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Every school is different and has a unique story to tell. That belief is the foundation…
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Simon Noakes shared thisHere’s why Independent School marketing teams can’t catch a break: Except when the summer holidays begin! But even then, marketing never stops. In today’s webinar, my team will show you how to use the break to audit and refresh your school website for 2027 (and get a little rest, of course)! That way, September doesn’t feel like you’ve got a thousand things to do. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come: → How to run a simple but thorough audit without needing a developer → How to prioritise what to update, fix, or delete when time is short → What a September-ready school website actually looks like Do you want the confidence to make big changes while you have the time? Send us a message to sign up for this webinar. And in return, we’ll keep #InspiringSchools.
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Simon Noakes shared thisTo plan or not to plan, that is the question: When creating your social media content calendar, your #ContentStrategy has to reflect your school’s full story and vision. That’s what we discussed in our latest webinar, which had 228 people registered, 87% being from the USA! To stand out amongst your competitors, planning and coordination have to be at the top of your school’s priorities when it comes to creating your content strategy. Social media is great for sharing stories about life at your school. But you need to plan for dates and events. Otherwise you aren’t making the most of your school’s community. By the way, we’ve been doing #ContentStrategy for independent schools for the last 20 years. Happy to share what we know.
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Simon Noakes shared thisI’ve learned school Admissions Departments doubt the effectiveness of their school websites. Here’s why: Their websites aren’t engaging enough. If all the Home and About pages show is generic school information that's the same as every other school, parents end up back on Google. This creates a HUGE admissions problem. Parents aren’t shown how their children will be treated at school, and what their experience will be throughout the year. But we’ve seen schools who use SprX™ get a 71% increase in admissions. Wow. That’s because SprX™ enhances a school’s brand story, and transforms their website into one that’s engaging and experiential, so more parents stay. If you attended AISAP: The Association of Independent School Admission Professionals annual conference, get in touch and my team and I will tell you more about how SprX™ can truly represent your school experience. #AISAP #IndependentSchools #SchoolMarketing
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Simon Noakes shared thisTraveling the world is one of the best things in life. The desire to travel can start at any age. Whether you went on holidays as a kid, or Eurailing across Europe with your friends. Some people even close their eyes, spin a globe, and place their finger on the map to choose a new destination. That’s what we asked these students to do: Spin the globe and pick a destination. The need to travel is part of our DNA because, for several thousand years, we’ve yearned to explore the unknown. At Interactive Schools, we pick our locations a little differently. We visit schools all around the world, doing award-winning photoshoots that drive admissions with story-led hero shots, creative concepts, and exemplary websites. Which do you prefer: #InspiringSchools or travel?
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Simon Noakes shared thisA good website is more than just term dates, admissions fees and what grades the school gets. It’s making the school as appealing to new parents as possible with authentic, beautiful, emotionally-impactful photography. When my team organise photoshoots, they don’t just take a couple of photos, pack up the equipment and call it a day. We often take over 2,000 photos before narrowing it down to 1 fully edited photo. We always ensure we understand the school’s core values and experience the atmosphere of the school firsthand. We conduct in-person focus groups and really get to know every school, and breathe in the unique personality. And the most impactful moment on the website is that first impression, that magical, inspirational hero shot. Getting that first photo right is critical. That’s why we design sites that show the authentic beauty of the school. I love #InspiringSchools, and my team do too. If you want a team who truly admire the art of photography done right, get in touch with me by DM.
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Simon Noakes shared thisThe Prime Minister has resigned. The news is all over the place. For Independent Schools, each time we get a new Prime Minister, there is always the same set of fears… Concerns about VAT on tuition costs. Conflicts over whether schools can maintain their charitable status. And these worries can sway parents into choosing a state school instead of an Independent School for their children. Why? To save their money from Tuition fees as a way to feel more certain about the future. You can't control what goes on at Westminster. But you can control your own brand narrative. In times of uncertainty in the world, your website NEEDS to be certain. If it says nothing more than "academic excellence," then parents will choose between you and the school down the road that says the exact same thing. But when you define your own school brand with intentional personalisation and story-led experiences, you become the obvious choice. And parents stop feeling so uncertain. They trust you, and you become a place of certainty where they want their children to join and stay with you. Don’t let the news affect your value. The strongest Independent Schools know exactly who they are, and they always stay true to that brand story. Create a website that will make your school's worth undeniable, no matter who runs the country. Keep #InspiringSchools
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Simon Noakes shared thisEducation must remain profoundly rooted in humanity. That’s what Eugene du Toit, Headmaster of Haileybury UK, said in my newest Inspiring Schools podcast episode, which came out today! I was fascinated when Eugene said that a pivotal moment in his career was learning to understand himself better by knowing what his strengths are and how they can impact other people’s life experiences… He explained that by understanding who you are, leadership will come naturally, as well as knowing what it is and is not. We talk about: → Coaching-led leadership → How to balance tradition and innovation → How to manage cultural relevance for students Let’s keep #InspiringSchools to remain rooted in humanity.
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Simon Noakes shared thisWhat does your next school year look like for you? Are you increasing your marketing budgets? Creating a more stimulating curriculum? Or maybe you’re looking at a new meal plan? Whatever you plan to do for your school, we at Interactive Schools are masters of filling the gap between art and science. Not only do we create compelling stories through the camera’s lens, but we use our advanced technology, SprX, to transform schools, and enhance their website’s vision. Our mission is to keep #InspiringSchools by actualizing their story through design. So, if you’re ready to convert your school brand into the hallmark of innovation… Just send us a message today.
