The AMCIS Podcast

In this episode we explore the evolving landscape of school marketing in 2026, highlighting how authenticity, digital innovation, and community are reshaping how schools attract and engage families. Our guests, Mike Longfellow from Iff Digital and Melanie Burke from Ryde School, share insights, practical tips, and future trends. Key topics: The shift towards authentic and "back to basics" marketin...

In this episode, we dive into the world of independent education with insights from Victoria Deadman Gatt (Royal Russell School) and Dominic Kalantary (OpenApply by Faria). We explore the tools and strategies that schools can use to enhance their admissions processes and build stronger relationships with prospective families. Victoria's LinkedIn Dominic's LinkedIn

Recorded live at the AMCIS Annual Conference on Monday, 11th May 2026, host Simon caught up with delegates, speakers, and exhibitors throughout the day. AMCIS is the Association for Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools.

In this episode, James and Taz share insights on digital and organic marketing strategies in schools, including how to measure ROI, create viral content, and foster authentic community engagement. Contact details james.busson@ackworthschool.com

Simon engages in discussion with Katherine Bluck, Katie Henderson, and Sophie Lodge about the current state of independent prep schools in the UK. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, particularly in light of recent changes in parental expectations and market dynamics. Katherine emphasises the need for schools to differentiate themselves and invest in mar...

In this episode Simon interviews Jo Beckett, a qualified executive coach and psychologist, about her experiences and insights in coaching and development. They discuss the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, managing stress, and the role of physiology in emotional intelligence. Jo shares her journey from senior leadership in media to coaching, emphasising the transformational impact of co...

In this episode, Simon At Bonjour speaks with Emily Richards and Flynn Le Brocq about the challenges and strategies in independent school marketing and admissions. They discuss the importance of standing out in a competitive landscape, the role of first impressions, and how to engage staff in marketing efforts. The conversation also covers the significance of word of mouth among parents, the evolv...

Summary In this episode, Oliver talks about moving from the employee owned sector to AMCIS, sharing insights into the independent schools sector’s distinctive community and opportunities. He emphasises the importance of innovation, collaboration, and understanding members’ needs, whilst outlining AMCIS’s future direction and the role of digital transformation in strengthening community engagement....

Summary In this episode, AMCIS podcast host Simon Jones discuss The Confidence Index, which gauges the confidence of marketing and admissions staff in independent schools, with Emily Hargest and Victoria Deadman Gatt. They explore the challenges faced by these professionals, including budget cuts, staff turnover, and the importance of having the right fit in recruitment. The conversation emphasise...

Summary In this special episode of the AMCIS Podcast, recorded live from the AMCIS Annual Conference, Simon from the Bonjour Agency takes listeners behind the scenes of the independent schools sector’s leading event for admissions, marketing, and communications professionals. We speak with a wide range of delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and school leaders, capturing the energy, ideas, and challen...

In this conversation, AMCIS podcast host Simon Jones interviews Katharina Roelofsz about the merger between Headington School and Rye St Anthony to form Headington Rye Oxford. Katharina was Director of Marketing & Admissions during the merger and is now joining Radley College for her next challenge. Simon also speaks with Head Nick Hewlett from the St. Dunstan's Education Group about their mer...

In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Amy Lindley and Helen Lewis-McPhee about their experiences in marketing and admissions within independent schools. They discuss the structure of their marketing departments, the challenges of working with limited budgets, and the importance of collaboration between teams. The conversation also touches on measuring ROI, the need for creativity and innov...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Scott Delleville, Gwen Byrom, and Emma Hart about the evolving landscape of education, particularly in admissions and marketing for international schools. They discuss innovative approaches to recruitment, the importance of family engagement, and the role of technology in enhancing the educational experience. The guests share personal...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones engages with Laura, Jo, and Hina from three different independent schools to discuss the changing landscape of school open days and parental expectations. They explore how schools are adapting their recruitment strategies, enhancing open day experiences, and utilising digital tools to engage with prospective families, especially in the context of internati...

Summary Philip Britton MBE, Head of Foundation at Bolton School and HMC's Chair Elect, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing independent schools as we begin the new school year. He highlights the importance of understanding your school's strategic direction and communicating clear messages to current and prospective parents. Britton also emphasises the need for a crisis response commun...

Summary In this conversation, Martin Broadhurst discusses the use of AI in various fields, particularly in marketing and education. He highlights the benefits of AI in improving productivity and creativity, such as generating meeting notes and brainstorming ideas. Martin also addresses concerns about job security and the need for AI literacy and policy. He mentions the impact of AI on visual conte...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Katharina Roelofsz and Anna Stevenson, who work in marketing and admissions at Headington School and Norwich School, respectively. They discuss their experiences at the AMCIS conference and share their key takeaways. They also talk about the importance of personalisation in marketing, the role of outside expertise, and the challenges of managin...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools. In this episode we're at the AMCIS conference 2024. Links www.amcis.co.uk www.thebonjouragency.com

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools. In this episode we are speaking to Sarah Cunnane, Head of Media & Communications at the Independent Schools Council. Links www.amcis.co.uk www.thebonj...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools. In this episode we are speaking to Tom Rogerson, Head of Cottesmore School. Links www.amcis.co.uk www.thebonjouragency.com

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, I’m Simon Jones and in this episode it’s a little bit different because I’m coming to you live from the AMCIS Admissions Conference in central London on a...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, I’m Simon Jones and in this episode we’re celebrating Black History Month with three fantastic guests. Sabrina Moutarde is the Head of Marketing at St Jam...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, I’m Simon Jones and in this episode we have two guests both coming to us from Eltham College. Now, earlier this year AMCIS ran the IMPACT awards (you’ll p...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, I’m Simon Jones and in this episode we hear from Lindsey Hughes, Headmistress at Channing School. Lindsey delivered the keynote speech at the AMCIS annual...

Welcome back to The AMCIS Podcast, brought to you by The Bonjour Agency. This is the podcast where we speak to people in the independent school sector. AMCIS is the association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, I’m Simon Jones and in this episode I’m at the Annual Conference at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park in Cirencester. I’m going to speak to a number of peop...