Reviews for Schools being removed

Google have announced the removal of all reviews and ratings from school listings on Google on 25th April 2025, this will include all Schools in the UK but also Worldwide.

This significant change was welcomed by the education sector who have been calling for this change since 2019. The reviews and ratings can be misleading, hurtful, out of date and can create unreal perceptions of a School and their achievements.

Many Schools in the UK are facing abuse by parents, and a National crisis in recruitment so it is important to maintain the integrity of a Schools as they navigate these challenges. Often under performing Schools can be turned around with new management, but the reviews will not reflect these changes.

I work on many School websites and continue to advise Schools about their online marketing strategies by communicating with parents and partners in the most effective and transparent way.

This change highlights that reviews can often be subjective, misleading, be a result of a personal situation and just out of date yet sit there for many years. Negative reviews can have a detrimental affect on the students and how they feel about their School and their Teachers.

A positive approach to Schools online marketing

Schools continue to evolve over time to meet the changing needs of their students and the external world around them. There must be a positive mindset that is encouraging, supportive, challenging and forward thinking.

Schools should still be gathering parent feedback internally so they can learn and address issues that impact students growth and welfare, but this means that the Google reviews that were used for SEO purposes requires a different local SEO approach.

SEO for Schools going forward

Gaining reviews improves your standing with Google and elevates your Search position, so SEO for Schools now will needs to focus on other areas to gain Search Engine favour. Local SEO optimisation techniques:

1. Testimonials and feedback can be added directly to the website, have a testimonials page with up to date testimonials that are relevant and constructive.
2. Mention your geographic location in posts, articles, written content so the area gets picked up in Google search crawls.
3. Ensure all your local events are on the websites, everything you do that is local that is displayed on the site is not only interesting for new parents, but good for Search results.
4. Adding relevant local keywords throughout the website in an authentic way i.e your town, village
5. You Schools full contact details could be displayed in the footer so they are picked up on every page or add them to pages in our website
6. Add the School details to online directories.

Delegate someone to manage Social Media

Having someone in the School responsible for creating posts will create consistency and having someone who knows what to post and when. Regularly posting School updates, announcements and success stories brings parents into the conversation and lets them know that the School is not only doing great things but is taking the time to share them.

When you manage your social media in the right way it can change perceptions, appease disgruntled parents, change mindsets even. If someone has has a bad experience but can see all the things the School is doing to rectify issues and encourage students, it can bring them round.

Social media can also be a platform to engage and encourage parents to share their wisdom and stories with others.

Facebook also has a reviews sections, so parents can add their feedback and feel part of a community.

Video testimonials

Students can be encouraged to give feedback on what they like about the School, feedback on events and trips, video is a great way to gain and share testimonials.

Create Infographics on feedback

Infographics is a good tool to highlight student and parent feedback. Sending out surveys then using the data to create pretty graphics of the numbers.

Student Case Studies

I recommend having a few case studies on the website to showcase various students in each year and the projects they are working on. This is a great way to showcase innovation and how forward thinking the School is and diverse.

Google Business Profile

Although the reviews have been removed, the Google business profile has not, so keep this information up to date and add images that will not date.

Directories

Look for directories that you can add your School to, these directories give your School additional SEO exposure and can reach prospective parents.

Local Community events

Although a School is not a business, it can be beneficial for Schools to engage with local businesses, attend local events and build relationships with people in the local community. This also shows students about the importance of supporting the local community and becoming and island.

Schools have facilities that others desire, such as pools, playing fields, indoor courts that can be hired out for events that can be advertised offering publicity to the School.

I have worked with Charities that have had their local events in School grounds, when advertising the events we advertise the School.

Summary – Local SEO for Schools

The removal of Google reviews on the 25th April does appear to be a good thing for Schools, but reviews can still be gained on Facebook and parent and student feedback should still be encouraged and published on the website.

There are lots of things a School can do to create positive perceptions, engaging with parents and students online by using social media is a good way to showcase the Schools achievements and encourages students to feel proud of the School they attend.

Local SEO techniques such as engaging with the community, hosting events, using video testimonials and using local keywords and phrases that boosts Search Engine success.

Teachers are stretched for time, but I recommend having someone delegated to consistent and regular social media posts so parents know what is going on in their child’s school, it is transparent and parents will appreciate this communication.

If your School wants to be more proactive and implement some of these techniques, then please contact us for a free consultation.