In the first episode of 2026, Charlie introduces a new format for SMC – The Insight Series. These short, focused mini chapters are designed to make big school marketing topics easier to tackle, with clearer priorities and practical next steps. Each topic follows a structured flow: Orientation sets the context, Reality names what gets in the way, Insights shares useful frameworks, What We See brings in what’s happening in schools, and Applied turns it into next steps for you.

In the final episode of SMC for 2025, Charlie is joined again by Senior Account Manager James Tindall and imageseven’s Director of Design — José Caceres — to discuss a new video content solution created to help schools produce consistent, high-quality content – imaginate. The team explores how imaginate supports schools by connecting overarching strategy with the demands of day-to-day content creation. In the Deep Dive, the team assess what makes a design feel truly balanced and ‘just right’, focusing on the importance of visual principles such as grids and structure to typography and colour schemes. In Rants and Raves, the trio dissect this year’s Christmas ads and discuss those that created a compelling story and who missed out.

In this episode of SMC, Charlie and Rita are joined by Senior Account Manager James Tindall to chat about why it’s time for school marketers to stop chasing clicks and start building brands that last. In Making News, the team first discuss fresh data showing CMOs shifting their focus from performance marketing to brand awareness and what schools marketers can take from this. In the Deep Dive, they explore why authentic, experience-led content cuts through digital fatigue, and how live events can spark a real connection with your community. In Rants & Raves, they celebrate Nike’s Chicago Marathon campaign — a masterclass in smart, human, context-driven storytelling.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Rita and Digital Marketing Specialist, Harrison, to explore some eye-opening stats from the marketing world. From job-switching in the industry, to the surprisingly low awareness of brand purpose, and even why ads perform better when the weather changes. In the Deep Dive, the trio discuss imageseven’s latest analysis of school website traffic and how AI is reshaping SEO for schools of all sizes. And, in Rants and Raves, the team rave about Wesley College’s Centenary Project and its creative community engagement.

In this episode of SMC, Charlie is again joined in the studio by Rita and Harrison. The team explores Meta’s latest addition of Threads as a placement option and whether schools should consider advertising on Threads. In the Deep Dive, the trio dissect comments from Carlsberg’s new CMO regarding their renewed commitment to brand purpose and the importance of clarity and value proposition, and discuss the similarities with school marketing and branding. Finally, in Rants and Raves, the team swoon over Edith Cowan University’s latest project update video of its new city campus, and how schools can take inspiration when launching major projects to engage with their community.

In this episode, Charlie is joined by imageseven Managing Partner Andrew ‘Scully’ Sculthorpe and Digital Marketing Specialist Harrison Shearn. The trio explore how AI-generated summaries are affecting website traffic and SEO, and how school marketers should adapt. In the Deep Dive, they explore key findings from the 6sense B2B Buyer Experience Report, highlighting strong parallels between the B2B buyer purchasing process and the prospective parent journey in education marketing. Finally, in the Rants and Raves, the team spotlight a school pushing the AI envelope with a conversationally aware virtual principal.

Charlie and Rita are again joined by imageseven Digital Marketing Specialist Harrison Shearn to assess Google’s new ‘AI Mode’ and its implications for school marketers and digital marketing more broadly. In the Deep Dive, they explore how to brief your marketing agency or creative team effectively by discussing why a solid brief matters, and how to avoid miscommunication and misalignment to get the best results. Finally, they answer a listener’s question about the fine line between inspiration and imitation, before raving about Canva’s cheeky and out of the box outdoor campaign in London.

In this episode, Charlie and Rita are joined by imageseven Digital Marketing Specialist — Harrison Shearn — to discuss how school marketers can navigate Meta’s increasingly AI-automated platform. In the Deep Dive, the team focus on solo school marketer and strategies to help keep all the plates spinning. Finally, the team get swept up in Adelaide University’s recent ‘Launch You’ campaign and how the visuals got slightly carried away from the intended message.

School marketing and communications with Charlie Maughan, Rita Kilroy and Steph Wicks In this episode, Charlie and Rita are joined by imageseven Marketing Manager —

School marketing and communications with Charlie Maughan and James Tindall In this episode, Charlie is joined by imageseven Account Manager James Tindall, to discuss all

School marketing and communications with Charlie Maughan, Rita Kilroy and Imogen Smith In this episode, Charlie and Rita are once again joined by imageseven Digital

School marketing and communications with Charlie Maughan, Rita Kilroy and Imogen Smith In this episode of SMC, Charlie and Rita are joined by imageseven Senior