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Windsor Forest Colleges Group

 

We started working with the Windsor Forest Colleges Group in 2017 following the merger between East Berkshire College (Langley and Windsor Colleges) and Strode’s College earlier that year. We were asked to undertake a strategic review of marketing and the curriculum post-merger.

The group executive was very aware of the need to consolidate the new brand quickly – to maintain and grow student numbers, and establish a robust position in the market. Following the review, the group retained our services to develop and implement a marketing strategy with a clear mandate to focus entirely on student recruitment.

This has resulted in strong growth in applications and an improving local profile. We are still retained by the group and have adapted the strategy to handle the immediate impact of Covid-19 which has required a fast and creative response.

Our work has included:

  • A new marketing strategy aligned to the strategic plan with clear KPIs and recruitment targets

  • Accountability for the success of the strategy which has been presented to and ratified by the governors

  • A new visual identity to assert the positioning of the new brand for the sixth form offer and the technical vocal offer

  • A new digital strategy to increase exposure and lead a clear funnel from enquiry to application to enrolment

  • A rejuvenation of the schools’ liaison strategy to build robust relationships with core feeder schools

  • A review of the application/admissions process to ensure seamless integrations

  • A refresh of the website and transition from legacy sites to merged site and improved content and navigation

  • A strategic Covid communications strategy that stabilised enrolments and built an assertive profile in the community

  • Improved relationships with curriculum to develop a strong stream of content for social media and news items

  • A series of online events including live Q&As and presentations

  • Updated video library and increased use of video content and animated explainers

  • Improved promotion and profiling of open days (pre-Covid)

  • Systematic reporting and evaluation of impact to executive

  • New visual identity and segmented marketing plan for HE offer

  • New visual identity and segmented marketing plan for Business and Apprenticeship offer

  • Ranked in top 50 colleges for social and brand presence (Edurank).

  • Significant growth in applications to all three colleges.