Smart School Directory

A map-based school locator for multi-school trusts or federations — search, filter, and browse schools on an interactive map.

Overview

Smart School Directory (WP School Locator) lets you maintain a directory of schools with map coordinates, contact details, and school type filters. Visitors can search and browse schools on an interactive map with a sidebar list.

This is useful for multi-academy trusts, dioceses, or local authorities that need a public-facing school finder.

Getting Set Up

1. Go to Schools in the WordPress sidebar.
2. Add each school with name, latitude, longitude, phone, and email.
3. Assign a school type (Primary, Secondary, All Through, Middle+).
4. Add [school_locator] to a page.
5. Publish and test the map.

Features

School entries

Where to find it: Schools → Add New

School types: Primary, Secondary, All Through, Middle+

Bulk import

Where to find it: Schools → Import CSV

Upload a CSV file to add multiple schools at once.

Display

Visitors can filter by: All, Primary, Secondary, All Through, Middle+

Common Tasks

Adding a school to the directory

1. Go to Schools → Add New.
2. Enter the school name and details.
3. Add latitude and longitude (use Google Maps to find coordinates).
4. Select the school type.
5. Publish.

Importing schools from a spreadsheet

1. Prepare a CSV with school data.
2. Go to Schools → Import CSV.
3. Upload and import.
4. Verify schools appear on the map.

Tips & Best Practice

• Accurate latitude and longitude are essential — schools without coordinates will not appear on the map.
• Keep contact details current — parents use this to find and contact schools.
• Test the map on mobile devices as well as desktop.

Troubleshooting

A school is not appearing on the map

Why it happens: Latitude and longitude may be missing or incorrect.

How to fix it:

1. Edit the school and check the School Details meta box.
2. Enter valid coordinates.
3. Update and refresh the map page.

Last updated: 9 July 2026 · Plugin version: 1.3.0