What top schools are getting right about parental engagement

The UK’s best schools build strong parent partnerships through Knowledge, Environment, Culture, and Communication. Here’s how…

Parental engagement is the secret ingredient for student success, and the UK’s best schools are leading the way by building strong, collaborative relationships with families. They bring this to life through strategies that align perfectly with our Four Pillars of Parental Engagement: Knowledge, Environment, Culture, and Communication. Let’s explore how these schools are putting these pillars into action. 

Knowledge: Helping Parents Be Confident Partners

Schools like George Eliot Primary in Westminster empower parents with the knowledge they need to support their children’s education. Through workshops, easy-to-follow guides, and curriculum insights, these schools break down the barriers that often keep parents from feeling confident. By sharing their expertise, they turn parents into informed partners in the learning process—this is the essence of the Knowledge pillar. 

Environment: Creating a Welcoming Space

The most successful schools know that parents need to feel welcome before they can fully engage. Cheam High School in Surrey is a prime example, hosting coffee mornings and family-friendly events while maintaining an open-door policy. These efforts create a warm, inviting environment that aligns perfectly with the Environment pillar, making parents feel comfortable and included in the school community. 

Culture: Building a True Partnership

Education isn’t a one-way street—it’s a collaboration. Grange Park Primary in Enfield demonstrates this through a strong partnership culture. Their regular parent-teacher conferences, community events, and workshops show parents that their contributions and feedback are valued. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the school reflects the Culture pillar, creating a community where parents and teachers work together seamlessly. 

Communication: Keeping Parents in the Loop

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary in Manchester exemplifies the Communication pillar with their clear, consistent updates. They use newsletters, emails, and parent portals to ensure families are always informed about what’s happening at school. When parents know what’s going on, they’re better equipped to support their children’s education - and they feel more connected to the school.  

By focusing on the Four Pillars - Knowledge, Environment, Culture, and Communication - these schools have built strong, supportive relationships with parents. Their success shows that when schools invest in these areas, everyone benefits - most importantly, the students. 

Would you like to know how your school measures up against the Four Pillars? 

Take our free self-check quiz and start strengthening your school community today!