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For immediate support email [email protected] 24/7

At Alder, we specialise in crisis communications for the education sector, providing expert guidance to help institutions protect their reputation and maintain stakeholder trust. 

We work with a diverse range of clients – including multi-academy trusts, independent schools, colleges and universities – to ensure they are equipped with the right tools to navigate crises effectively. 

Our specialist education team provides strategic counsel and advice on a range of issues, including employment disputes, police investigations, abuse allegations, regulatory inquiries, free speech issues, cultural movements, and health and safety matters, including injuries and fatalities. 

Our team doesn’t just step in at the moment of crisis – we take a proactive approach to identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate. By offering tailored support and strategic guidance, we help educational institutions strengthen their resilience and safeguard their reputation against future threats. 

Our approach to reputation management in education

We help educational institutions navigate crises, and build long-term strategies to protect their reputation, maintain trust and continue to serve their communities. 

Our clients receive expert advice and compassionate support during challenging times. From crisis PR planning to media training for governors, we ensure institutions are prepared, confident, and equipped with a clear plan of action—so they can respond effectively when it matters most. 

Our Education Team

Tim Toulmin Managing Director

Tim Toulmin

Managing Director
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Anthony Longden, Specialist Partner, Crisis Communications

Anthony Longden

Specialist Partner – Crisis Communications
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Sue Bishop Charities Partner

Sue Bishop

Specialist Education and Charities Partner
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Alison Brace Proactive Education PR

Alison Brace

Specialist Partner – Proactive Education PR
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Durell Barnes Specialist Education Partner

Durell Barnes

Specialist Education Partner
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Jack Myers Account Director

Jack Myers

Account Director
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Sarah Bishop Marketing Manger

Sarah Bishop

Marketing Manager
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Joe Macintyre Account Executive

Joe MacIntyre

Senior Account Executive
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“I thank you and the whole team for the speedy professionalism with which you have dealt with this.”

Governor, Catholic independent school

“Speed of response, clarity of communications, can-do attitude, clarity of long-term thinking.”

Head, independent school

“Anthony and Tim were professional, skilled and accessible at every juncture that we needed their support. We were very thankful to have them on our team.”

Director of Governance, multi-academy trust

“During a time when it’s easy to panic and feel like you need to rush and take action, Anthony was a reassuring and calming voice providing expert advice and practical solutions.”

Director of Marketing and External Relations, independent school

“It has been enormously useful and has guided us and helped steer decision making as well as, in turn, helped to calm and reassure the wider team. We were particularly appreciative of the work done by you and your team to tailor the advice to our specific situation.”

Head of Communications, independent school

“Tim was reassuring and knowledgeable with an obvious understanding of the factors involved in independent school crisis communications. It was well pitched and informative session. Thank you.”

Bursar, Catholic independent school

“From the first call to the final output everything was easy and a lot was achieved in a short space of time. The outputs were exactly what we needed and the outcome has so far been positive. A very professional team who listened and delivered on our brief.”

Governor, independent school

Get in touch

Our clients rely on us to manage a wide range of sensitive issues. For a free, no-obligation conversation, please phone us on 020 7692 5675 or email us on [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 






    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between education PR for schools and crisis communications?

    Crisis PR for schools primarily focuses on promoting and managing the public image and reputation of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. Its objective is to reinforce the institution’s brand, build positive relationships with stakeholders, and attract students, staff, and donors.

    Crisis communications, on the other hand, involves managing communication during a crisis scenario that could tarnish an organisation’s reputation. This can include accidents, scandals, legal issues, health alerts, or any event that significantly impacts the organisation’s operations or public image.

    Why is a good reputation important for schools?

    A good reputation is essential for schools as it drives applications, ensuring healthy student enrolment and stable finances.

    A 2016 study showed that one negative search result on Google could deter 20% of prospective parents from visiting a school. Additionally, 70% of parents prefer learning about a school through articles rather than ads, and 64% trust online search engines the most for school research.

    In short, a positive reputation reflects the school’s commitment to excellence and is vital for its future growth, as it impacts enrolment, staff recruitment, community support, fundraising, and overall sustainability.