5 things to look out for in the 2024-25 academic year
The arrival of the new academic year brings with it lots of new opportunities for marketing to schools and teachers. But how can you make sure your campaigns reflect the current priorities in the education sector?
We’ve pulled out 5 things you should look out for in the new school year to help with your campaign planning. Let’s take a look.
1. New education plans in action
The government’s new education plans are taking shape, with Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, having started to action the changes proposed in Labour’s manifesto. Below are some of the key education plans we recommend keeping track of this year, as you may want to tailor your marketing content around them:
A broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum – The government aims to develop a curriculum that effectively prepares all young people for work and life, equipping them with strong foundations in reading, writing and maths whilst also providing them with opportunities to develop their creative, digital, speaking and listening skills.
New high-quality teachers and training opportunities – The government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers is now in motion. What’s more, the Early Career Framework is set to be updated, and a new Teacher Training Entitlement will be introduced to ensure teachers have access to better support and continuing professional development opportunities.
EYFS and further education improvements – The government has pledged to fund evidence-based early-language interventions in primary schools and improve maths teaching in nurseries and primary schools too. They have also pledged to support 18- to 21-year-olds with guaranteed training, an apprenticeship, or support in finding work.
Tackling barriers to education – The government aims to ensure every child has access to opportunity and the support needed to achieve their best outcomes. To achieve this, they plan to improve the SEND provision in schools; offer free breakfast clubs to support learners, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds; and provide mental health specialists in every school. These are just some of the many proposed changes, and you can find more information on the government’s plans for education here.
2. Continued teacher recruitment challenges
Despite the government’s plans to recruit 6,500 new teachers, we expect to see schools continue to struggle with staff shortages, with many teachers covering multiple roles e.g. maths and PE teacher, to manage the impact.
In light of these challenges, we expect to see a greater take up of educational resources and materials that support independent learning and reduce the dependency on teachers delivering the curriculum.
3. The introduction of new education technologies
The role of technology in the education space is rapidly evolving. The arrival of new AI tools such as Chat GPT, plus the integration of virtual reality, augmented reality technology, and intuitive devices such as AV1 robots, bring with them new opportunities for the education sector.
To illustrate the use of these technologies, Chat GPT and other similar generative AI tools may prove advantageous for reducing teachers’ workloads, helping staff to quickly create lesson content, assembly plans and other resources, and free up time for other important tasks.
Augmented reality technology offers the potential to make learning more interactive and immersive, allowing learners to project images, avatars and content onto their classroom environments.
AV1 robots are currently being explored in schools as solutions to high absence rates due to illness and injury. Through these robots, children are able to attend school and interact in class without physically being present. In fact, Ladybridge High School in Bolton, one of the schools we supported through our Buzz Does strategy, is currently exploring the use of AV1 robots to support absent pupils.
We expect to see these technologies become more commonplace in schools over the next few years, and with continued exploration and integration in the 2024-25 academic year. If you’re in this sector, make sure your marketing to schools and teachers emphasises the benefits of your products. And remember to include high-resolution images to show teachers how your technology works.
4. Increased focus on mental wellbeing
Student and staff mental wellbeing is a key focus in education right now, with the government committing to ensuring all schools have access to specialist mental health professionals.
In the King’s Speech last month, a Children’s Wellbeing Bill was announced which will be debated by Parliament over the coming months. The bill will act to protect children’s health and wellbeing, and introduce changes to make sure all learners are safe, happy and healthy, and treated fairly, regardless of their background.
Schools will be more receptive than ever to investing in wellbeing products and services to help improve their mental health provision.
If you’re in the mental health sector, make sure to let schools know how your services can support their school community and help them deliver a whole school approach to mental health.
5. Continued demand for free, value-added resources
From recruitment struggles to the cost-of-living crisis, there are a number of challenges facing the education sector right now that we predict will continue in the 2024-25 academic year. As a result of this, we expect to see schools continuing to be selective about the products and services they invest in.
To increase your brand awareness, build trust, and make your offering too good to ignore, include free resources or learning materials in your marketing to schools and teachers.
In the world of marketing, these free resources or assets are known as lead magnets and they’re an effective tool for growing your network of schools. Teachers will get a valuable resource, and you’ll get their email address when they sign up for your resource – a win-win.
What next?
Now you know the 5 top things to look out for in the new academic year, it’s time to get planning your marketing to schools and teachers!
If you need any support with creating your campaign content or developing a tailored marketing strategy, email us at info@buzz-education.com or give us a call on 01257 460036.
Top Tip: Remember to bookmark our resources page to get the latest education news and insights.