OpenApply Admissions Conference Portugal

Empathy is a core ingredient in successful stakeholder engagement in a school.

Discover how we can leverage empathy, happiness, passion, transparency, and transformation to craft powerful stories that resonate with our school communities. Storytelling is integral to marketing/enrollment/admissions but how can we then celebrate these stories and strategize to foster the success of our students equitably?

In terms of ‘inclusivity’ ‘pluralism’ ‘diversity’ - what are we doing to build classrooms that ought to be representative of a wider audience and not only those who can afford our schools? Similarly, do we have a voice (as Admissions folk) at the big table? Diversity isn’t just for the student body but also within the decision-making level at a school. Admissions is an important voice.

This session will include insights, gained from working with students, staff, parents, and alumni/donors on

Establishing a strategic approach towards enrolment, with one important ingredient, 'SOUL'.
Practical tips for enhancing stakeholder engagement through storytelling.

Founded in 2020, TASIS Portugal is the newest member of the TASIS family of schools joining three renowned schools in Switzerland, England, and Puerto Rico. Amazingly, next year TASIS Portugal will be the largest TASIS school enrolling over 960 students. Learn about the transformation of a former commercial center (shopping mall), the silver lining presented by opening in a pandemic, and how integral a modern enrollment management team is to success. Partners like OpenApply –with us from day one—also play a key role in sustaining/growing enrollment.

At Villiers School, empathy and belonging are at the heart of our international admissions process. We understand the importance of connecting with families from diverse backgrounds and ensure that every applicant feels heard and valued. Our admissions approach goes beyond forms and interviews, focusing on building meaningful relationships that reflect our commitment to fostering belonging. By embracing each student’s unique cultural perspective, we create a supportive environment where all students feel they truly belong. This empathy-driven approach ensures that every student, from the moment they apply, is welcomed into the Villiers School community with care and understanding.

In this panel discussion, Tom will engage with our expert panel to delve into the following topic aligned with the conference theme:

1. Empathy Elevates Education
2. Challenges & Opportunities
3. Analytics & Forecasting

Matt will share an overview of our product roadmap, looking ahead at features that will be launching during 2025.

Tom will demonstrate some new OpenApply features that were released in the last year, and explain how you can make use of these to streamline your admissions process.

How admissions teams engage with families of neurodiverse applicants speaks volumes about a school’s values, vision, and reputation. Whether the answer is yes or no, every interaction must be rooted in empathy, care, and respect.

Drawing inspiration from the SPAN Speaker Series featuring experts from SENIA International and parents of neurodivergent students, this session explores best practices for fostering meaningful and transparent conversations with families. Participants gain insights into how to:

• Balance honesty with compassion when discussing admissions decisions
• Support families through the process with sensitivity and clarity
• Ensure that every interaction reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion
• Position admissions as a bridge to trust rather than a gatekeeper

Expect discomfort, reflection and practical strategies that strengthen relationships, uphold integrity, and reinforce your school’s dedication to welcoming all learners.