St Edmund’s College & Prep School, Ware, is pleased to announce that its Admissions and Marketing team has been shortlisted at the 2024 AMCIS (Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools) IMPACT Awards for the execution of the school’s taster event for prospective students.
The magical Harry Potter themed taster day cast a spell over AMCIS judges, earning the team a spot on the shortlist in the ‘Small Budget’ category. Attending students received a stand-out experience at the taster day. From receiving wax-sealed tickets to board the ‘St Edmund’s Express’, to being sorted into houses by the mystical ‘sorting hat’, the day had lots of creative elements that garnered high praise from attendees.
Students were also able to cast ‘spells’ with the college’s Latin teacher, and undertake Harry Potter themed sports lessons with the school’s Sports Director, which included Quidditch. Students also had the chance to star in a West End style Harry Potter production led by a specialist Drama teacher.
Jeanette Ariano, Director of External Relations at St Edmund’s College & Prep School, said: “Whilst our school’s website, prospectuses, advertisements, and open days all give an overarching flavour of the school’s ethos, taster days provide prospective students with a consolidated amount of time on site and the chance to engage with staff and take part in classroom-based activities. They are an opportunity to provide a stand-out experience that sets St Edmund’s apart from other schools.”
“Historically, our taster days have been un-themed with students participating in normal lessons. Whilst this obviously gives students the chance to get a feel for a ‘typical’ school day, the team wanted to create an immersive, exciting experience, which prospective students would remember. We were delighted with the outcome and that our work has been recognised by a national award scheme. We look forward to the awards ceremony in May.”
The AMCIS IMPACT Awards recognise excellence in admissions, marketing and communications initiatives that make a positive impact on a school and its community. Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony on 13 May at De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Cirencester.
Set in over 400 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, and with a rich history dating back to 1598, St Edmund’s College & Prep School is a leading independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3-18 years – and the oldest Catholic school in England.