The Enterprising Schools Podcast

Ben Hope is the driver of the SEA's first ever Commercial Benchmarking survey - a hugely important piece of research which will help inform all schools about what great looks like and how they can reap the optimal rewards from their commercial activity. Ben, as Head of Research at the SEA, explains why this survey is so necessary right now, how it was created and carried out, and what it cove...

From building lego classrooms to transforming Alleyns School in London, COO at Alleyns Guy Collins-Down has spent a lifetime turning school buildings into truly inspirational multipurpose venues. He looks back at the leaders and mentors who helped him build his vision, lessons learnt along the way, and lays out how long-term thinking will always pay off. He also shares tips and advice for anyone w...

In this special episode of the Enterprising Schools' Podcast, the tables are turned and the SEA itself goes under the microscope. SEA Founder, CEO and presenter of the podcast, Dorothy McLaren, takes the hotseat and is quizzed by Chair of the SEA and Operations Director at Denstone College, Leanne Chandler. They look back at the journey the SEA has taken over the last seven years, how priorities h...

Is there a way to host commercial activities and events at schools, whilst still keeping everyone safe? What are the key considerations? How do we make sure staff, students, parents, commercial partners and guests understand and mitigate the risks? Jane Bee of Jane Bee Safeguarding is the SEA's Professional Advisor for safeguarding in England and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Luke Rams...

Is your school really making the most of its school caterers? Could they offer more than school dinners to drive non-fee revenue? In this episode we hear from Noelle Jones of Lodestone House school catering company. She shares the ways the teams behind school meals can provide opportunities for revenue growth and experiences beyond the dining hall, and how to make relationships between commer...

Are there partnerships to be made with like-minded organisations which could really help your school and the local community thrive? That's exactly what Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay has achieved. Dorothy was invited to the opening of Rydal Penrhos all weather pitch, and caught up with Maria and Tom on how they got a sporting partnership with Hockey Wales and Sport Wales off the ground, resul...

When someone steps through the door of your school shop, will they find something to persuade them to part with their hard-earned cash? Is a branded rugby ball available pitchside after matches, or a tasteful china school mug invitingly available for sale alongside the match tea? Matthew Henderson is a Trustee of the Association for Cultural Enterprises and brings years of experience working with...

Does the school shop still have a role to play in creating revenue for your school? What are the key money-spinners, and how do you stay on trend with what pupils and parents want? With years of prior experience in the commercial sector, Chief Operating Officer at Glenalmond College Robert Garnish shares advice on keeping your school shop costs down and sales up, making the most of outside provide...

Should small prep schools be trying to create commercial revenue? What are the risks and opportunities? What impact could it have on leadership teams? CEO of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Dominic Norrish discusses why it's a crucial time for smaller schools to start thinking about enterprise. Plus, he offers some ideas which could work well, and explores the kind of investment...

Is commercial enterprise an area governors should be playing a part in? What experience and outreach could they provide? How do you make the best of those relationships? Mark Taylor is Bursar at King's School Canterbury and interim Chair of the Independent Schools Council. He talks about what governors can bring to the commercial arm of your school and how to fully capitalise on their expertise. P...

How do we drive change in an organisation steeped in tradition? How do you bring together school staff and business managers to properly understand they're on a joint mission? How do you get the ear of the head in order to push forward great ideas? Dr Joe Spence is former Master of Dulwich College and now CEO of The School Partnerships Alliance. He shares his years of experience leading some of th...

How do you make money through your school all year round? How do you partner successfully with your community? Are padel courts inevitable and is it ever a good idea to host a wedding? In our first episode, Dorothy sits down with Chair of the Schools Enterprise Association and Director of Operations at Denstone College in Staffordshire, Leanne Chandler, to get answers these and many more questions...

Are you involved in generating revenue for your school? We've got all the expert advice and insider knowledge you need to make the most of every school asset and drive that non-fee income. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.