The UK Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA*) updated its advice to schools on Parent WhatsApp Groups in late May 2026. New Guidance highlights how these groups can undermine the school brand and affect customer loyalty.
ISBA advises schools not to use WhatsApp for school communications, and outlines how bespoke platforms like Classlist can support PTA and class rep comms.
The current challenging commercial climate around the world makes meaningful parent engagement essential. WhatsApp groups (or in some geos WeChat, Line or KakaoTalk) can amplify misinformation, create cliques or even lead to bullying or safeguarding issues. Groups may not include all parents, or may contain members who have no relation with the school.
ISBA’s detailed Guidance is confidential to its members, but we are keen to discuss how schools can take the high ground with social media, and use alternative platforms like Classlist to manage the risks which ISBA sets out.
Classlist isn’t just an alternative to WhatsApp. It brings everything for the parent community into one place, including events; marketplace: parent map; fundraising, volunteering and liftshare.
If this sounds of interest you can book a meeting directly here.
*ISBA is the largest membership organisation for independent school Finance Directors in Europe
See Chris King, former IAPS CEO, quizzing Piers Clayden, partner at GDPR specialists Clayden Law, on ISBA's Guidance and real world risks for schools and parents.