Many parents will have just been through the nail biting experience of waiting for school placements for this September. Just as happens year in and year out across the country and beyond. For many parents, choosing the right school for their child is a major decision – some say it is one of THE most stressful parts of parenting! –  and the admissions process can feel overwhelming to those who have no experience from the ‘other side’ working in schools. Your school website plays a crucial role in making this journey easier, guiding parents through applications and providing essential information before their child starts in September. Here’s how your website can support prospective and new families every step of the way.

1. Clear and accessible admissions information

Parents need quick access to key details about admissions criteria, application deadlines, and required documents. A well-structured admissions page should include:

• A step-by-step admissions guide – include clear action points as well as “you don’t need to do anything here” type information!
• Key dates and deadlines – perhaps a visual timeline will help.
• Links to application forms – make sure these are accessible or offer alternatives where they are not.
• Contact details for the admissions team – including the finance team for independent fee-paying schools.

Consider adding a FAQs section to address common concerns and a downloadable prospectus to showcase your school’s ethos and achievements.

2. A virtual window into your school

First impressions matter, and your website is often the first place parents go to learn about your school. To make your school more attractive to prospective families, ensure your site includes:

• High-quality photos and videos of school life
• Testimonials from current parents and students
• Details of your curriculum, extracurricular activities, and pastoral support

A virtual tour or an interactive map can help parents get a feel for the school, especially if they cannot visit in person.

3. Open events and application support

Make it easy for parents to sign up for open days and admissions events by including an online booking form. Consider hosting webinars or Q&A sessions with the headteacher and admissions team to answer common questions.

Providing sample assessments or application guidance for selective schools can also be helpful. You could also host some online webinars or drop-in sessions via virtual video calling tools to help parents to work through the admissions process – many of these come with built in translation tools nowadays which can make it even more accessible for parents who are not fluent in English. 

4. Helping parents prepare for September

Once a place has been offered, parents will be eager to know what to expect before their child starts. Your website should include a dedicated section for new starters with:

• Welcome letters from the headteacher and key staff.
• Uniform and equipment lists – including links to suppliers and second hand shops or groups where relevant. 
• Term dates and school day timings – including maps with entrances marked if needed. 
• Information on school meals, transport, and clubs.
• Information on trips and excursions which may incur costs early on in the year. 

An online parent page with important forms and policies together in one place can streamline communication and reduce stress. Now is a great time to link to those items through your homepage pop-up box. 

5. Ongoing communication and engagement

Keep parents engaged with regular updates via newsletters, a school blog, and social media feeds. A “New Parent” section with a forum or contact details for the PTA/governors can help families feel part of the community before the school year begins.

Your school website is more than just an information hub – it’s a powerful tool to attract prospective families, simplify the admissions process, and support new parents in their journey. By keeping content clear, accessible, and engaging, your school can stand out and make a lasting impression on future students and their families. And let’s face it, the more you can stop calls coming into the office at such a busy time of year, the better!

Get in touch if you have any questions on how to accomplish all of the above with your Greenhouse Schools Website.