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The School Marketing & Enrollment Podcast

Simon Jones·5 episodes

EducationHow ToSelf ImprovementGuest conversationsSchool admissions20-25 minPractical adviceIndependent schoolsStandalone episodes

Welcome to The School Marketing & Enrollment Podcast, a practical, story-led show for anyone responsible for attracting, enrolling, and looking after prospective families. Hosted by Simon Jones, each episode is designed to help schools raise the customer service bar by learning from real-world experience: what great service *actually* looks like, where schools unintentionally lose trust (delay, friction, tone mismatch), and the small, repeatable actions that make families feel seen, guided, and confident from first enquiry to first day. Most episodes feature guest conversations with school practitioners and specialist providers, sharing real examples and real solutions you can apply immediately so you...

Why listen

Simon Jones turns school marketing and enrollment into practical, human service work rather than abstract branding advice. The show mixes short solo guidance with guest conversations from independent school practitioners and education specialists, focusing on the small moments that help families feel heard, guided, and confident. It is a useful listen for admissions, enrollment, marketing, and school leadership teams who want concrete ideas they can apply quickly.

Episodes

22 min
Jul 21, 2026Episode 5
Exploring School Leadership & Enrollment with Sue Cranford at Eagle Hill

Join us as Sue Cranford, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment at Eagle Hill School, shares her unique journey into education, her passion for supporting students with diverse learning profiles and how her personal experiences with her daughters shaped her professional path. We step into the nuances of school enrollment, networking within educational communities, and the heartfelt stories behind her career. In the episode: Sue's background and how her daughters' diagnoses of dyslexia influenced her career choice A detailed look at a typical day in her role as Assistant Head for Enrollment The history and significance of Eagle Hill School's founding in 1776 The impact of strong teacher-student relationships on student inspiration and confidence How the school community fosters trust and connection among parents The enrollment cycle in the US and the unique busy summer period for admissions Differences between educational consultants and agents, and how they support families Networking strategies among school professionals and the importance of authentic relationships Insights into how schools collaborate rather than compete in niche markets Personal anecdotes about her daughters’ careers and the importance of a supportive educational environment www.eaglehill.scool

24 min
Jun 13, 2026Episode 4
Hard Truths of Authentic School Leadership with Dr Howard Stribbell

In this episode Howard Stribbell shares insights from his book 'The Loneliest Seat,' exploring the emotional and practical challenges of school leadership, how to navigate loneliness, responsibility, and personal well-being in educational leadership.Get your copy today!www.amazon.com/LONELIEST-SEAT-Truths-Authentic-Leadership

24 min
May 29, 2026Episode 3
Steve Birdsall, 20 Years at a McDonogh School

In this episode, Steve Birdsall shares insights from his 20-year journey at McDonogh school, discussing enrollment strategies, personal growth, and the evolving role of technology in education. Discover how personal touches and innovative practices enhance the admissions experience.

22 min
Apr 15, 2026Episode 2
Dr Jeffrey Quebec, Education Consultant in the US and globally

Discover the ins and outs of independent boarding schools, from marketing strategies to student selection with expert Dr Jeffrey Quebec. Whether you're a school administrator, parent, or student, gain insights into building authentic relationships and making informed decisions in education.Main Topics Covered:The importance of authentic school marketing and student involvementHow schools personalize communication using technologyStrategies for building trust and rapport with prospective familiesJeff’s insights on the impact of campus visits and tour experiencesThe role of social media and AI in school branding in 2026Key considerations for parents and students exploring boarding school optionsJeff’s podcast journey and his mission to promote hidden gem schoolsLinks: https://quebec-consulting.comhttps://whyboardingschool.com/podcast/

19 min
Apr 7, 2026Episode 1
Introduction to my new podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of the School Marketing & Enrollment Podcast. In this short solo opener, Simon shares what the show is all about: raising the customer service bar in school marketing and enrollment in the US through real examples from people inside schools and practical solutions from experts who serve them.In this episode, you’ll learnWhat “great customer service” looks like in a school marketing & enrollment contextThree common ways schools unintentionally lose trust with familiesThree practical fixes you can try this week to improve the family experienceWhat to expect from future episodes (spoiler: it won’t just be Simon)