Modern school websites must be easy to navigate, accessible to everyone, mobile-friendly, and packed with interactive features. They should also reflect current design trends, organise content clearly, and stay updated with regular maintenance.
These features ensure your school website isn’t just functional but also a key hub for communication and community. Let’s explore how to implement them effectively.
In 2025, easy navigation is a must-have for school websites, helping students, parents, staff, and prospective families find what they need without hassle. A well-designed navigation system ensures users can quickly access information, whether they’re on a desktop or a mobile device. With mobile devices accounting for nearly 62% of global internet traffic in 2024 [1], it’s essential to focus on both platforms equally.
Primary Menu Organisation
The main menu should have clear, straightforward labels that align with your school’s structure. Categories like admissions, academic programmes, and parent resources make it simple for users to locate key information.
Mobile-First Approach
Make sure your navigation works perfectly on mobile devices. Use collapsible menus, touch-friendly buttons, and limit the need for excessive scrolling.
“We’ve worked with Lemongrass Media for many years and without a doubt they are one of the most client-friendly and professional companies we have ever worked with. Whether it is strategic design, or operational maintenance, nothing is ever too much and they are always just a phone call or email away.” – Coopers Coborn School
Accessibility Features
Modern school websites must include features that make them usable for everyone:
Analytics can help you monitor how well your navigation performs and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Prioritising easy navigation ensures your school’s website is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone.
By 2025, school websites must meet accessibility standards to comply with laws like the ADA and WCAG 2.1. Considering that only 3% of the top 1 million websites are fully accessible, schools have a chance to take the lead in improving online inclusivity.
Key Accessibility Elements
Essential features include compatibility with screen readers (like JAWS and NVDA), high-contrast display options, and scalable text for easier reading.
“Accessibility is not a feature, it’s a requirement”, says Léonie Watson, Director of TetraLogical. This statement underscores the idea that accessible design benefits everyone, not just individuals with disabilities.
Making Multimedia Inclusive
To ensure multimedia content is accessible, consider adding:
Regular Testing and Compliance
Conduct audits using tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify and fix accessibility issues. Features such as screen reader support, high-contrast settings, and keyboard-friendly navigation enhance usability for all visitors and reduce the risk of users leaving due to barriers.
Guidelines for Content Creation
Train staff to create content with clear headings, proper contrast, and elements that work seamlessly with keyboard navigation.
Additionally, optimising websites for mobile users is a critical step in ensuring inclusivity for all.
With more than 55% of website traffic expected to come from mobile devices in 2024, adopting a mobile-first design for school websites is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. A mobile-first approach ensures that websites work smoothly across devices, making them accessible to everyone, whether they’re using a phone, tablet, or desktop.
Key Design and Usability Features
Creating a mobile-friendly design requires a focus on layout and ease of use. Tools like CSS frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap) help create layouts that adjust to various screen sizes. Important design elements include:
Improving Performance
A fast-loading website is essential for keeping users engaged. Schools can enhance their mobile site performance by implementing techniques such as:
“Mobile optimisation goes beyond resizing – it creates natural, intuitive experiences on any device”, highlights WebFX in its 2025 educational technology report.
Modern Mobile Features
Today’s school websites are stepping up their game with advanced features that improve usability without overcomplicating things. Examples include swipe-enabled virtual tours and responsive parent portals, which combine practicality with user-friendly design. These features show how schools can provide a better experience while keeping things simple.
Partner with Lemongrass Media for bespoke website design, branding and innovative digital solutions tailored to your business or school.
Interactive features designed for mobile use make websites more dynamic and engaging, catering to students, parents, and staff alike.
Virtual Tours and Interactive Maps
Using 360-degree photography and 3D models, virtual tours allow prospective families to explore campuses remotely. Interactive maps can guide users to key facilities and departments on campus.
Parent Portals and Communication Hubs
Secure parent portals bring everything together in one place, offering access to:
Accessibility Considerations
All interactive elements should meet accessibility standards, ensuring they are usable for everyone.
“Interactive elements should enhance the user experience without creating barriers. The key is to maintain simplicity whilst providing meaningful engagement”, says Lemongrass Media’s school website design team.
Performance Optimisation
To ensure smooth functionality, interactive features should follow mobile optimisation practices, such as progressive loading.
| Feature Type | Optimisation Focus | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Features | Progressive loading, SVG formats | Faster rendering, reduced load times |
| Parent Portals | Secure authentication | Improved data protection |
Engagement Tracking
Analytics tools can measure how users interact with features like virtual tours or parent portals, providing insights into engagement levels.
Modern school websites are blending style with usability, focusing on designs that look great and work seamlessly. The latest trends aim to create engaging experiences while ensuring accessibility and performance remain top priorities.
Visual Design Elements
Bold fonts, eye-catching colour palettes, and dark mode options are gaining popularity. These features not only make websites visually appealing but also help strengthen a school’s brand and improve user experience. Dark mode, in particular, is easier on the eyes during evening browsing.
