Frequently Asked Questions

30 years’ experience in advertising, marketing and the production of high quality high impact print

Why have a TimesEd newspaper?

A TimesEd newspaper delivers immediate, strategic benefits:

Retention: Strengthens loyalty among current families.
Recruitment: Showcases your school life authentically to prospective families at key decision points.
Marketing evidence: Provides a tangible, lasting publication to demonstrate success, culture and pupil experience – powerful for Governors, inspectors and marketing campaigns.

It also builds alumni loyalty, strengthens community ties, and celebrates everyday school life in a lasting, professional format.

How is a TimesEd newspaper different from our newsletter or glossy annual?

Unlike newsletters or traditional annuals, a TimesEd newspaper is:

• Fresh and vibrant – more accessible and engaging across all generations.
• Authentic – not overly slick or accolade-focused, but filled with pupil voices, real experiences and everyday moments.
• Outward-looking – designed for parents, alumni, visitors and prospective families.
• Marketing-smart – timed to align with open days, recruitment cycles and brand storytelling goals.

What does “free” mean for our school budget?

Your newspaper comes at zero cost to your marketing or school budget.

TimesEd covers all design, print and production expenses, giving you a professional publication without financial burden.

How does TimesEd cover the costs?

We secure around 10–15 carefully selected advertisers per edition that are a natural fit for your school community.

Parents and alumni are offered the opportunity to support the school first, allowing them to promote their businesses while contributing to a valued publication.

For your school, this means:
• Stronger connections with respected local and alumni-owned businesses
• Wider distribution as advertisers share the newspaper
• Increased local visibility

Parents and alumni receive priority placement and a 10% discount, and you retain full veto over advertisers.

Who will read the newspaper?

Your newspaper is designed for wide and lasting readership, including:

• Current parents and pupils
• Grandparents
• Prospective families at open days and tours
• Alumni and former staff
• Governors, benefactors and stakeholders
• Local businesses and community partners
• International agents and guardians

Each printed copy is often passed on, extending reach well beyond your immediate audience.

How many articles or pages are needed?

Around 32 pages works best, typically around 20–25 articles depending on length and layout.

Some schools opt for longer editions of up to around 45 pages. Every edition is flexible and supported by us throughout the process.

How often will we publish?

TimesEd newspapers are published twice yearly, which is the most effective rhythm for schools.

This keeps communications fresh, supports recruitment cycles and avoids unnecessary pressure on staff time.

What kind of content should we include?

A mix of repurposed and new content works best, including pupil work, interviews, match reports, performances, leadership speeches, alumni news, history, puzzles and lighter features.

We help you shape a balance that reflects your school and your audience.

What do schools need to provide?

You provide the content – we take care of everything else.

Content can include articles, photos and links. These can be turned into QR codes in print and hyperlinks in the digital edition to drive website traffic.

Is there a digital version too?

Yes. Every edition includes a high-quality digital PDF for sharing via your website, email and social media.

Hyperlinks drive traffic directly to your site, and we provide analytics such as open rates, reader numbers and dwell time.

Can we include alumni content?

Absolutely. Alumni content keeps former pupils engaged and supports long-term fundraising and bursary appeals.

Some schools dedicate sections or entire editions to alumni stories.

How do we measure success?

Success can be measured through feedback, digital engagement statistics, distribution reach and advertiser loyalty.

TimesEd supports you with insights to maximise impact.

What are the agreement terms?

Schools sign a four-year agreement covering eight editions.

This provides continuity, consistency, and stronger long-term storytelling as the newspaper becomes part of school life.

How many copies will we receive?

Schools typically receive between 750 and 2,000 printed copies per edition, depending on school size, allowing generous and effective distribution.

How sustainable is a TimesEd newspaper?

Our newspaper format uses uncoated, responsibly sourced paper with high recycled content, minimal inks and no laminates.

Printed in the UK and designed for reuse and recycling, it delivers high impact with a lighter environmental footprint, alongside a digital edition for balance.

Does TimesEd offer extra help?

Yes. You receive ongoing support plus access to the TimesEd Toolkit – a growing library of free resources, ideas and guidance.

How do we get started?

Simply get in touch.

We’ll guide you through planning, timelines and next steps. A TimesEd newspaper is cost-neutral, fully supported and tailored to your school.