Ian Richardson
Built hundreds of website and helped countless schools realise their potential online. Ian should be called upon for straight-talking advice and to make a difference to the way you present your school through every outlet.
HomeSchool Website BlogSchool Website DesignHow to promote your Multi Academy Trust on Your Academy Websites
When an individual school is part of a multi-academy trust (MAT), stakeholders (parents, students, staff, and the wider community) need to understand the relationship and the benefits it brings.
What are the best things you can do to ensure that users who visit your academy websites are aware of the Trust and what that means for students and families? How can you effectively convey the benefits of schools being part of your trust, rather than local authority-maintained schools?
Here are our key recommendations for content that schools could include on their websites to effectively convey their association with Multi Academy Trusts.
Creating a dedicated page for the Trust on the school website is crucial. This page should serve as a comprehensive source of information about the Trust.
Consider including:
The visual integration of the Trust's logo on the school's website, especially on the homepage, is a subtle yet powerful way of signalling the association.
This could be:
Highlighting joint initiatives underscores the collaborative nature of the Trust.
This section could include:
Transparency in governance is key. Provide a clear outline of the governance structure, showing how the school's leadership fits within the broader Trust framework.
Your website should:
Real-life testimonials are a powerful tool for connection. Share testimonials from staff, students, and parents about the benefits of being part of the MAT.
Be sure to include:
Regularly update the school's news section with MAT-related news. This could include achievements of other schools within the trust, joint events, or changes in the MAT's leadership. Keeping the school community informed is essential.
Regular updates could include:
Outline the strategic goals of the Trust and how the individual school contributes to achieving these goals. Clarifying the MAT's strategic goals helps in aligning the school's objectives with those of the Trust.
This section can include:
Detail the additional resources and support that the academy receives as a result of being part of the Trust. This could include professional development for staff, additional funding, or access to specialised facilities in your schools.
This could include:
Include a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section that addresses common queries about the MAT and the school's relationship with it. This can help in clarifying any misconceptions.
Include questions like:
Provide clear contact information for the MAT's central office, so stakeholders can reach out directly with any MAT-specific queries.
Ensure that:
Ensure that any financial or governance documents related to the MAT are easily accessible, promoting transparency, accountability and trust. Being transparent builds trust.
Ensure that:
Showcase any MAT-wide events or training sessions, emphasising the collaborative nature of the trust across your schools. An events calendar promotes the MAT's communal activities.
It could include:
Fostering a sense of community within the MAT is important. Provide links to the websites of other schools within the MAT, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness.
You should include:
Allow stakeholders to provide feedback or ask questions about the school's relationship with the MAT. This can help in addressing any concerns and improving communication. Encouraging feedback is essential for improvement and engagement.
Include:
Incorporating these elements into your academy websites not only effectively communicates the benefits and values of being part of Multi Academy Trusts but also fosters a stronger, more engaged, and well-informed school community.
By highlighting the unique strengths and collaborative spirit of the MAT, academies can enhance their appeal to current and prospective stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality education and community involvement.
We understand that managing a website that accurately reflects the ethos, achievements, and aspirations of your Multi Academy Trust can be a complex task.
If you have any questions, need guidance, or are contemplating new website services for your MAT, we are here to help. Our team specializes in creating bespoke digital solutions tailored to the unique needs of educational institutions, especially Multi Academy Trusts.
Please feel free to reach out to us for an informal chat or to discuss how we can assist in elevating your online presence to better serve your community.
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Built hundreds of website and helped countless schools realise their potential online. Ian should be called upon for straight-talking advice and to make a difference to the way you present your school through every outlet.