Eco-conscious Design
Sustainability is becoming an important factor in web design. Schools are adopting greener practices, such as:
| Design Element | Implementation | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Efficient media and code | Using compressed images, optimised video formats, and minimal CSS/JavaScript | Lowers server load, energy use, and processing demands |
| Eco-hosting | Partnering with green hosting providers | Reduces the site’s carbon footprint |
Interactive Design
Dynamic features like motion graphics and 3D elements are being used to make websites more engaging. These tools are especially effective for virtual tours and presenting resources, offering an interactive experience without compromising performance.
“I anticipate a significant rise in clients prioritising impactful impressions in 2025… There’s a growing demand for designs that go beyond conventional limits, aiming to evoke emotional responses rather than relying solely on factual information.” – Expert Insights, WebFX [2]
Minimalist Design
Keeping things simple is still a winning strategy. Minimalist layouts focus on:
Some schools are even experimenting with brutalist design – bold typography and straightforward layouts – creating websites that are both functional and memorable.
While new design trends can make websites more attractive and functional, clear and well-organised content remains essential for helping users find what they need quickly.
Organising content effectively is key to creating a school website that connects with its audience. A clear and logical structure ensures users can easily find the information they need, making the website a valuable resource for everyone involved with the school.
Content Structure and User Journey
Divide content into categories like Admissions, Academic Life, and Parent Portals. Use clear, descriptive headings to guide users naturally through the site. Studies show that focusing on user journeys helps keep visitors engaged and reduces bounce rates.
| Content Category | Primary Users | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | Prospective Families | Application steps, deadlines, and requirements |
| Academic Life | Current Students | Curriculum details, schedules, and resources |
| Parent Portal | Parents/Guardians | Grades, attendance, and school updates |
| Faculty Zone | Staff Members | Teaching tools and administrative resources |
Content Management Best Practices
Using a reliable CMS allows schools to maintain smooth navigation, consistent formatting, and mobile-friendly content. This approach ensures the website stays accessible and up to date, meeting both user needs and accessibility standards.
“Schools must prioritise essential information such as contact details, admissions procedures, and academic programmes while maintaining a clear and consistent layout that works across all devices. This user-first approach has shown to reduce bounce rates and increase parent engagement significantly.” – Schoolzine Educational Technology Report [3]
Content Accessibility
To make content easy for all users to access, focus on:
A well-organised website not only makes information easier to find but also keeps users engaged. By updating content regularly and ensuring it’s easy to navigate, schools can create a site that serves the needs of their community effectively.
Keeping a school website secure and functional requires constant attention, especially in 2025’s fast-changing digital landscape. Regular updates and reliable support are essential to ensure the site continues to meet the needs of the educational community.
Technical Maintenance and Resource Planning
To keep a school website running smoothly, regular maintenance is a must. This includes weekly security updates, monthly content reviews, and quarterly performance checks. Schools should dedicate resources to technical support, CMS updates, and security protocols to maintain consistent performance. These updates not only protect the site but also improve user experience by ensuring uninterrupted access to important information.
Support Systems
Having professional support in place means issues get resolved quickly, keeping the website functional throughout the school year. This helps schools avoid disruptions and maintain a seamless experience for users.
“Lemongrass are 100% client-focussed. You just know that you are in safe hands from day one. They are able to provide guidance, suggestions and helpful examples for any ideas or questions that are thrown their way. The team are always quick to respond to us, nothing is too much trouble and they deal with everything in a calm, friendly and professional manner.” – St Bart’s School
Analytics and Improvements
Monitoring data like page load speeds, user engagement, and mobile traffic provides valuable insights. These metrics help schools pinpoint areas for improvement and make informed decisions about updates and resource allocation.
Staff Development
Training staff regularly ensures they can handle content updates and maintain quality without depending too much on external help. This empowers school teams to manage routine tasks confidently while upholding professional standards.
Keeping school websites up-to-date is crucial for staying relevant and effective in 2025. Here’s how the key elements come together to create a strong digital presence.
The Role of Integrated Design
The seven main components we’ve discussed work together to build a digital platform that enhances communication between schools and their communities. Features like interactive tools, well-structured content, and reliable support systems create an easy-to-use experience for everyone involved.
Adapting to Modern Expectations
School websites need to keep evolving to meet the needs of their users. This requires a mix of technical expertise and user-focused design to ensure platforms remain functional, accessible, and meaningful for all.
Steps for Long-Term Success
To keep a school website effective, schools should focus on these actions:
Connecting with the Community
A well-designed school website strengthens ties with the community. When these seven elements are applied thoughtfully, they create a space where information flows smoothly, fostering stronger connections between schools and their stakeholders.
The work doesn’t stop after launching the website. Schools must stay committed to ongoing improvements to ensure their digital presence remains impactful well into the future. By partneruing with Lemongrass Media, you’re ensuring your website is in good hands from day one. Give us a call or drop us an email and let’s get started!
SERVICES
SAY HELLO
© 2011 – 2025 Lemongrass Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Designed in Hertfordshire, refined in Buckinghamshire
Lemongrass Media Limited registered office address: 2 Manor Farm Court, Old Wolverton Road, Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5NN.
Registration in England & Wales. Registration number: 8596811
Scroll to top
