Schools are increasingly streaming concerts, plays, sports days, graduations, and assemblies to include families who cannot attend in person. This comprehensive guide covers everything a school needs to set up and run a streaming programme.
Getting started with minimal cost
A school does not need to buy expensive equipment. A smartphone on a tripod, a free streaming app, and the school Wi-Fi is a viable starting setup. The most important investment is an external microphone for clear audio in large halls.
Start with one event, a concert or a play, to test the process and build confidence. Use the revenue from that event to fund equipment upgrades for the next one.
Safeguarding and data protection
Streaming events involving children requires parental or guardian consent. Use your existing photography and video consent form, updated to include live streaming.
Use a ticketed platform rather than a public stream. A paywall limits access to people who have actively purchased a ticket, adding a layer of protection compared to a public YouTube or Facebook stream.
Building a programme
Identify the events that parents most want to see: concerts, plays, sports days, prize givings, and graduations. Create a calendar at the start of the school year and promote it to families.
Recruit parent volunteers or older students to help with camera operation and technical setup. Many parents have relevant skills and are happy to contribute.
Revenue for the school
A school that streams 6 events per year at 3 pounds per ticket with an average of 100 viewers per event generates 1,800 pounds annually. This funds equipment upgrades, curriculum resources, or school trips.
Some schools use streaming revenue specifically for technology funding, creating a self-sustaining cycle where streaming pays for the equipment used to stream.
Start your school streaming programme
PassCast Community is free to use with no monthly fees. Schools only pay a share of ticket revenue. Start streaming your school events today.
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