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Simon Noakes shared thisAn interesting soundbyte from S6E15 of our #InspiringSchoolsPodcast with Dr. Deborah Skolnick-Einhorn, Head of School at Milton Gottesman Jewish Day. Listen to the full episode now ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eRXu9F74
Simon Noakes commented on a post
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Hats off for making this happen, Dr Steven Middleton! A lot of the time, hierarchies are reinforced in school to enforce fear and authority to students. So doing lunches like these breaks the boundaries between students and principals, and inspires students to ask the right questions. Sometimes all we (teachers, staff, and students) really want is just another human to hear us out.
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Simon Noakes reacted on thisSimon Noakes reacted on thisI’ve seen job seekers break down over one rude message. Not because they were weak. Because it came after months of silence, rejection, and trying to stay hopeful. Kindness matters more than people realize during a job search. You never really know what someone is carrying. The person asking for a referral may have already been ignored 40 times. The candidate following up may be trying to stay calm after weeks without income. The person posting about their job search may be doing it with a lot more courage than confidence. And sometimes, one kind reply can help someone keep going. After helping thousands of job seekers, I’ve learned this: People do not just need better resumes. They need reminders that they are still human in a process that often makes them feel invisible. So if you are hiring, networking, interviewing, or simply reading someone’s post, remember this: 1. A kind reply costs nothing But silence, dismissiveness, or arrogance can stay with someone longer than you think. 2. You can reject someone with respect A “no” does not need to make people feel small. 3. Encouragement matters more when someone is struggling The right words at the right time can rebuild confidence. 4. Job seekers are not asking for pity Most are asking for a chance, clarity, or basic decency. 5. Your kindness may be the thing someone remembers Especially on the days when the job search feels heavy. We are all trying to build careers, support families, and figure life out. So be ambitious. Be direct. Be professional. But do not forget to be kind. Because you never know who needed it most today. What is one small act of kindness that helped you during your career journey? ♻️ Repost to help spread awareness and follow Maid Dizdarevic for more helpful content.
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Simon Noakes reacted on thisSimon Noakes reacted on thisWe're delighted to announce that The British School of Brussels has partnered with Arsenal Football Club Football Development as part of a pioneering international school network spanning Europe, Asia and Africa. Together with The Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur and Braeburn Schools Limited - Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda in Nairobi, BSB forms Arsenal's first ever collaborative international school network, built around a shared commitment to excellence in education, sport and personal development. The concept originated with BSB's own Tristian Cook, Cross Campus Assistant Head, who approached Arsenal nearly two years ago. Rather than three separate arrangements, his vision was to connect schools across continents so they could genuinely learn from one another and create lasting opportunities for thousands of young people. The partnership delivers: ▸ Academy-inspired coaching built around Arsenal methodology ▸ CPD and professional mentoring for PE staff ▸ Holiday football camps ▸ A bespoke digital e-academy platform ▸ Arsenal branded teamwear James Penstone, Principal & CEO of The British School of Brussels: "Partnering with Arsenal Football Development aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence, collaboration and innovation. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring together three outstanding schools in a partnership that will benefit students and staff for many years to come." Collaboration sits at the heart of BSB's identity. This is what it looks like when schools think globally. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eQTMebSu #BritishSchoolofBrussels #BSB #ArsenalFootballDevelopment #InternationalEducation #SportAndEducation #Leadership #Education
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Simon Noakes reacted on thisThese lunches have been so much fun and so rewarding. My thanks to Stacey A. for coordinating them to perfection, from Prefects to Pre-Kindy, this past term has been all about connecting with young people, seeking their advice, accessing their wisdom, asking and answering questions, reading stories and importantly sharing many laughs as we talk about our great school and the future! Our students are thoughtful, confident and articulate and importantly optimistic, sharing deep and affection for the House. This optimism, ambition and aspiration are at the heart of this exceptional place. Enjoy a break and see you soon! The Pittwater House Schools Ltd. (Official)Simon Noakes reacted on thisFor many of us, the Principal’s office once symbolised discipline and consequence. Somewhere you hoped never to be sent. However Dr Steven Middleton’s Principal’s Lunches have quickly become one of the most sought-after invitations on campus. There is now a waitlist to attend, with students proactively contacting his Executive Assistant to ask how they can secure a place! During these lunches, students share what matters to them. They bring favourite treats, special items from home, choose music to play on Dr Middleton's record player, and enthusiastically contribute ideas for school life and celebrations. Some ideas are practical, but others are creative and bold - including one Kindergarten student's suggestion 100 Days of Kindy celebration: “Let’s get a helicopter to land on the oval!” Sorry, Luke. Maybe not this year. But behind the fun lies something deeply important. An authentic connection galvanised between leadership and students. Dr Middleton better equipped to understand student perspectives, and students who see their Principal as accessible, engaged and genuinely invested in them. Stacey A. James Walmsley Katie Jackson Katie Thomas Adam Demasi Andrew Goldrick Ainslie Breckenridge Anne-Maree Ironside Jennie Marr Kellie Finlay
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Simon Noakes reacted on thisSimon Noakes reacted on thisA busy morning for the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy in Bolton I represented the Lord Lieutenant at the Citizenship ceremony this morning and emerged from the town hall to find fellow DL Phil Waterhouse DL on duty at the Armed Forces day event
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Simon Noakes reacted on thisSimon Noakes reacted on thisA fantastic long-term partnership in The Alice Smith School sports programme for many years has been the partnership with the KL Tigers RFC It has been great to have meetings with Sam Bottom the CEO of KL Tigers to hear more of their ambitions for Rugby in the KL community and with the school. A partnership that will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
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Marianne McDougall
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