Why your educational institution needs a communications partner

With public scrutiny higher than ever and demands on school leaders showing no signs of slowing, education teams are facing a growing challenge: how to keep people informed, engaged and confident in your leadership, while still doing your day job.

This isn’t just about newsletters or nice-to-have social media posts. It’s about trust, perception and staying in control of your narrative at a time when the spotlight on schools is fierce and unrelenting.

At Clothier Lacey, we help schools, trusts and education organisations across the country tell their story clearly, consistently and strategically. Whether you’re facing a crisis, launching a new provision or looking to build a reputation that reflects the quality of your work, our communications support gives you the edge and takes the pressure off your in-house team.

Reputation doesn’t wait until you’re ready

What’s happening

Schools and trusts are often featured in the news, and sometimes not by choice. From funding gaps and staff shortages to SEND provision and building safety, you’re operating in a system where public interest (and opinion) is constant.

Why it matters

If you’re not telling your story, someone else will. Without a clear communications strategy, you risk being reactive, inconsistent or, even worse, silent at the moments when your voice matters most.

What to do next

·      Make communications planning a leadership priority, not a bolt-on task.

·      Prepare holding statements and response frameworks in advance, so you’re not caught off guard.

·      Use proactive content, like case studies, pupil successes and staff profiles, to build a positive presence long before any crisis hits.

How we can help

Clothier Lacey can act as your dedicated communications partner, fulfilling the above plan to an expert level and helping you craft messaging that’s honest, confident and aligned to your values. We will support you, whether you need support day-to-day or in high-stakes moments.

Parental expectations are higher than ever

What’s happening

Today’s parents want transparency, responsiveness and a clear sense of what a school stands for. From behaviour policies to attendance drives, every decision has a communications angle, and the pressure to get it right is growing.

Why it matters

Poor communication creates space for misinformation and mistrust. Done well, though, your communications activity can actually improve parent relationships, support attendance and increase community engagement.

Next steps

·      Audit your existing parent communications activity: is it clear, purposeful and accessible?

·      Use a consistent tone of voice that reflects your values.

·      Don’t shy away from explaining the ‘why’ behind decisions; context builds understanding.

How we can help

We create effective parent-focused campaigns, from attendance improvement to behaviour resets, making sure the message lands in the way it was intended. This encourages trust, improved parent-school relationships and often increased attendance.

Good news about your school doesn’t share itself

What’s happening

Across the country, brilliant things are happening in schools every day. But without a clear plan to capture and share those stories, they’re often missed or only seen by a handful of people.

Why it matters

In a competitive landscape, your reputation matters more than ever. Whether you’re trying to attract staff, boost pupil numbers or secure stakeholder buy-in, people need to see your strengths, not just hear them listed in a prospectus.

What to do next

·      Make storytelling part of your weekly agenda – this is not just something for your open evening.

·      Don’t rely on social media alone. Think press release, website, newsletters, events.

·      Train key staff to spot (and capture) newsworthy moments.

How we help with school communications

We know that school staff and leadership teams are extremely busy, so it’s hard to find the time to shout about all the great stuff you are doing. That’s why we create specialist joined-up communications strategies that make your good news go further. That might be a social media revamp, a PR push for a flagship programme or a whole-school content plan that reflects your ethos.

How Clothier Lacey can help your institution build a reputation that lasts

With increasing scrutiny, shifting public perception and a constant stream of operational demands, your communications strategy can’t be an afterthought. It needs time, consistency and expertise; and that’s exactly what we bring.

We work as an extension of your in-house team, helping schools and trusts develop smart, joined-up strategies that protect your reputation, strengthen your message and engage your stakeholders, from parents to the media.

Let’s talk about how we can support your school’s communications.We’re just a call away, ready to jump in and make a difference.

In today’s climate, strong education communications aren’t a nice-to-have; they’re a necessity. Schools and trusts that get this right don’t just avoid missteps. They build trust, boost engagement and create stronger communities.

We’re here to help you lead that change. With experience, clarity and a no-fuss approach, we’ll make sure your communications are something you can feel confident about.

Contact us today to find out more about our communications support for schools and colleges.