If you’ve ever found yourself deep in conversation over coffee at an edtech conference, swapping stories at a Digistorm workshop, or nodding along during a keynote that hits just right, you’ll know the magic of being part of the education community. There’s something special about the connections we make, whether we’re sharing wins, navigating challenges, or simply learning from one another. And when it comes to the current state of admissions, those conversations are more important than ever.
Enter Trish Cartwright, a seasoned admissions professional with over a decade of experience in both domestic and international enrolments. From the spreadsheets to the strategy meetings, Trish has seen it all, and now helps schools fine-tune their admissions processes through her consultancy work. She brings a practical, insightful lens to the evolving landscape of school enrolments, and in this article, she invites us to pause, reflect, and ask the tough questions.
Because let’s face it: what worked five years ago might not cut it today. So grab your team, your data, and maybe a fresh cup of coffee. It's time for an Admissions Tune-Up.
Trish Cartwright's notes on an admissions tune-up
Increasingly, admissions professionals are noting that what was fit for purpose three to five years ago is no longer working. The preferences of parents and the needs of students have shifted, and admissions processes must evolve to reflect and manage the external pressures coming through the ‘door’.
Many schools recently report that their tried-and-true processes aren’t delivering the results they once did. Rising enrolment pressures, changing local demographics, new (or stalled) housing developments, and increasingly complex student needs are all forcing schools to rethink how they attract, welcome, and retain families. In short: it’s time for an Admissions Tune-Up.
Admissions leaders should consider the following questions:
- Are enquiry volumes higher or lower than in previous years? Rely on the data, don’t guess.
- Is the team experiencing consistent time pressures, and if so, why?
- Are we using our CRM to full capacity? If not then up-skill the team.
- Are parents reporting a decline in service quality?
- Are processes clearly communicated, including expected timelines?
- If enrolment gaps exist, are they new or ongoing, and can they be addressed?
- Does the school have the tools required to manage current enrolment pressures?
- Is the enrolment policy still appropriate for today’s environment?
- Think retention: Are families genuinely welcomed into the community beyond their first day?
The list could go on and the point is simple: take time to stop, reflect, and ask the tough questions. As 2025 speeds toward its close, set aside time with your team before 2026 launches to review what’s working and what isn’t. Don’t be afraid to verbalise what isn’t working - real change only happens when challenges are acknowledged, and when it does, everyone wins.
About Trish Cartwright
Trish Cartwright is an experienced administrative professional with a strong background in international education and admissions management, including domestic school enrolments. Over the past 13 years, she has worked extensively in both international and general school admissions, developing deep expertise in enrolment processes, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Trish now runs her own consultancy, partnering with schools to develop strategic admissions plans, improve operational processes, and grow both domestic and international enrolments.
