Why Branding Really Matters
Bringing Brands to Life in Education: David chats Multi-Academy Trust Branding with Rob.
What does branding have to do with schools? Everything, says our very own David Bennett, Education Marketing Consultant here at Creativeworld Education. David recently joined Rob Hallam, Managing Director from Big Tank on their podcast to chat all things branding in education—specifically, how Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) can (and should) think more like businesses when it comes to presenting themselves.
As more schools become part of MATs, the need for a consistent, professional identity across all sites has never been more important. But as David points out, education hasn’t always moved at the same pace as the corporate world when it comes to branding.
“Schools often come with a strong history and identity,” David explains. “So rebranding can feel like a big change. But with the right approach, it’s not just a challenge—it’s a huge opportunity.”
It’s More Than Just a Logo
Throughout the episode, David unpacks what a strong brand really means. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the logo. It’s about values, tone of voice, culture, and how those things show up in every single touchpoint—from uniforms and websites to emails and newsletters.
He also stresses the importance of stakeholder engagement. That means not just making decisions behind closed doors but involving staff, parents, students, and communities from the start. Because when everyone’s involved in the journey, they’re far more likely to champion the result.
Top Tips for MAT Branding Success
David shares plenty of practical advice for any MAT looking to refine or roll out a new brand:
- Start with a brand audit – Understand where you are now
- Engage your stakeholders – Listen, involve, and collaborate
- Define your vision and values – Get clear on what you stand for
- Build a brand toolkit – Make consistency easy for everyone
- Evaluate your impact – Is it working? What can improve?
And yes, he admits—budgets matter. But a smart branding strategy can pay for itself, especially when it attracts just a few more pupils in a competitive admissions landscape.
Why Choose Creativeworld?
When Rob asked why MATs should choose to work with Creativeworld Education, David kept it simple: “Authenticity, experience, and a genuine passion for quality.” With years of experience in the education space, Creativeworld knows how to guide trusts and schools through the process with care, creativity, and a whole lot of collaboration.
“We’re not here to bulldoze traditions. We’re here to help schools grow with their identity intact—refined, refreshed, and ready for the future.”
Watch the full conversation here
Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss our follow-up conversation in Podcast 2: The Importance of Video Content in Education – watch it here.
Ready to start your own brand journey?
Get in touch with the Creativeworld Education team today on 01282 858 200 or email us at education@creativeworld.co.uk, we’d love to chat!
