What Our Members Say

At the College Marketing Network (CMN), we are committed to fostering a community of collaboration, growth, and innovation. But don’t just take our word for it – hear from our members themselves! This page features reviews and testimonials from marketing professionals across the Further Education sector, sharing their experiences with CMN and how our network has helped them excel in their roles. Explore the stories of success, support, and inspiration that make being part of CMN a truly valuable experience.

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“I have had the pleasure of working with the College Marketing Network for over 13 years, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The sharing of best practice is simply great. The Network brings together college marketing professionals from across the sector and throughout the UK, creating a vibrant, collaborative community where we can share our thoughts and ideas, and can test our concepts freely. Challenges and solutions are also explored, all within in a positive and supportive environment.
The training sessions are always excellent. Whether it’s the workshops, specialist interest groups or the annual conference, the team and I have always come away with new strategies, fresh inspiration and actionable take-aways that have made a real difference to our marketing work. I particularly like the conference because it gives the team and I the opportunity to be creative in our thinking, meet likeminded colleagues, and share the good and the bad, and everything in between when it comes to FE marketing.
If you’re looking to engage with committed peers, grow professionally and drive improvement in your college marketing function, the CMN is absolutely for you.”

Kathy McCormack, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, South Bank Colleges.

“Imagine facing a work problem so specific that you don’t even bother sharing it with friends — they simply wouldn’t understand. Now imagine bringing that same problem to a room full of people who not only understand it, but have already solved it. That’s what the CMN network offer.”
Gemma Whalley, Director of Marketing and Communications, Stoke on Trent College

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“I can’t overstate the value that being part of the CMN has brought to me, my team, and the colleges I’ve worked with. This network unites marketing professionals from every corner of the marketing mix — and the best part is, we’re all promoting the same product: Further Education.
“At the heart of it all is Emma (CMN), who brings a wealth of personal experience in marketing education and expertly curates webinars and discussions that are always relevant and timely. These sessions keep us learning, sharing best practice, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.
“Further Education is a unique product to market, and having a community of like-minded professionals who truly understand its challenges and rewards is simply invaluable.”
Jane Golds, Director of Marketing and Admissions, HSDC

“I joined Bath College from an agency side background. I’ve found Emma (CMN) to be an invaluable source of information and advice as I’ve got used to the specifics of marketing in an FE environment. I’ve also been really impressed by the open, sharing attitude of network members – everyone is so willing to share information from their own experiences. I would recommend CMN to anyone – whether you are new to FE or already experienced. I’ve found it to be a really vital resource for me and my team.”
Matt Basham, Head of Marketing, Student Recruitment and External Relations Marketing, Bath College

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“It’s great to be part of the College Marketing Network and connect with like-minded professionals across the sector. The network creates a real sense of community, where we can share ideas and tackle common challenges together. The focused webinars are always insightful, covering important and relevant topics for every part of the marketing team – from digital and design to strategy and communications. Attending the CMN Awards was a real highlight; it was fantastic to celebrate our collective achievements and for IEG to receive sector recognition for work that often goes unnoticed in education. CMN truly gives marketing professionals the platform and appreciation they deserve.”
Amaan Joondan, Corporate Marketing Coordinator, Inspire Education Group

“The College Marketing Network has been a brilliant support for the team at MK College Group. It’s a space where you can share ideas, ask questions, and learn from others who really get the challenges and opportunities we face in FE marketing. The workshops are always spot-on; practical, relevant, and full of ideas we’ve taken straight back to the office. Whether it’s campaign inspiration, strategic thinking, or just knowing you’re not alone, CMN has helped us grow and deliver some of our best work.”
Katy Eyles, Head of Marketing & Communications, MK College Group

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“We’ve been proud members of the College Marketing Network since 2018, and it’s been an invaluable source of support, inspiration and professional development for our team. The CMN community is incredibly generous in sharing ideas and best practice, and the regular events and resources have really helped us to strengthen our marketing strategy.
Winning two awards at the 2025 FE First Awards was a real highlight for us – and a testament to how much we’ve grown with the help of this network. We’d highly recommend CMN to any college marketing team looking to join.”
The Marketing Team, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College

