In a few short weeks, thousands of young people will be deciding what comes after their GCSEs. The question is: will they be thinking about your college, or somebody else’s?
Waiting to be found is a risky strategy
Every year, colleges invest significant time and money into open events, prospectuses, digital advertising and social media – yet many rely on prospective students simply finding them.
The colleges that consistently attract students don’t just wait for enquiries. They proactively reach local families and employers with relevant, well-planned campaigns before decisions are made.
Evidence, not guesswork
That means identifying households with teenagers within your catchment area. It means engaging local employers who can support apprenticeships, T Levels and industry placements (employer guidance at gov.uk). And it means a recruitment strategy built on evidence – the audience data behind our further education marketing strategy service (/further-education-marketing-strategy/).
Marketing isn’t about reaching everyone. It’s about reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message.
Yorkshire translation
Waiting until Results Day to start your marketing is like putting the goalposts up after kick-off. The best results come from planning before the whistle blows.
With GCSE Results Day fast approaching, now is the ideal time to make sure your recruitment campaigns are targeting the audiences that matter most. If you’d like to know how many potential students and local employers are within your catchment area, call Data Bubble on 0113 465 5555.
FAQs
How should colleges market around GCSE Results Day?
Build awareness with local families and employers in the weeks before results, so the college is already on the shortlist when decisions happen – then follow up quickly around enrolment.
What audiences matter most for college recruitment?
Households with Year 10-11 students in the catchment area, and local employers who can support apprenticeships, T Levels and industry placements.
Can colleges buy data for recruitment campaigns?
Yes – compliant household and employer data, filtered to a college’s catchment, is widely used for prospectus mailings, open event invitations and employer engagement.
