ever-popular school website, a prospectus is tangible and can be taken away to peruse in the comfort of the home. With this in mind, a prospectus must have gravitas and convince parents that your school is the right choice for their child.
As with any piece of marketing, it is essential to know your audience. Having this knowledge will help you create the most effective content for your school’s prospectus, so it is a good idea to carry out some research into who will be reading your brochure. Whether this is through staff and parent focus groups, sending out surveys or simply talking to people at the school gates, defining your audience is fundamental to creating a school prospectus that resonates with them.
Having defined your audience, you can start to plan the structure of your prospectus. You may decide that you want to include an introduction from the headteacher to set the tone of your prospectus. It is also a great idea to include some testimonials and stories of success from students and parents, as this will help prospective pupils see the impact that your school has on its community. For details on School Prospectus Design, look at FSE Design
The content that is chosen for your prospectus should be authentic and portrayed in the best light possible. A great way to do this is through utilising a mix of text and high-quality photographs. Ensure that the text is easy to read and that the key messages are highlighted.
Your prospectus should include a school calendar and term dates, as well as a comprehensive list of the facilities that you have to offer. The prospectus should also contain a statement of the school’s values and ethos. This is a great opportunity for the school to show off their core beliefs and values, which should be highlighted with the use of bold and clear fonts.
A school prospectus should look professional and reflect the quality of the education offered at the establishment. Choosing a finish that is both tactile and premium can help to add this impression. A saddle stitch binding is a great option for a prospectus as it allows the pages to be kept together by two metal staples and provides a sleek, neat finish. Other options for finishing include a matt or gloss laminate and embossing.
