How to Get More Parents to Attend Your School Open Day
If you’re looking to increase school open day attendance, a proactive marketing strategy is essential.
Start Promoting Early
Many schools underestimate how far in advance parents begin researching educational options.
Ideally, promotion should start six to eight weeks before the event. This gives families enough time to plan their visit and register.
Promotional channels should include:
- School website
- Email newsletters
- Social media
- Parent networks
- Local community groups
Early promotion can significantly improve registration numbers.
Create a Dedicated Event Page
Your open day deserves its own page on your website.
Include:
- Date and time
- Registration details
- Directions and parking information
- Event schedule
- Contact details
A clear landing page makes it easier for parents to find information and book their place.
Use Social Media to Build Interest
Social media provides an excellent opportunity to showcase daily school life.
Consider sharing:
- Student achievements
- Teacher introductions
- Classroom activities
- School facilities
- Countdown posts
Video content often performs particularly well and helps families gain a genuine insight into your school.
Encourage Parent Referrals
Current parents can be powerful advocates.
Encourage families to share open day information with friends, colleagues, and local community groups. Word-of-mouth recommendations remain one of the most trusted sources of information for prospective parents.
Send Reminder Communications
Even registered families may forget about an upcoming event.
Send reminders:
- One week before
- Three days before
- One day before
These messages can improve attendance rates and reduce no-shows.
Increase Online Visibility
Many parents actively search online for local school open days.
To maximise visibility, ensure your event appears across multiple channels. Listing your open day on SchoolOpenDays.co.uk can help your school reach families who are specifically searching for admissions events and school visits in their area.
