You have a new Head starting this term and are aware that this can bring a large dollop of unsettlement and speculation amongst a school community – what will the new Head be like? How will they lead the school? How will they compare to the previous Head?
Well, the key is to make them accessible and here are 3 great ways of achieving this:
- In person ‘meet and greet’
Host a series of ‘Breakfast with the Head’ mornings before school, or afternoon tea or after-school receptions, a few weeks into the term, to give parents the chance to meet the Head in a relaxed environment and get to know them a little better. Don’t forget to give parents plenty of notice by setting and communicating the dates for these events well ahead. Avoid creating just one date and expecting all parents to show up – this date may not suit a lot of parents AND it would be unwieldy for the Head to meaningfully chat to a potentially large number of families. A series of two or three opportunities will be valuable.
- Series of Instagram stories
This is a super way to create a connection with your school community. The series can include stories such as an initial introduction to the Head (background), their vision and values and educational outlook, what they’re looking forward to and so on. What’s also really powerful in showing a Head’s warmth and charisma is ‘behind the scenes’ content. For example, a video of them talking through their day ahead, doing a walkabout around school, lunch or breaktime chats with pupils, and more. Ongoing, make your Head a regular feature on your Instagram stories – your school community wants to hear from the captain of the ship!
- Make connections
Get dates in the diary for the Head to meet key feeders who send many of their children your way – namely the Nursery school managers and the Heads of the feeder schools. Send an individualised video invite from the Head via email, followed up with a voicenote to each person. Ideally this can be followed up with opportunities for your new Head to introduce themself to the families at those Nurseries and feeder schools too.
As with any good school communications, consistency is KEY so remember to make ‘headteacher’ content a strategic part of your marketing content for the 2023-24 school year.
Need some help with creating your 2023-24 Marketing Strategy? Get in touch for a chat.
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The Stickman team help school leaders, bursars, and marketing and admissions managers to boost revenue via powerful and simple marketing strategies.
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Get in touchEmily & the Stickman Team
