Explore every episode of the podcast The School Marketing & Enrollment Podcast

Simon talks with John Williamson, Global Lead at E3n (formerly EMA), the organization behind the Enroll26 conference. John clarifies the EMA-to-E3En rebrand, shares his journey from boarding school enrollment dean to global recruitment leader, and explains what it's like to support 2,100 member schools worldwide, from visa logistics to understanding shifting international student trends.

Guest Links:

• E3n website: www.e3n.org
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-williamson-b679b814/

Recorded live at Enroll26, Simon catches up with the UBIQ team to talk about what makes UBIQ's approach to school websites fundamentally different. The conversation covers UBIQ's legendary conference rooftop party (and why the best professional relationships are built over a drink), how school websites have evolved from 2016 to 2026, and why personalization is the key to meeting prospective families where they are.

UBIQ X Live USA: https://www.ubiqeducation.com/ubiq-x-live

Simon sits down with Brendan Schneider of SchneiderB Media to discuss the state of private school enrollment in 2026. Brendan shares his perspective on why private schools are a "luxury product" competing against "good enough" public schools, how AI is being used (and underused) in school marketing, and the practical advice he wishes he'd followed earlier in his career about making conference learning actually stick.

Guest Links:

• Website: www.schneiderb.com
• Free newsletter: www.schoolmarketinginsider.com
• Book: School Marketing the Right Way (available on Amazon, also as an audiobook)

In this episode, Joe Monzo shares his expertise on video marketing for independent schools, emphasizing strategic content creation, authentic storytelling, and the impact of AI on video production. Discover practical tips for improving video quality, leveraging AI tools, and engaging prospective families effectively.

Key topics:

• Video marketing strategy for schools
• Authentic storytelling in videos
• Using AI tools to enhance video production
• Improving video and audio quality with simple tools
• Balancing professional and user-generated content
• Understanding the enrollment funnel and content placement
• Tips for capturing quality footage with smartphones
• The role of storytelling in school branding

Links:

https://monzomediaproductions.com

joe@monzomediapro.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monzojoe/

In this episode, Scott Barron, Founder and Chief Reinvention Officer at School Growth, shares insights on transforming educational institutions through leadership, culture, and strategic reinvention. Discover how schools can adapt to societal shifts and foster trust to achieve sustainable growth.

Links:

https://www.schoolgrowth.com

Love'em And Lead'em: Inspiration and Encouragement for Educators

In this episode, Peter Baron, founder of Moonshot OS, shares insights on the evolving landscape of independent schools, the challenges they face, and innovative strategies to reimagine their business models. Discover how school leaders can adapt to shifting dynamics and embrace change to ensure sustainability and growth.

Key topics:

• The transformation of independent school business models in response to market pressures
• The impact of COVID-19 on school operations, enrollment, and staffing
• Challenges around hiring, retention, and rising costs in the U.S. education sector
• The significance of marketing and enrollment management in a competitive environment
• Strategies for school leaders to develop business fluency and entrepreneurial thinking
• The importance of evaluating and sunsetting outdated programs for sustainability
• Future leadership skills needed in the next decade for school CEOs
• The origins and meaning behind the name Moonshot OS
• Practical steps schools can take to innovate and sustain their missions

Links:

https://www.moonshotos.com

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

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

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.

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 involvement
• How schools personalize communication using technology
• Strategies for building trust and rapport with prospective families
• Jeff’s insights on the impact of campus visits and tour experiences
• The role of social media and AI in school branding in 2026
• Key considerations for parents and students exploring boarding school options
• Jeff’s podcast journey and his mission to promote hidden gem schools

Links:

https://quebec-consulting.com

https://whyboardingschool.com/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.

• What “great customer service” looks like in a school marketing & enrollment context
• Three common ways schools unintentionally lose trust with families
• Three practical fixes you can try this week to improve the family experience
• What to expect from future episodes (spoiler: it won’t just be Simon)