The Enrolment Checklist - Getting ready for Term 1 2026
- School Presence
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
As you step away from the day to day, it is the perfect time to reflect on how prepared your school is for the enrolment season ahead. Through our work with schools across Victoria, we see the same pattern year after year.
Schools can be reactive, proactive, or do nothing at all.
The schools that are proactive and prepared consistently receive the highest number of tour enquiries and see stronger enrolment outcomes. Preparation makes a difference.
As part of our monthly Trade Secrets series, we are sharing the foundational steps every school should have in place before enrolment season begins.
Professional Photography Matters
Professional photography is one of the most important investments a school can make. Having a designated set of polished, high quality images that you use consistently throughout the year immediately sets your school apart. Parents are looking for a professional finish and strong visuals help build trust before they ever step through the gates.
Avoid relying on phone photography. A professional photoshoot provides you with a library of key images you can use across:
Flyers and prospectus material
Real estate boards
School merchandise
Website and social media
Advertising and promotions
As a guide, a professional shoot investment of around $1,500 can deliver 200 versatile images that support your marketing for the entire year.
Real Estate Boards Build Early Awareness
Real estate boards are a powerful brand awareness tool when used correctly. Ideally, your boards should be installed in front of your school and around the local community from the 1st of January. School holidays are a high visibility period when families are walking, exploring and spending time in their neighbourhood.
This early exposure encourages parents to start thinking about school tours well before Term 1 begins and positions your school as visible, active and welcoming.
Flyers Ready From Day One
Flyers remain a highly effective tool when they are done well. Have a stack of professionally designed A4, A5 and A3 flyers on your desk, ready to go in the first week back. These should clearly feature your school tour dates and key messaging. Being able to personally distribute these to local kinders early in the year reinforces your presence and shows organisation and intent.
Your School Website Is Your First Impression
Your website is often the first place parents go when researching schools. It must look current, fresh and engaging.
At a minimum, ensure you:
Update your website with your latest professional photography
Clearly display school tour dates
Include a strong and obvious call to action
It is also worth doing a quick Google search of other schools in your area. Parents compare schools online and if competing websites look more polished or engaging, it may be time to rethink your design.
Parents are school shopping and your website plays a critical role in shaping their perception. First impressions count.
Social Media Should Feel Polished and Engaging
Social media is where prospective parents quietly observe your school culture. Start promoting school tours early and ensure your content feels engaging, warm and professional. Schools are multi million dollar organisations and your online presence should reflect that.
Focus on:
Clear, vibrant photography
Engaging and positive messaging
Consistent branding and tone
Parents are watching closely. This is your opportunity to show the energy, learning and community that exists within your school.
Building Genuine Relationships With Kinders
Strong relationships with kinders are essential. This goes beyond dropping off flyers and saying hello. Spend time in kinders. Talk with educators. Connect with parents. Build genuine partnerships.
When families know you and feel familiar with your school, trust grows naturally and enrolment conversations follow.
Start With the Basics and Build From There
These checkpoints are the foundations of a strong enrolment strategy. Once you have these basics in place, there is much more that can be done to refine and elevate your school’s presence. This is simply a starting point to steer you in the right direction.
If you would like to learn more about how we support schools, we would love to chat.
My name is Tserlin and I am the proud Director of School Presence. We have partnered with over 100 schools across Victoria and genuinely love what we do. If you need a sounding board, honest advice, or support lifting your school presence, we are always happy to help.
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