Introduction
A school’s website is more than just a legal requirement or an information hub; it’s often the first impression parents get of your school. And let’s be honest, first impressions count! A clear, well-designed website can make all the difference in helping parents feel confident about their choice.
The good news? Creating a great school website doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn your site into a valuable resource for both current and prospective parents while leaving a lasting positive impression.
Our team of school website experts has helped countless schools do just that.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to improve your website, keep parents engaged, and ensure your school stands out online for all the right reasons.
6 ways to optimise your school website for parents
1. First impressions matter
When a parent lands on your school’s website, they’re forming an opinion, and you’ve got less than one second for that opinion to be a good one. If your site looks outdated or feels hard to use, you’ll likely lose them, for good!
So, what can you do?
A sleek design with clear, simple navigation is a great starting point. Choose bright, welcoming photos that showcase your school’s ethos, whether it’s pupils collaborating in the classroom or enjoying time on the playground.
Also, consider using your homepage to share a bit about what makes your school unique: your vision, extracurriculars, or commitment to pupil well-being. It’s a great way to set the tone for the rest of your site.
2. Make it personal
When parents visit your website, they want more than just facts about the school. They want to know how you’ll take care of their child. That’s where tone matters. Don’t just list your school’s values; bring them to life!
Instead of a generic “Our School’s Mission,” talk about how you create a community where pupils feel supported, safe, and ready to learn. Maybe highlight your school’s approach to mental health, after-school clubs, or your commitment to personal growth alongside academics.
3. Share real experiences
One of the most effective ways to connect with prospective parents is through testimonials and sharing experiences. Sure, it’s easy to say, “We’re the best,” but when a parent hears from another parent or a pupil about their own experience, it resonates more.
Instead of a generic quote like “Great school, would recommend,” get specific. A quote like “The after-school drama club helped my daughter come out of her shell—she now feels more confident than ever!” makes a huge difference. It shows real, tangible outcomes.
4. Update your school website regularly
The content on your school website shouldn’t be a static, one-time thing. It should be a living, breathing resource that parents want to return to. Adding fresh content like school events, newsletters, and imagery keeps your site feeling current.
An easy way to do this? Integrate your social media feeds! Whether it’s Instagram photos from a recent school disco or Facebook updates, showing the latest school activities adds a personal touch. Plus, it gives parents a sense of what’s happening at school in real-time.
5. Don’t forget about mobile
Let’s face it: parents are busy! Many will be checking your website on their phones, so it’s essential that your site is mobile-friendly. If it’s not, you’re already behind the curve.
Take a moment to test how your website looks and works on mobile devices. Is everything easy to read and navigate? Are buttons large enough to tap easily? If not, it might be time to update your school website..png?width=1800&height=1200&name=Mobile%20friendly%20(Itchen%20Abbas%20Primary).png)
6. Answer questions online
If you don’t already have an FAQ section, now’s the time to add one. Parents love getting quick answers to their questions without having to send an email or make a phone call, and it could reduce calls to the school office.
Let’s take your website from good to great
If you’re ready to make your school’s website stand out for all the right reasons, Juniper’s expert web team is here to help!
Join over 7,500 schools and 300 trusts that have partnered with us to create beautiful, engaging websites that parents love. Whether you’re looking to refresh your current site, need a brand-new design, or want to launch a trust-wide project, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch with our education web specialists today and let’s make your school or trust shine online like never before.
And if you’ve found the ideas in this blog helpful, there’s plenty more where that came from!
Download our free Headteacher’s Guide to a School Website Parents Will Love for more simple, budget-friendly changes that make a big impact.
