https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2798&url=Schools-in-Chennai-Adopt-Corporate-Strategies-to-Stay-Competitive *Schools in Chennai Adopt Corporate Strategies to Stay Competitive* As the education sector in Chennai becomes increasingly competitive, many schools are embracing corporate-style structures to stay ahead in the race. Adopting business-like practices has become a strategic move for schools to enhance their visibility, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately attract more students. This shift includes the hiring of chief executive officers (CEOs), human resource (HR) teams, and dedicated public relations (PR) professionals. PR professionals have become an essential part of the school’s operations in this new landscape. According to Priyanka Ganesh, a consultant working with an ICSE school in Chennai, the role of PR professionals is pivotal in shaping how the public perceives the school. “Our role is to ensure the school’s story is communicated effectively,” she explained. PR experts highlight the school’s strengths, values, and key events, such as annual day celebrations, workshops, or introducing new courses. By carefully crafting a narrative, PR teams work to create a positive image of the school that resonates with parents and potential students. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and even newsletters are central to this strategy. With digital communication becoming more integral to daily life, schools now use these tools to reach parents and prospective students in real-time. Social media, in particular, has become a critical channel for brand-building. As MCC Public School’s correspondent, G J Manohar, says, "Schools are no longer just institutions for education; they are also brands competing for attention." Through targeted social media campaigns, schools can communicate their values, strengths, and what sets them apart in terms of preparing students for the future. Social media's influence on parents' decision-making process cannot be overstated. For many parents, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have replaced traditional school websites as the go-to source of information. Sugandhi Seshadri, a parent from Anna Nagar, shared her experience: “Earlier, school websites were the primary source of information. Now, I check social media pages to get a sense of the school’s vibe — whether warm, inclusive, rigid, or formal.” This shift in how information is consumed forces schools to tailor their messaging to fit the digital age, where real-time, relatable content precedes formal brochures and static websites. This new approach to school marketing and communication is also rooted in the need for schools to connect better with parents, who are now more discerning and involved in their children's educational choices. According to Manohar, these corporate-style strategies help schools communicate more effectively with parents, ensuring they understand the school’s vision, teaching philosophy, and plans for their children. Schools recognize that they must educate students and sell themselves as institutions that offer value, growth, and opportunities. However, educators stress that while branding and marketing are essential, academics should remain the core focus of any school. Alfred Devaprasad, CEO of Christwood School, said, “Administration should not be overloaded to the extent that academic planning is overlooked. "Devaprasad’s comment highlights the delicate balance schools must maintain between business practices and educational priorities. Adopting corporate strategies mustn’t overshadow the primary goal of providing quality education. Integrating corporate-style practices into school administration represents a significant shift in educational institutions' operations. Schools can better compete in a crowded market by adopting business models focusing on marketing, communication, and brand-building. However, as the trend grows, it remains essential to ensure that these strategies support—rather than replace—the educational mission of schools. In conclusion, schools adopting corporate strategies, particularly with the help of PR teams and social media, are reshaping the educational landscape in Chennai. Schools are no longer merely places of learning; they are becoming brands in their own right, competing for the attention of parents and students. With the rise of social media and the increasing importance of effective communication, schools must find innovative ways to balance their academic mission with their marketing efforts. As this trend continues to evolve, the key challenge for schools will be to stay true to their educational values while embracing the tools of modern business strategies. *For more details visit* https://www.theenn.com/video-3b9080ae3.html https://youtu.be/uQqyUCE-B0Q