6 strategies to increase admissions in 2022

6 strategies to increase admissions in 2024

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6 strategies to increase admissions in 2022

COVID-19  impacted the global education system and led to shut down of educational institutions for a prolonged period. 320 million learners were affected by the pandemic in India. School closure has an adverse impact on learning level, widening gap in learning level as well as increase in drop out rate (ASER report). To understand why it’s important for low fee private schools to formulate effective strategies to increase admission, let’s look at some research data

According to well known Social welfare centre ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) 2021 findings:

  • There has been an overall increase in the proportion of children enrolled in govt schools between 2018 and 2020 i.e from 64.3% to 65.8%. However, in the year 2021, the enrollment suddenly went up to 70.3%.
  • The enrollment rate in private schools has however gone down from the last few years. In 2020, the enrollment rate was 28.8% and in 2021 the enrollment rate went down to 24.4%.

There is evident shift of students from private to government schools due to income disruption, difficulty in accessing quality education, unclear fee dues, safety concerns, reverse migration etc. during the pandemic.

As schools are going back to normal, gaining admissions is still a matter of concern for many schools.

How to Increase Admissions in Your School

To effectively increase student admissions, schools need a well-rounded strategy that highlights their strengths and appeals to prospective families. Here’s a refined approach to attract more students:

  1. Academic Excellence:

  • Employ highly qualified teachers and maintain a favourable student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalised attention.
  • Offer a dynamic curriculum that not only covers essential academic subjects but also supports students’ overall growth.
  • Highlight the school’s track record of academic achievements and successful student outcomes to build credibility.
  1. Digital Marketing:

  • Develop a user-friendly website that provides comprehensive information about admissions, programs, and school facilities.
  • Maintain an engaging social media presence to regularly update and interact with potential families, showcasing school events and activities.
  • Utilise targeted online advertising to reach local parents actively searching for educational options for their children.
  1. Traditional Outreach:

  • Partner with local media to advertise open houses or information sessions, increasing visibility within the community.
  • Organize school events that allow prospective families to tour the campus and experience the school’s teaching methods firsthand.
  • Foster community relationships through sponsorships and volunteer opportunities to build a positive reputation.
  1. Accessibility and Communication:

  • Offer financial incentives such as scholarships or sibling discounts to make the school more accessible to a broader range of families.
  • Simplify the application process to ensure it is user-friendly and efficient for prospective students and their parents.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication throughout the admissions process to provide a smooth and supportive experience for families.

By focusing on these key areas, schools can effectively attract more students and create a vibrant, thriving educational community.

CTA

Top 6 Admission Strategies in School

1. Conduct Customise Market Research

Understanding the needs of the target audience will help schools improve admission rates by serving their needs in the best possible way. Market research provides clarity related to goal areas, competitor landscape and marketing strategies.

For conducting a market research, start with identifying and defining research objectives, followed by framing research tools, selecting methods of data collection, gathering data, analysing and working on insight to serve the target audience in the best possible ways.

2. Marketing & Advertisement

It’s important to do brand building through showcasing the unique selling point of schools effectively like showcasing infrastructure, innovative study, facilities offered by the school, value offerings by school and how it’s different from competitors in the market.

Focus on communicating school value using 4Ps of marketing mix to serve the needs of the target audience. Effective marketing and promotion leads to lead generations for admission. It can be done through advertising through various mediums like digital, print or in person.

Also Read: Leadership traits you need to practice to become a successful school leader

3. Speed Up Response Time

It’s crucial to act on lead generated to convert it into admission. An enquirer for admission should be reached out soon by the admin to close the admission, delay will dilute the interest of prospects. Effective followup is necessary to convert maximum leads into admissions.

4. Customised Fee Structure and Financial Aids

Schools should know the paying capacity of the target audience, competitor’s fee structure, and the facilities provided by them and what school can offer different or valuable in the same fee range.

The paying capacity of parents has altered post pandemic and schools can consider some fee waivers case to case to retain admission. Schools can offer flexible fee structure and collaborate with third parties to provide financial aid/assistance.

5. Parent & Community Engagement

Parental involvement has a positive impact on holistic growth of children. Research shows that parent engagement in schools is closely linked to better student behaviour, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills.

Parents are the decision makers, engaging them effectively can lead to long term retention and publicity through word of mouth. This can be done through effective workshops with parents and community on parenting, guiding, child mental health, physical health, nutrition, extra curricular activities etc.

6. Focus on Curbing Learning Loss

Prolonged school shutdown caused learning loss. The common mode of delivery was online and whatsapp during closure which was not proven effective and there is clear learning loss. It’s important to address the learning loss to help students cope up in current grade.

This can be done through remedial workbooks, extra classes, foundational skills etc. Students’ performance showcases the quality of education provided in school leading to brand building.

Improve the Quality of Education to Attract More Students 

To attract more students, improving the quality of education is crucial. A strong educational offering can make a school more appealing and competitive. Here are specific ways to enhance educational quality:

  1. Update Curriculum: Regularly review and update the curriculum to include relevant and current topics. This ensures that students are learning the most up-to-date information and skills needed for their future.
  2. Invest in Professional Development: Provide teachers with ongoing training and resources to improve their teaching methods. Skilled and knowledgeable teachers can deliver better education and engage students more effectively.
  3. Incorporate Technology: Use modern technology, such as interactive whiteboards and online resources, to make lessons more engaging. Technology can enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for a digital world.
  4. Enhance Classroom Environment: Create a positive and stimulating classroom environment with comfortable seating, good lighting, and necessary resources. A well-maintained and inviting space can improve student focus and participation.
  5. Offer Support Services: Provide additional support such as tutoring, counseling, and extracurricular activities. These services help meet diverse student needs and can improve overall student satisfaction and success.