“We’ve been part of the College Marketing Network for a few years now, and it’s made a huge difference to our team. Having access to other FE marketers who wrestle with the same priorities and opportunities has been invaluable, and the fact that Emma has literally walked the same path means we’re expertly steered by someone who understands what we need. 
“The webinars are thought-provoking, the product demos genuinely useful, and the deep dives into common systems are always full of practical ideas and takeaways. They’ve helped our staff learn from others, bring back fresh thinking, and apply it to our own work.
“Sometimes as college marketers it can feel like we’re on own facing pressures that no-one else could possibly understand, but the reality is that our challenges are rarely unique. The issues we face are usually experienced in colleges across the country, and by sharing good practice (as well as cautionary tales about what hasn’t worked!),  together we can help carve out a way forward”.
Steve Hyland, Director of Comms and Marketing, MidKent College

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“The College Marketing Network provides an invaluable resource for marketing professionals working in the industry. Having started my role last academic year, I’ve been able to call upon the experience and expertise of others for all manner of different questions. The local events and the annual conference provide fantastic opportunities to network with your peers and hear from carefully selected organisations that provide a variety of marketing services to colleges across the country. More than anything the CMN is an open and friendly community that you can turn to for support and advice.”
Philip Morrison, Head of Marketing, City of Bristol College

“Being part of the College Marketing Network has been incredibly valuable for my team. It gives us the opportunity to join discussions which is fantastic – it really feels like a community.
The annual conference and FE First Awards are always a highlight of the year. It’s a great chance to meet colleagues from across the sector in person, celebrate the huge talent within further education marketing, and hopefully enjoy the excitement of being shortlisted for an award!”
Peter Reynolds, Chief Marketing Officer, Activate Learning.

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“CMN is full of incredible professionals who willingly share their knowledge and insights throughout the year. The collaborative spirit within the network is something truly special, fostering a community where ideas flow freely, and best practices are shared generously.”
Carolyn Kirby, Head of Marketing, Queen Mary’s College

“What I love about CMN is the sense of community it fosters. The sub-groups for Heads of Marketing have allowed me to connect with peers across the country, share experiences, and get support on strategic issues. It’s reassuring to have a network where you can discuss challenges openly without worrying about competitors.”
Sean Howitt, Head of Marketing, Solihull College & University Centre

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“I can’t imagine doing my job without being able to reach out to people in the way that I can through the College Marketing Network.
“The online workshop, sub-groups, group email, and events like the annual conference, are such an invaluable resource.
“My whole team benefits from the CMN, and we wouldn’t be without it!”
Michelle Blake, Head of Marketing, College of West Anglia

“I was involved in National Apprenticeship Week and tasked with gathering assets; I just wanted to let you know that having all of this in one place on the members’ SharePoint was a Godsend! Thank you, you’ve saved me hours!“
Ade Collins, Senior Communications Officer, LTE Group

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“I had a query that I knew other colleges could help me with. I sent an email to the members’ group, and within a few hours I got the answer I needed.
“CMN members are so supportive of each other. This network is an amazing resource!”
Lucy McCann, Marketing Manager, Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges

“I’ve found real benefit from being a member of the CMN. The online workshops cover hot topics and trends in the sector, and if you can’t make the session, they are available on the members’ SharePoint site which has lots of other useful resources.”
Sarah Cooper, Marketing Manager, Dudley College

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.
Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

“The CMN Conference is such a great opportunity for marketing professionals to come together, to share ideas, and solve common problems. I highly recommend the event to all marketing professionals within the FE sector.”
Michelle Dowse, Principal & CEO, Heart of Worcester College

“The CMN Conference is our main calendar event of the year for learning about insights in the industry and connecting with other like-minded professionals. We have come away from the last two years feeling inspired, having learnt something new.”
The Manchester College (part of the LTE Group)

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