The long sunny nights are drawing in, the autumnal decorations are shooting up everywhere and the familiar buzz of playgrounds is back in the air – because the kids are back to school!! writes Sarah-Louise Elton.
For many, this time of year is a mix of emotions, excitement for new beginnings, a tinge of sadness as carefree days fade and a burst of energy as routines resume.
While I am going to miss my 6-week-old shadow, as somebody who is lucky enough to work on several school accounts at Penguin PR, it’s time for me to get cracking on sharing all the wonderful stories from these educational institutions.
Through my experience of working on these accounts, I have had the opportunity to see the inner workings behind the scenes and developed a deep appreciation for the immense effort that goes into creating the perfect environment for students.
While back in my school days, teachers and staff may have sometimes felt like the enemy, I’ve come to truly admire their commitment to shaping young minds. I now see how much effort they put into not just teaching, but guiding and supporting students as they grow. Their dedication to moulding the next generation is something I appreciate so much more now.
Whether it’s the tireless work of teachers preparing lessons, the strategic planning by administrators to support diverse needs, or the countless hours spent by support staff to maintain a welcoming and safe atmosphere, the commitment to excellence is evident in every corner of the school.
This is what makes my job so special—it’s up to me to spread the word and ensure that everyone hears about these remarkable efforts.
Viewing these stories through the eyes of a parent makes them feel even more relatable and meaningful. Each time I share an amazing story about a student, I’m like a proud parent on the sidelines cheering them and their family on.
I recently attended GCSE results day at The Bemrose School – which is something we do for many of our schools – and I was so happy to see two of my photos on the front cover of the Derby Telegraph.
My goal with these images was to capture the real emotions of the day. While there are plenty of shots of parents proudly hugging their kids— them often trying to look nonchalant—I wanted to focus on the genuine feelings students experience when they get their results. It’s a day we can all remember in our own way.
By focusing on this authentic moment, I aimed to highlight not just the excitement and relief of students, but also the sense of achievement and joy that comes when their hard work pays off. It’s these genuine reactions that tell the true story of GCSE results day—the mix of nervous anticipation and overwhelming pride.
Capturing these emotions helps to celebrate each student’s journey and the milestones they reach along the way. After all, these personal stories are what really connect with us and show how important these achievements are in the bigger picture of their education.
Here at Penguin PR, we are all extremely proud parents and our little offsprings are very often the topic of discussion in the office. But this personal experience is what makes us so effective at representing numerous schools, because we understand first hand the pride of being a parent and know exactly what they want to see from an educational institution.
By sharing stories that resonate with families, we help schools highlight their values, goals, and unique offerings. Good PR doesn’t just broadcast information, it also creates a narrative that connects emotionally with parents, making them feel more connected and invested in their child’s school experience.
Ultimately, PR helps schools maintain a positive image, address concerns, communicate with their target audience and establish their expertise.
As we embark on this new school year, it’s important to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements and hard work taking place in our schools.
Here’s to a year filled with inspiring moments, continued success and many more stories to share!
This blog was written by Sarah-Louise Elton and shared by Penguin PR. Would you like to talk to us about whether we can write blogs for your business? Get in touch at hello@penguinpr.co.uk