Open Day Signs for Independent Schools

Independent schools across the UK are facing rising financial pressures, including the recent addition of 20% VAT on school fees and the end of business rates relief. Pupil recruitment has never been more critical for their survival.

“On 29 July 2024, the government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education, boarding, and vocational training provided for a charge by a private school in the UK will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%.” (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees/applying-vat-to-private-school-fees)

“From 1 April 2025, in England, private schools that are charities will no longer be eligible to receive business rates charitable relief.”  (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief)

“The UK independent sector as a whole educates approximately 620,000 children in over 2,500 schools.  The independent sector educates around 5.9% of the total number of school children in the UK and around 6.5% of the total number of school children in England.” (https://www.isc.co.uk/research/)

 In 2025 and beyond, attracting prospective families to fill school places requires smart, visible marketing.

That’s where roadside signs for Open Days come in, cost-effective, high-impact signs that private schools can use to raise local awareness and increase attendance at upcoming events.

Screenprint & Display specialise in printing custom Correx signs for UK independent schools, designed specifically for roadside visibility and community distribution.

Cundall Manor School Open Morning Sign – Custom printed.

Why roadside signs work for school Open Days

Roadside signs are one of the most effective ways to promote your independent school’s Open Day. Placed in high-footfall and high-traffic areas, they raise awareness among local families and passing commuters, to help your school stand out in a competitive market.

Here’s why schools across the UK are choosing to use Correx signs for open day promotions:

• Excellent local visibility — seen daily by thousands of drivers and pedestrians

• Weatherproof and reusable — Correx signs are durable and can withstand UK weather, for use year after year

• Fully customisable — include your logo, open day dates, contact details, or a QR code for bookings

With the addition of 20% VAT on private school fees, attracting new admissions is becoming more competitive, schools need clear, targeted promotion that reaches the right families, locally.

Custom printed for UK schools

We’ve been printing school signage for Open Days for over 30 years, working with prep schools, senior schools, and nurseries across the UK.

Our Correx signs are:

• Available in any custom sizes

• Printed in full colour in any quantity

• Supplied with pre-drilled holes, if required, for easy fixing

• Offered with bulk discounts for larger campaigns

Need signs for multiple events or open days? We can print in batches with different dates or events, all within one order.

This grassroots approach works well in nearby villages, suburbs and commuter routes, keeping your school front-of-mind for local families considering their options.

Want to go a step further? We also supply bollard covers and event banners for open days and school fairs — all fully branded.

Ready to promote your school’s Open Day?

With the UK’s independent schools under growing financial strain, now is the time to invest in affordable marketing signage that deliver strong results as part of your advertising campaign.

If you’re planning an Open Day in 2025, let us help you get the word out with high-quality roadside signage.  Call our team today on 01347 823 230.