Once upon a time, a school website was a static web page, or a couple of pages that included a blurb, some images of the school and maybe some images of its students partaking in events. But nowadays, a school, college or university website can – and should be – so much more. So, what makes a school website great in 2024 and what should they do? The school website revolution has already begun…
The simple stuff - navigation
The ability to navigate a school website easily and efficiently to get the information you came for cannot be underestimated. After all, it is the user experience which determines whether a website is good or bad. If your website is confusing and leads people to dead ends, don’t expect them to hang around for long. Smooth navigation is at the heart of any good web developer’s work and remains crucial whether the website is for eCommerce or a school.
Showcase your establishment
Some things never change and a school website is still very much about showcasing your education establishment, as well as its facilities, events and student achievements. But a modern school website can achieve this in a much more engaging and powerful way – far beyond a collection of photographs.
A great school website in 2024 will demonstrate all of the above with high-quality professional images, as well as videos which could even make use of drone footage. If these types of videos are added to a homepage to make a big first impression, even better. Another innovative use of videos is to create online interviews so visitors can get to know staff and student experiences.
Online portals (for staff, parents and students!)
The functionality of all websites has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and school websites don’t need to miss out. High-quality education establishment’s websites often include online portals that can only be accessed by certain individuals, such as staff, pupils and their parents. The portal could serve as the primary platform for all parties to share essential information and documentation, such as providing crucial details for parents or for coursework submission.
The dull essential stuff - compliance
Although not as exciting, it’s certainly important that school websites in 2024 are accessible to everyone and are compliant. The compliance checklist includes a wide range of topics from admissions policies to complaints procedures and requesting documentation. Not all web developers are aware of the compliance regulations that school websites need to meet, so keep this in mind when considering your next developer.
If your school wants to up its website game in 2024, book a no-obligation consultation with a friendly WEBPRO Education web developer. We work specifically in the education industry to create website solutions based on your establishment’s needs.
