Marketing Update

Getting ready for

Open Event on 30 March

I felt it was a wasted trip in some ways as I couldn’t sign up there and then as the course I wish to study won’t be ready for applications until June. There were also no dates which could be given until they organised the timetable. Why bother with the Open Event until June? The staff were very friendly and did their best to help though and it was good to see the place.

Open Events are a key part of the Marketing calendar. We welcome people who have expressed an interest in the College to attend and encourage them to apply to us.

We have seen great attendance at our open events and we are keen to keep improving the experience based on the feedback we get from those who complete our post-event questionnaire.

Here are some ways we can make events even better: • Ensure there are engaging, relevant displays in every room being used • Ensure classrooms are clear of clutter and well presented • Get students to help at the event - they are your best advocate! Students can tell your visitors how they feel about studying with you which prospective students and their parents are proven to be receptive to • Have demonstrations and examples of work available for people to see • Ensure we acknowledge people if we cannot speak to them straight away • If we cannot answer someone’s question, take them to someone who can or take their details and ensure these are passed on in a timely manner • Ensure that we have enough staff in each curriculum area to deal with demand

The lecturer discussing the course was full of information and explained things concisely and was very helpful.

It was a shame there was nobody available from XXXXXXXX to speak to [at SBSA]. It would have been useful to understand what the apprenticeship lecturer could offer but unfortunately, he was not available to speak to when we finished our tour.

The atmosphere was good and the people were friendly. The teachers were very informative and passionate about what they teach.

Marketing update

The focus of the Marketing team this term has been to advertise the new courses starting. As we know, we have under-recruited in some areas in the past and it is critical we fill the remaining courses we have on offer. We are working closely with the Admissions Team to ensure enquiries are dealt with.

Website makeover

The website is getting a makeover! It is long overdue and we hope you will agree that it makes it easier for potential students to find what they are looking for. This is phase one and we will be developing further areas of the site over the next few months.

Changes to how we interview students

Our School Liaison Officer and Admissions Team are working together to trial a new approach to student interviews and course meetings, initially for school leavers.

We know we are one of the only colleges in the area who do not interview in schools, and we sometimes make the process harder for potential students. We will initially be focussing on applicants who have missed an appointment and endeavour to interview them in their school.

The team will be working with curriculum staff to ensure they have the information needed to offer a guaranteed place with us, which is then confirmed when they have their GCSE results.

We are also going to hold a major interview event where we can hold applicant interviews and also have a meet and greet team, support services, refreshments and an exciting atmosphere. More details will follow on this shortly.