The short answer
Many schools refresh their promotional video every few years, or sooner after a big change. New leadership, buildings or uniform are all good reasons. Families notice when a film looks dated.
Signs your film is out of date
- New leadership. A new head teacher often brings a new direction.
- Changes to the site. New buildings, classrooms or outdoor areas.
- A new uniform or logo. Families notice old uniforms straight away.
- A new approach. Changes to your curriculum or ethos.
- Old technology. Footage that looks soft or dated on modern screens.
- Staff who have left. Familiar faces who no longer work at the school.
- Pupils who have moved on. Children who have left, or whose consent has changed.
- Out-of-date details. Old class names, clubs or awards shown on screen.
Why it matters
Families often watch your film before anything else. If it looks dated, they may assume the school is too.
A current film shows the school as it is today. That builds trust when families visit and see the same thing.
It also keeps your website fresh. A new film gives you a reason to share it again on social media and in newsletters. Each refresh is also a chance to show what has improved.
It matters for inspection, too. Inspectors often look at your website before a visit. So an old film can give the wrong impression.
Staff and pupils notice too. A current film tells them the school is proud of where it is now.
Check it once a year
A quick yearly review keeps you ahead of the problem. So watch the film each summer, with the sound on, as a new parent would.
Make a short list of anything that has changed. Then check your consent records still cover every pupil who appears.
If a child needs removing, I can re-edit the film without starting again. My guide to keeping your school film current and safe covers this in more detail.
It also helps to ask a newer member of staff for their view. They will notice changes that long-serving staff may no longer see.
Keep a simple record
Note when the film was made, and what it shows. Include the main areas, staff and year groups that appear.
Then add any changes as they happen through the year. When the time comes, you know exactly what needs updating.
Also keep a note of where the film is used. Once a new film is ready, you can then replace the old one everywhere.
A simple shared document is enough. It takes a few minutes each term, and saves time later.
Refresh without starting again
You do not always need a whole new film. Subject videos can be added to each year, as your curriculum grows.
Short clips can update a section of your website without replacing the main film. Event and residential films add new content too.
When the main film does need replacing, keep what worked. The production meeting can build on the last film's strengths. So each new film is better than the last, rather than simply different.
It may also be the right time to try a different style. My guide to prospectus or promotional videos compares the two.
Screen photos from a new film can also refresh your prospectus and website at the same time.
Plan the timing
Think about when families look hardest. For many schools, that is before open evenings in the autumn.
Filming in spring or summer gives plenty of time before then. Your videos are delivered within 10 working days of filming.
Finally, plan the budget ahead. A refresh every few years is easier to manage when it is expected. Governors also find it easier to agree a plan than a surprise. My guide to planning a school video before the budget year ends may help.
Also avoid the busiest weeks, such as assessments and the run-up to Christmas. Staff then have time to help plan the day.
Then give yourself time to share the new film properly. The school film launch checklist covers the first week.
Questions schools ask
How long does a school promotional video last?
There is no fixed rule. Many schools refresh after a few years, or sooner after a big change.
Can you update just part of our film?
Often, yes. New clips or subject videos can be added without replacing the main film. Ask at your consultation.
How much does a new promotional video cost?
Promotional videos are priced for a full day of filming, with a half day option too. The current starting prices are on my <a href="/prices/">prices page</a>.
Can you remove a pupil who has left from our current film?
Yes. I can re-edit the film if a child needs removing, so you can keep using it.
What is the best time of year to film a refresh?
Spring or summer suits most schools. The new film is then ready well before autumn open evenings.
Is your school film still showing the school you are today? Talk to me about a refresh.
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