Should we get a Drone?

Yes! Drones are awesome.

I hold Commercial Drone Licenses and Insurance in the USA, UK and Europe. If we can fly a drone at your school, I will.

Drones have quietly become one of the most powerful storytelling tools in school marketing — but before you get one, there are a few things worth knowing.

If you’re considering a drone for school use, a 249-gram model is the sweet spot. If it falls out of the sky, it would be like an orange falling on someones head. If you want anything heavier with better quality, please hire me or someone else to fly for you. They can be dangerous.

I suggest something like the DJI Mavic 5 Pro Mini. I have one.

These lightweight drones sit below an important regulatory threshold in the UK, making them easier to operate and far less intimidating for schools. They’re also remarkably capable, producing smooth, cinematic footage that works beautifully for websites, prospectus videos, and social media.

Any drone used by a school should still be registered with the CAA, and the operator must hold a valid Flyer ID.

Registration is straightforward, inexpensive, and essential — it shows you’re operating responsibly and legally, which matters in an educational environment. I think it is £9.

Insurance is another non-negotiable. Even the most careful pilot can’t control the weather, a curious seagull, or a sudden football flying into frame. Public liability insurance specifically covering drone use protects both the school and the operator, and it’s something parents and governors will rightly expect to be in place. It's also not hugely expensive for a small drone, maybe £30 a month.