Education marketing specialist Sowden & Sowden appointed to support Kendal College’s next phase of growth

The appointment comes as Kendal College builds on the momentum of a positive Ofsted inspection earlier this year and continues to deliver its strategic plan, strengthening opportunities for learners, employers and communities across Cumbria.

Working alongside the college’s leadership team, Sowden & Sowden will deliver a programme of targeted student recruitment campaigns, digital advertising, content creation and PR activity designed to raise awareness of the college’s offer and drive applications across key curriculum areas.

The agency will also support wider employer engagement and reputation-building activity, helping to strengthen the college’s profile and showcase the opportunities it provides for learners, businesses and communities across the region.

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.”

Jason Turton, Principal and CEO of Kendal College, said:

“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.”

The win further reinforces Sowden & Sowden’s reputation as one of the UK’s most experienced education marketing agencies. 

The agency has spent more than four decades supporting schools, colleges, universities, UTCs and education providers, delivering award-winning student recruitment campaigns and strategic communications programmes across the sector. Its education portfolio includes organisations such as the University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, Ron Dearing UTC and, Barking & Dagenham College.

The partnership will see the agency work closely with the college throughout the next academic year, supporting recruitment activity, digital campaigns and strategic communications designed to help more learners discover the opportunities available through further and higher education in Cumbria.