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HOME · EDUCATION
Supporting education organisations through critical communication moments.
Schools, colleges, universities and education providers operate in an increasingly complex environment. From student recruitment and stakeholder engagement to organisational change, safeguarding issues and public scrutiny, effective communication plays a vital role in building trust and confidence.
Media First helps education organisations create, test, develop and embed communication capability. Through consultancy, training, coaching, simulations and ongoing support, we help leaders, communicators and subject matter experts communicate with greater confidence when it matters most.
COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES
Navigating complex conversations.
Education organisations face increasing scrutiny from students, parents, staff, regulators, politicians, local communities and the media.
From freedom of speech debates and student protests to organisational change, financial pressures, safeguarding issues and reputation management, institutions are expected to communicate clearly and confidently on issues that often attract strong opinions and significant public interest.
Whether you're responding to challenging questions, engaging stakeholders, explaining difficult decisions or preparing leaders and experts for greater visibility, effective communication plays a critical role in maintaining trust and confidence.
At Media First, we help education organisations develop the strategies, skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively when it matters most.
Trusted by education organisations.
Superb media training, tailored to the needs of our media strategy, and with levels and points of focus pitched perfectly to trainees of differing media experience and temperament. Nothing but positive feedback from trainees."
Pete Castle, External Communications & Public Relations Manager, University of Reading
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Media First provided an excellent day of bespoke media training for our communications team. The trainers on the day were fantastic, their experience shone through and all of the team came away with increased confidence in not only speaking to the media, but also in public speaking."
James Durrant, Press and Public Affairs Officer, UCAS
The process of organising the training for our large cohort of MBA’s was very easy and straightforward. The course was highly interactive, well-structured and the trainers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Every student received personalised feedback during and after the course as well as access to a bespoke online resources platform designed to meet our students’ needs"
Rita Cairns, MBA Employer Relations Coordinator, University of Cambridge Judge Business School
The course was a very intense online course (which was great), it was the most engaging and interactive event that I've ever been on. It was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone. The feedback was specialised and very effective; the course gave me time to try to implement it in the next interviews. I did six interview practices throughout the course, which was an amazing experience.
Dr Ned Taylor, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Essex
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it very helpful. I can honestly say that I feel much more confident."
Lisa Edwards, Policy and Communications Officer, University and College Union Wales
FAQS
Frequently asked questions.
Have you worked with education organisations before?
Yes. We have extensive experience working with schools, colleges, universities, academy trusts, professional bodies and other education providers.
Our experience means we quickly understand the communication challenges facing the sector, from stakeholder engagement and student recruitment to organisational change, public scrutiny and reputational issues.
How can you help our organisation?
Our support typically falls into four areas: create, test, develop and embed communication capability.
We help education organisations create effective communication strategies and frameworks, test plans and preparedness through realistic exercises and simulations, develop confident communicators through training and coaching, and embed lasting capability through consultancy, ongoing support and continuous development.
Whether your challenge involves stakeholder engagement, leadership communication, reputation management, media visibility, student communications or crisis preparedness, we can help.
Will your team understand the education sector?
Yes.
Our team has extensive experience working across schools, colleges and universities and understands the unique pressures facing the sector.
From increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny to financial pressures, student expectations and changing stakeholder demands, we understand the complex environment in which education organisations operate.
Can you help us communicate more effectively with students, parents and stakeholders?
Absolutely.
Education organisations communicate with a wide range of audiences, each with different priorities and expectations.
We help leaders and communication teams develop clear messaging, strengthen stakeholder engagement and communicate more effectively with students, parents, governors, regulators, staff, alumni and local communities.
Can you help us navigate difficult or controversial issues?
Yes.
Education organisations increasingly find themselves at the centre of complex public conversations.
Whether the issue relates to freedom of speech, student protests, safeguarding concerns, organisational change, funding pressures or broader reputational challenges, effective communication can play a vital role in maintaining trust and confidence.
We help leaders and communicators prepare for difficult conversations, communicate decisions clearly and engage stakeholders effectively during periods of heightened scrutiny.
Can you help us prepare for media scrutiny or reputational issues?
Yes.
Schools, colleges and universities can face significant media attention during challenging situations or major announcements.
We help spokespeople develop clear messaging, communicate confidently under pressure, manage difficult questions and engage effectively with journalists and broadcasters.
Our support helps organisations prepare for scrutiny before it arrives.
Do you only provide training?
No.
While training remains an important part of what we do, many education organisations work with us on consultancy projects, communication reviews, crisis preparedness exercises, leadership communication programmes, coaching and longer-term capability-building initiatives.
We frequently combine several services to help organisations improve communication effectiveness and resilience.
How do you help organisations embed learning and create lasting change?
We believe communication capability should be created, tested, developed and embedded.
That's why we combine consultancy, coaching, simulations, practical application and continuous development through Thirty Seven. This enables organisations to reinforce learning, strengthen behaviours and continue building confidence long after an initial programme has ended.
Our goal is not simply to deliver a workshop. It's to help organisations create lasting communication capability.
Where can your support be delivered?
That's entirely up to you.
We work with education organisations across the UK and internationally, delivering consultancy, training, coaching and exercises both in person and online.
Many clients choose to use our dedicated TV, radio and podcast studios in Berkshire, while others prefer delivery at their own sites or virtually through Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
We'll recommend the approach that best supports your objectives, people and budget.
How quickly can you understand our organisation and challenges?
Usually much faster than clients expect.
Our experience across the education sector means we quickly become familiar with organisational structures, stakeholder groups and communication challenges. We'll ask the right questions, review the right materials and work closely with your team to ensure our support is practical, relevant and aligned to your objectives.
We'll do the heavy lifting, allowing your team to focus on delivering exceptional education while ensuring our support reflects your organisation's specific goals and environment.