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- 6 Essential School F...
International and independent schools are navigating one of the most dynamic periods in their history, from a fee management perspective. With global annual fee revenue now surpassing $67.3 billion as of January 2025, the sector is seeing unprecedented growth, especially in emerging markets and among middle-income families. However, this expansion brings with it a complex web of financial, regulatory, and operational challenges that schools must address to stay competitive.
Admissions and finance teams now face a shared mandate: deliver a seamless, efficient, and transparent experience for families while safeguarding the school’s long-term financial health. Schools that align these two functions and invest in technology-led solutions will be best positioned to thrive.
Here are six essential strategies that schools should prioritise in 2025 to transform admissions and fee management from potential pain points into key differentiators.
Break Down Silos Between Admissions and Finance
Historically, admissions and finance teams have operated in separate lanes. In today’s climate, this separation is no longer viable. Schools must promote active collaboration between these departments through regular cross-functional meetings, shared data platforms, and coordinated planning cycles. When both teams work together, they gain better visibility into projected student numbers, potential fee revenue, and financial aid requirements. This alignment improves forecasting, enhances family communication, and reduces operational friction.
Use Data Analytics to Predict Enrolment and Revenue
Relying on past cycles and gut instinct is no longer sufficient for enrolment or financial forecasting. With rolling admissions, fluctuating applicant volumes, and evolving demographics, schools must use analytics to make informed decisions. By analysing application funnel data, demographic trends, and financial aid uptake, schools can create more accurate models to predict enrolment outcomes and revenue flows. These insights are essential for agile scenario planning and targeted outreach.
Focus on Parent Experience with Transparent Fee Management
In an increasingly competitive market, the parent experience is as critical as the curriculum. One of the most important touch-points for families is how schools handle billing. Parents expect clarity, flexibility, and convenience. Schools should implement platforms that provide real-time access to tuition statements, payment schedules, and fee breakdowns. Clear communication and intuitive self-service tools help build trust, reduce administrative queries, and increase on-time payments.
To explore how your school can elevate fee management through technology, watch our on-demand webinar:
Adapt to Regional and Regulatory Shifts
From new visa policies to changes in tax law, schools are operating in increasingly complex regulatory environments. For example, private schools in the UK are now subject to a 20% VAT on tuition fees for terms starting in 2025. Elsewhere, countries such as Canada and Australia are tightening rules around international student admissions and reporting requirements. Schools must remain agile, updating billing systems, compliance processes, and communication strategies to ensure families stay informed and policies are followed.
Invest in Integrated Technology Platforms
Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for operational efficiency. Leading schools are moving toward integrated platforms that unify admissions, enrolment, and fee management into one system. These solutions allow parents to track application progress, upload documents, and complete payments from a single interface. For schools, this means fewer data entry errors, improved communication, and a clearer view of the enrolment pipeline and financial performance.
Platforms like OpenApply offer exactly this level of integration, enabling schools to streamline back-office operations while delivering a user-friendly experience to families.
Embrace the New Demographic Reality
International schools are no longer serving just expatriate families. In many markets, middle-income and local families now make up the majority of enrolments. This shift requires a rethinking of everything from pricing structures and language support to marketing and community engagement. Schools must offer inclusive, culturally responsive programmes that reflect the aspirations of a more diverse student population. Admissions and finance teams should work together to build flexible, affordable options that still uphold educational quality.
Looking Ahead
Schools that succeed in 2025 will be those that see admissions and finance not as separate functions, but as strategic partners in shaping the parent journey. By embracing integrated systems, data-driven planning, and transparent communication, schools can deliver greater value to families while strengthening their own sustainability.
Want to dive deeper into how the sector is evolving, and how your school can lead the way? Download our comprehensive white paper:
Whether you’re planning your next admissions cycle or re-evaluating your billing model, now is the time to act!