Modify School Infrastructure to Increase Enrollment

To boost student enrollment, modifying school infrastructure can make a significant impact. Enhancing the physical environment and facilities can attract more students and meet their needs better. Here are specific ways to achieve this:

  • Upgrade Facilities: Modernise classrooms, laboratories, and libraries to provide a more appealing and functional learning environment. Up-to-date facilities can create a more attractive and effective educational setting.
  • Improve Accessibility: Ensure that the school is easily accessible to students and parents, including those with disabilities. Adding ramps, elevators, and clear signage can make the school more inclusive and welcoming.
  • Enhance Aesthetics: Invest in the school’s appearance by maintaining clean, well-lit, and aesthetically pleasing areas. Attractive landscaping, vibrant decorations, and updated interiors can create a more inviting atmosphere.
  • Expand Recreational Areas: Develop and maintain playgrounds, sports facilities, and other recreational spaces. These areas not only support physical activity but also make the school more appealing to families looking for a well-rounded educational experience.
  • Implement Modern Technology: Equip classrooms with the latest technology, such as smartboards and high-speed internet. Technology integration enhances learning and demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing a contemporary education.

By making these infrastructure improvements, schools can create a more engaging and accommodating environment that is likely to attract more students and their families.

Conclusion

Using these six strategies can effectively boost school admissions. Prioritising academic excellence and utilising digital marketing will draw more families. Engaging in traditional outreach and simplifying the application process increases the school’s appeal. Providing financial incentives and ensuring clear communication throughout the admissions process create a positive experience for prospective students and their families. These targeted approaches enhance the school’s visibility, streamline the enrollment process, and lead to greater success in attracting and retaining new students.

FAQs:

1. How can we improve the admission process?

A smooth and efficient admission process creates a positive first impression for parents. Here are some ways to streamline it:

  • Streamline Online Options:  Consider an online application portal for easy access and efficient document submission.
  • Clear Communication: Provide a clear step-by-step guide for the admission process and timelines on the school website.
  • Multiple Entry Points: Offer admissions throughout the year for different grades (subject to availability).
  • Parent Support:  Dedicate a team to address parent queries promptly and offer personalised support during the process.

2. How do you attract parents for admission?

Parents are looking for a school that offers a nurturing environment and prepares their children for the future. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:

  • Showcase Achievements: Highlight the school’s academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and awards on your website and brochures.
  • Organise Open Houses: Host informative sessions where parents can meet faculty, see facilities, and learn about the school’s philosophy.
  • Testimonials: Share success stories of alumni and positive feedback from current parents on your website and promotional materials.
  • Community Engagement:  Organise events, workshops, or volunteering opportunities to connect with parents and showcase the school environment.

3. How to improve school strength?

A strong school attracts students by offering a well-rounded educational experience. Here’s how to focus on continuous improvement:

  • Focus on Academics:  Invest in qualified teachers, a strong curriculum, and resources that ensure well-rounded learning.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Offer a variety of extracurricular activities like sports, music, arts, and debate to cater to diverse student interests.
  • Infrastructure Development: Maintain and upgrade facilities like classrooms, libraries, labs, and playgrounds for a better learning experience.
  • Teacher Training: Conduct regular training programs for teachers to keep them updated on the latest teaching methodologies.

4. How do you attract students for admission to school?

Students are looking for a school that challenges them and helps them discover their talents. Here are some ways to grab their attention:

  • Scholarship Opportunities:  Offer scholarships and financial aid programs to attract talented students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Student Achievements:  Highlight student success stories in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities to showcase the school’s potential.
  • Social Media Outreach:  Utilise social media platforms to share school events, student achievements, and positive aspects of school life.
  • Peer Recommendations:  Encourage current students to spread the word about the school’s positive environment and learning opportunities.

5. How do you convince a student for admission?

The final decision often rests with the student. Here’s how to make a compelling case for your school:

  • Personalised Attention:  During interactions, highlight programs or achievements that align with the student’s interests and goals.
  • Campus Tours: Offer personalised campus tours where students can experience the school environment and facilities firsthand.
  • Faculty Interaction:  Facilitate interaction with relevant teachers or mentors who can answer the student’s specific questions.
  • Student Success Stories:  Share success stories of alumni who pursued similar interests or overcame challenges to inspire the student.

6. How can we increase the enrollment of students in school?

As a school leader, you can boost student enrollment by enhancing academic programs and upgrading facilities. Promote your school through an engaging website and active social media presence. Additionally, offering financial aid and simplifying the application process will make your school more attractive to prospective students and their families.

If you’re looking to enhance teaching methods or integrate new technology in your school, Varthana is here to assist. We provide fast loan processing, typically within 5 to 7 business days after receiving your documents. Our flexible repayment plans and various collateral options are designed to fit your financial needs. Contact us today to explore how Varthana can support your school’s development and success.

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