A school website is often the first place parents, students, and staff go for information, so it needs to be clear, professional, and easy to use. A well-designed site makes a strong first impression, showing the school’s values and creating trust with prospective families.
In this article, we’ll share 5 tips to help you create a school website that truly stands out.
1. Prioritise Easy Navigation
A clear and simple menu makes a big difference to how people use your website. If people can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave frustrated, which can give the wrong impression of the school.
Quick links to term dates, policies, and contact details should always be easy to find, as these are some of the most searched-for pages. Grouping information logically also helps visitors get where they need to go without unnecessary clicks.
Don’t forget mobile users, as many parents will check the site on their phone while on the go. A responsive design with touch-friendly menus ensures the website is just as easy to use on a small screen as it is on a computer.
2. Make the Website Ofsted Compliant
Every UK school website must meet Ofsted and Department for Education (DfE) requirements, so it’s important to keep statutory information easy to find.
Key details like policies, governance information, and the school curriculum should be clearly displayed and kept up to date. Having these in one place not only helps inspectors but also makes life easier for parents looking for important documents.
To stay on top of this, many schools use an Ofsted checklist or resource to make sure nothing is missed. A quick review of the list a few times a year can save stress later and ensure the website is always compliant.
3. Ensure Mobile-Friendly and Responsive Design
Most parents now view school websites on their smartphones, so mobile optimisation is essential. If a site doesn’t work well on a phone, key information can be hard to find, and the user experience quickly suffers.
A responsive design allows the website to adapt to any screen size, whether it’s a mobile, tablet, or desktop. Menus, images, and text should adjust automatically so users don’t need to pinch, zoom, or scroll awkwardly.
Mobile-friendly design also improves accessibility. Simple layouts and easy-to-tap buttons make it easier for everyone to navigate the site, while giving a professional and welcoming first impression of your school.
4. Showcase Your School’s Identity and Values
Your website should reflect who you are as a school, so strong branding is key. Consistent use of your logo, colours, and imagery helps create a professional look while showing your ethos at a glance.
High-quality photos and videos will bring school life to the forefront. Whether it’s pupils in the classroom, sports on the field, or performances on stage, these visuals give families a real sense of your community.
Engaging content is just as important. Sharing stories, achievements, and updates not only keeps current parents involved but also appeals to prospective families who want to see what makes your school unique.
5. Keep Content Updated and Engaging
A school website should feel alive, which means keeping content fresh and up to date. Regularly adding news, newsletters, and upcoming events helps parents stay informed and shows that the school is active and well organised.
Blogs, student achievements, and social media feeds can add personality and bring the school community to life. These updates also give prospective parents a glimpse of the culture and values that make your school stand out.
Fresh content isn’t just good for visitors as it also helps with SEO. Search engines favour websites that are regularly updated, making it easier for people to find your school online.
Is Your School Website Design Up to Date?
These five elements work together to make your site easy to use, informative, and welcoming for both current and prospective families.
It’s a good idea to review your website regularly to make sure it still meets these standards. Updating content, checking design features, and ensuring compliance will keep your school’s online presence professional and effective.