Google will begin removing all reviews and star ratings from K–12 school Profiles.
From April 30, 2025, Google will begin removing all reviews and star ratings from K–12 school Google Business Profiles. This change affects all schools globally, including those in Australia, and will also prevent any new reviews from being added moving forward.
Why is Google doing this?
Google has stated that reviews left on school profiles are often off-topic, misleading, or harmful, and not written by those with a meaningful relationship to the school. Many are left by former students or external individuals using the platform to vent, rather than provide genuine feedback.
What does this mean for your school?
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⭐ All existing reviews and ratings will be permanently deleted
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🚫 New reviews won’t be accepted going forward
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🔍 Schools may become less visible in local search results
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📉 You’ll lose a key channel for showcasing positive feedback
This shift means schools need to take control of how they’re seen online — because relying on third-party platforms is no longer a viable option.
How can schools respond?
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to strengthen your digital presence using tools and platforms that you own or control. Here are three effective ways to do that:
If families are looking for more objective information, websites like My School give parents access to comparable data on school performance, enrolments, and demographics — but they don’t tell the full story.
That’s why tools like multimedia and Hail are so important — they bring the heart of your school to life in ways that data alone can’t.
1. Tell your story with multimedia
Parents connect with visuals — not just words. Multimedia packages help schools showcase what makes them unique through:
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School overview videos that capture culture and values
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Principal welcome clips to build familiarity and trust
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Virtual tours for families researching schools remotely
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Photography sessions to refresh websites, enrolment packs, and social posts
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Interactive media showing classrooms, facilities, and student life
These assets offer far more context and connection than a star rating ever could — and can be repurposed across all your channels.
2. Communicate with impact using Hail
Hail is a modern publishing tool designed specifically for schools. It helps you create, manage, and distribute engaging content like:
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Weekly newsletters (mobile-friendly and beautifully designed)
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Articles with embedded video, images, and links
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Instant sharing across your website and social media
Not only does Hail streamline your communications, it also gives your school a consistent voice and professional presentation — which builds credibility and trust over time.
With Google reviews gone, tools like Hail let you control the conversation and consistently share stories that reflect the best of your school community.
3. Make your website your strongest asset
Your website is often the first impression families get — so make it count. A well-designed site should:
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Clearly showcase your values, strengths, and culture
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Be mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
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Include testimonials, videos, news, and calendar info
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Highlight enrolment processes and key contacts
If it’s been more than 3 years since your last website update, now’s the perfect time to consider a refresh.
Need support?
At Education Web Solutions, we work with over 300 schools across Australia and New Zealand to deliver websites, multimedia, and tools like Hail that help schools shine online.
If you’d like a free website review or want to explore options for multimedia or communication tools, we’d love to chat.