Struggling to get new enrollments? We understand you — it’s not easy. Year after year, many schools face the same challenge: attracting families’ attention and turning that interest into enrolments. With so many options available, increasing enrollments is a real challenge, but there are strategies that work.

That’s why today we’re sharing 5 effective strategies you can start applying right away. Discover them 😉

And if you’re interested in optimising more processes in your school, we recommend these posts about the school admissions officer or the potential student life cycle.

Why is it important to increase enrollments in the school?

AIncreasing enrolments has a direct impact on the school’s stability, not only economically but also in terms of reputation and the ability to attract teaching talent. Here’s a summary:

• Greater financial sustainability: it allows the school to secure the necessary resources to maintain and even expand the educational offer it provides.
• Improved reputation: if a school is in demand, this builds trust and strengthens its positioning — both among current families and those who may join in the future.
• Attraction of teaching talent: a school with a good reputation is more likely to attract qualified teachers and staff.

All of this helps the school build an appealing educational project for students and families — one that is also sustainable over time.

First strategy to increase enrollments: connect with families from the very first contact

The first contact with prospective families is key. From the moment a family reaches out (whether via a website form, a phone call, or a visit), a process begins in which every interaction you have with them counts toward the final enrolment.

That’s why it’s important to understand the journey from first contact to final enrolment. What stages does a family go through, and what helps them move forward at each one?

💡 Tip: Use a CRM system to help you manage all your opportunities in an organised, simple way. With Additio App’s CRM, you can record each opportunity that comes in, and with a simple drag-and-drop system, move it across the different stages — all fully customisable!

Clearly communicate the school’s value proposition

Are you clear about what makes your school different from the rest? And if you’re clear, are the families and students also clear on that? Why should a family choose your school? Answering these questions is the first step. The second: communicating it well.

Make the most of your website, social media, and in-person events (like education fairs or open house days) to express who you are. Show your day-to-day activities, let your teachers and students do the talking, and build an authentic story that resonates with families.

💡 Tip: Having a strong digital presence is essential nowadays. And we’re not just talking about your website — social media matters too. If you need help creating a website that connects with families, check out our website and online store builder.

Keep families connected

In the process of gaining new enrolments, families often lose interest due to a lack of communication — or because communication is impersonal or irrelevant. Email remains one of the most effective channels when used properly.

It’s not about overwhelming families with tons of information, but about sharing valuable content that builds their trust.

💡 Tip: Segment your database of prospective families (by educational stage, level of interest, etc.) and provide value: from school news to event invitations, to real stories from students and families. With Additio App’s email marketing tool, it’s easier than ever to build a strong email strategy that moves families along every phase of the funnel until they enrol.

Automate the enrolment process

Imagine you receive great news: the family who was interested in enrolling their three children has finally made up their mind! After seeing the school’s great value proposition, attending the open day, and receiving an email campaign about next year’s extracurriculars, they’ve decided your school is the best fit.

Now what?

Don’t let the family get frustrated at this point with a slow or confusing process. Digitalising and automating this step can make all the difference. To increase enrolments, make sure your enrolment process is simple and intuitive.

💡 Tip: With Additio App’s enrollment module, you can manage online applications, collect all required documentation, and reduce admin work — all from a single platform with no need for external tools.

Last strategy to increase enrollments: turn current students and families into your best ambassadors

Your most powerful advocates are the families who are already happy with your school. If they feel supported, listened to, and valued, they’re much more likely to recommend you to others. There’s nothing like word of mouth to build your reputation!

💡 Tip: Make sure you keep communication clear, regular, and personalised throughout the year. Make families feel part of their children’s learning journey. Tools like Additio App’s communication module let you send direct messages, key information, or even progress reports — all from a single app.

A holistic approach, with a human focus

In short, increasing enrollments isn’t something you achieve with one-off actions. It’s about creating a consistent experience from first contact through to final decision. Combining clear communication, a strong value proposition, and tools to help you work more efficiently can be a game-changer.

What strategies do you use to increase enrollments in your school? We’d love to hear them!

If you want to discover how Additio App can support you throughout the entire process, request a free demo — we’ll help you get more enrolments 😊