How Print Resellers Can Support Schools In The Summer and Beyond

For many schools, June is when plans start moving quickly. Summer fairs are coming up. Leavers events are being finalised. September planning is already taking shape in the background. For print resellers, that makes this a valuable time to start conversations with local schools, colleges, nurseries and education providers.

The education sector needs print all year round, but summer gives resellers a clear reason to get in touch now. From outdoor banners and event signage to student planners, prospectus books and open evening materials, there are plenty of ways to support schools with practical, professional print.

Start with summer events

School fetes, fairs and sports days are often highlights of the summer term. They bring pupils, parents, staff and local communities together, and they usually need a wide range of printed materials to help everything run smoothly.

Outdoor PVC banners are a strong place to start. Schools often put these up ahead of an event to build awareness, especially on fences, railings and entrances where parents and passers by will see them. Flyers and posters can also help spread the word in the local area, from community noticeboards to nearby shops and leisure centres.

On the day itself, schools may need printed products that make the event feel more organised, welcoming and memorable. Selfie frames can encourage photos and social sharing. Crest flags can bring school branding into outdoor spaces. Arch banners can mark entrances, finish lines or feature areas. Gazebos from our new outdoor printing range can support PTA stalls, refreshment points, information desks and activity zones.

For resellers, this creates a simple opening message: summer events are coming up, and the right print can help schools promote them, brand them and make them easier to navigate.

Don't overlook leavers moments

The end of the academic year is also a key moment for leavers products. Many schools want to give pupils something that feels personal, memorable and connected to their time at the school.

Branded hoodies and T-shirts with leavers’ names are a popular option, especially for Year 6 and Year 11 pupils. They work well for schools, parent groups and PTAs looking for something pupils can keep long after the term ends. There are also opportunities around printed aprons for art, cooking, fundraising or school events, as well as other branded merchandise that schools can use for keepsakes, clubs or celebrations.

This is where resellers can add value by making the process feel simple. Schools are often busy at this point in the year, so clear product suggestions, straightforward options and practical order guidance can make a real difference.

September planning starts before September

Although September can feel far away, schools start preparing long before pupils return.

Back to school print is a strong opportunity for resellers because it covers both student facing and staff facing products. School planners are a particularly useful product to mention, especially as wiro bound books. They’re practical, used every day and often needed in large quantities.

There are also plenty of print essentials for staff rooms, offices and departments. Schools may need letterheads, compliment slips, classroom notices, forms, stickers, welcome packs and other everyday materials that help the new academic year start smoothly.

The key message for resellers is simple: don't wait until September. By then, many schools will already have placed orders or be dealing with urgent requests. June and July are the right time to start the conversation.

Support open evenings and transition events

Open evenings are another major opportunity, especially for secondary schools welcoming primary school leavers and their families. These events are designed to make a strong impression, and printed materials play a big part in that.

Prospectus books, presentation folders, flyers and handouts can help schools present themselves clearly and professionally. Temporary directional signage using correx can guide visitors around the site, especially when families are moving between halls, classrooms and outdoor areas.

Banners can support assembly hall presentations, welcome areas and subject displays. Display boards, printed maps and event programmes can also help parents and pupils understand where to go, what to see and who to speak to.

For schools, these materials are about confidence and clarity. For resellers, they’re a chance to provide a joined up print solution that supports the full event experience.

How resellers can start the conversation

The best approach is to make the conversation useful from the start. Schools are busy, so broad messages about print may not land as well as a timely, relevant suggestion.

A summer event checklist can be a strong starting point. Resellers could send a simple list covering banners, posters, flyers, directional signage, selfie frames, flags, gazebos and leavers merchandise. This gives the school a reason to respond and helps them spot anything they may have missed. It’s also worth speaking to PTAs and Friends of the School groups. They often organise fetes, fairs and fundraising events, so they may be the best contact for summer print requirements.

School business managers, office teams and marketing leads are also valuable contacts, particularly for back to school print, open evenings and everyday stationery. Resellers could ask what events are already in the calendar, what print is usually ordered each year and whether anything needs refreshing before September.

Local multi academy trusts can also open up wider opportunities. One conversation could lead to work across several schools, especially where branding, signage or student materials need a consistent approach. The most important thing is to be specific. Instead of sending a general print list, show schools the products that match what they’re planning right now.

Use Ofsted as a secondary opportunity

Ofsted can also be a useful conversation starter, although it should sit alongside wider school print needs rather than being the main focus. Schools work hard throughout the year, and many are proud to share positive Ofsted outcomes with parents, pupils and the wider community. Fence banners are a common way to display this outside the school, especially near entrances and busy roads.

Resellers could also suggest reception signage, posters, window graphics or printed inserts for prospectus packs where appropriate. The school should always provide the approved wording, but the print opportunity is clear: achievements deserve to be seen.

A simple question could open the door: would you like help turning recent school achievements into printed displays for parents and visitors?

Other opportunities to consider

Education print isn't limited to primary and secondary schools. Nurseries, colleges, sixth forms, training centres and local education providers may all need similar support, especially around events, enrolment, signage and everyday printed materials.

Sports days can also create demand for banners, flags, certificates, team signs and gazebos. PTA fundraising events may need sponsor boards, stall signs, flyers and posters. Schools may also need safeguarding signage, visitor information, temporary wayfinding and reception area print.

There’s also a strong repeat order opportunity. School planners, stationery, event banners, open evening materials and summer fair print return year after year. Once a reseller becomes a trusted print partner, the relationship can grow well beyond a single order.

Local sponsorship can add another angle too. Schools may be able to include sponsor logos on event banners, programmes or display boards, helping them offset costs while giving local businesses visibility.

Make education part of your seasonal sales plan

For print resellers, schools offer far more than one off print jobs. They have regular events, recurring academic milestones and practical print needs throughout the year. June is a strong time to start. Summer fairs and leavers events create immediate opportunities, while back to school planning and open evenings give resellers a reason to keep the conversation going. The right approach is simple: be timely, be practical and show schools how print can help them promote events, welcome visitors, celebrate pupils and prepare for the next academic year.

Have you approached local schools, colleges or education providers before? If not, now could be the perfect time to start the conversation.