Cutting Down Costs in School Admissions: How Admissions+ Can Help

Will Conolly

Published in Applicaa | July 4, 2024

Are there ways to reduce costs in school admissions? Many schools ponder this question as they balance maintaining quality while managing their budgets. The good news is that technological advancements are providing effective solutions. One such solution is Admissions+, a comprehensive platform designed to streamline the admissions process and reduce operational costs for schools.

Admissions+ offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies application tracking, automates repetitive tasks, and provides insightful analytics to help schools make data-driven decisions. Schools can save time and resources, allowing staff to focus more on creating a positive experience for prospective students and their families. By leveraging this technology, schools can improve efficiency and ensure they continue delivering high-quality education without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

  • Operational Efficiencies: Harnessing Automation
  • Staffing Decisions: Informed Choices That Save Money
  • Real-World Impact: Professional Experience Speaks Volumes
  • A Solution Worth Considering

Operational Efficiencies: Harnessing Automation

When it comes to school admissions, operational efficiencies can translate into significant cost savings. For instance, using Admissions+ allows schools to benefit from automation, eliminating the need for manual data entry by integrating seamlessly with your Management Information System (MIS). Imagine the time and resources saved when all data collected on incoming pupils flows directly into your MIS without requiring admin staff to spend their summer holidays transferring data manually. This not only cuts down on potential overtime but also ensures data accuracy and consistency. The quote below is from a Trust Data Manager who benefits from Applicaa outlining the time saved:

“The time saved we calculated at 180 days across our secondaries and that was purely based on entering data to the MIS from admissions forms”

Moreover, booking, organising, and scheduling interviews, as well as arranging tours, are tasks that typically consume considerable administrative time. With Admissions+, these processes become automated. For example, upon submission of an application by a pupil or parent, automatic emails are sent out thanking them for completing the application form and detailing the next steps. This kind of automation frees up your admin staff to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention, thereby reducing staffing costs.

Staffing Decisions: Informed Choices That Save Money

Staffing is another significant cost area for schools. By leveraging the initial data collected for prospective Sixth Form applicants through Admissions+, schools can make informed decisions about course offerings based on pupil interest. For instance, suppose you have data indicating that only one pupil wants to study A-level physics. In that case, it might not be viable to run the course or hire a teacher for it, as the resources required would outweigh the benefits.

Having this information available at the earliest possible point is crucial for making strategic staffing decisions, which can substantially reduce unnecessary teaching costs.

Additionally, this data allows schools to reallocate resources more effectively, ensuring that popular courses are adequately staffed and that students receive the best possible education tailored to their interests and needs.

Real-World Impact: Professional Experience Speaks Volumes

In my professional experience, I’ve seen firsthand how schools benefit from implementing Admissions+. For example, one school significantly reduced overtime costs by automating their admissions process, which not only streamlined their workflow but also freed up their admin staff to focus on other critical areas such as student support and curriculum development. This efficiency allowed them to reallocate resources where they were most needed.

Another school utilised the platform to make data informed staffing decisions. This proactive approach enabled them to adjust their teaching staff requirements well before the academic year began. By accurately forecasting demand, they avoided last-minute staffing changes and saved on staffing costs. Additionally, this data-driven adjustment ensured that students received the best possible education by matching teacher expertise with student interests.

A Solution Worth Considering

Cutting down costs in school admissions doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With Admissions+, schools can achieve operational efficiency and make informed staffing decisions, which contribute to significant cost savings. By embracing technology and automation, schools can ensure they are doing something right by attracting prospective pupils and parents and managing their resources effectively.

Does your school face challenges in managing admission costs? Consider the advantages that Admissions+ can offer. After all, investing in the right tools today can lead to substantial savings tomorrow.

Schools today face a significant challenge in managing admissions costs while maintaining the quality of their educational offerings. The traditional processes filled with manual data entry, extensive administrative tasks, and uninformed staffing decisions often lead to inefficiencies and increased expenditure. Despite the critical role admissions play in shaping the school’s future, the resources required can place a strain on the school’s budget. This blog post explores how leveraging platforms like Admissions+ can address these issues by automating processes, ensuring data accuracy, and enabling informed staffing decisions, ultimately leading to significant cost savings for schools.

Will Conolly