Agency to support college’s growth ambitions

A Yorkshire creative agency has secured a contract to support student recruitment and raise the profile of a Cumbrian college as it targets further growth.

Sowden & Sowden has been appointed by Kendal College following a competitive tender process, adding to the Hull-based agency’s growing education portfolio.

The partnership will see the agency work alongside the college’s leadership team to deliver targeted student recruitment campaigns, digital advertising, content creation and PR activity.

Work will focus on raising awareness of Kendal College’s offer and driving applications across key curriculum areas, while also supporting employer engagement and strengthening its profile among learners, businesses and communities.

Polly Sowden, managing director at Sowden & Sowden, said: “Kendal College has an incredibly important role to play in Cumbria. 

“It’s not only helping learners develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed but also supporting employers and the wider economy through high-quality education and training.

“What stood out throughout the tender process was the college’s ambition, its commitment to learners and its clear vision for the future. 

“We’re delighted to have been appointed and are looking forward to helping the team tell their story, engage new audiences and support their recruitment objectives over the next 12 months.”

The appointment comes as the college builds on a positive Ofsted inspection earlier this year and continues to deliver its wider strategic plan.

Sowden & Sowden has more than four decades of experience working across the education sector, supporting schools, colleges, universities, UTCs and other education providers with recruitment and strategic communications.

Its existing portfolio includes the University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, Ron Dearing UTC and Barking & Dagenham College.

The agency will work with Kendal College throughout the next academic year, supporting its recruitment, digital marketing and communications activity as the college looks to connect more learners with further and higher education opportunities across Cumbria.

Jason Turton, principal and chief executive of Kendal College, added: “We were looking for a partner with a proven track record in education marketing and a genuine understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

“Sowden & Sowden demonstrated both strategic expertise and significant experience in student recruitment campaigns. 

“Their understanding of education, combined with their creative and digital capabilities, made them the standout choice.

“As we continue to build on the positive progress recognised by Ofsted and deliver our strategic ambitions for the college, we are looking forward to working together to engage prospective learners, strengthen employer relationships and showcase the opportunities available at Kendal College.”

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