Project Description
Hear from St Augustine’s College’s Director of Operations about how our admissions marketing partnership has led to record student numbers
When students are deciding which college to attend, hearing from someone who studies there can carry more weight than any brochure.
At St Augustine’s College of Theology, the team knew they had something special – a happy, diverse student community, and they wanted to capture it on camera and put it in front of people who were still making up their minds.
I knew student testimonial videos were the right way to do it.
A relationship built over five years
I’ve worked with St Augustine’s, a specialist theology college, for around five years now, filming across their campuses in Kent and London. During that time, I’ve interviewed dozens of students, covering everything from flexible study options to student support and course content.
So by the time I arrive on filming day, I already understand the college’s messaging and know the kinds of stories that help attract students.
A consultative approach to student video testimonials
Head of Operations Becky Young has worked with me throughout. One of Becky’s responsibilities is growing student admissions, and open day attendance is a huge part of that.
Feedback shows that when prospective students visit the campuses, they know it’s the right place for them, but getting them there for a taster day in the first place was the challenge.
My approach has always been to work closely with Becky to figure out the gaps. As part of our preparation for each filming day, we have brainstorming sessions together to review what’s working and which videos would make the biggest difference. Becky said:
“Hannah can spot what we’re lacking and what we need. In our brainstorming sessions, Hannah will make recommendations. What we’ve really benefited from is that Hannah can edit the videos to such an extent and splice them together to make a new video with just a few different shots. It’s worked really well for us.”
We also manage the St Augustine’s YouTube channel, where we create playlists, write titles and descriptions, and make sure the right videos reach the right people. It means Becky’s team doesn’t need to worry about the technical side; we slot in as part of their outsourced marketing team.
Getting the best out of students on camera
Student testimonial videos work so well for St Augustine’s because they’re real.
VideoHQ’s Creative Director, Hannah, has a background as a BBC journalist, which means she knows how to conduct an interview. She asks the right questions and makes students feel at ease, so what comes out on camera is authentic and unscripted.
That relaxed, conversational style is what makes the finished videos so effective. Prospective students watching them see people who, a couple of years ago, were in the same boat as they are, weighing up where to study, and who chose St Augustine’s.
A record year for student recruitment
The student testimonial videos have clearly been attracting the right audience. Despite national student numbers falling, St Augustine’s has just had its highest-ever intake year. Becky said:
“We regularly get new students who say the quality of the videos has inspired them to come to St Augustine’s. Even though numbers have been much lower nationally, we’ve had the highest intake year ever and probably one of the highest in the college, which is absolutely phenomenal.”
This is what student testimonial videos do – they build trust before anyone’s even visited.
Thinking about using student testimonial videos to boost your college admissions? I’d love to chat. Get in touch and let’s talk about how I can support your student recruitment with high quality promotional video production.
