Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) has long been an important tool for schools to show their presence online. Parents often checked star ratings and reviews to understand a school’s reputation before making admission decisions. However, Google has recently introduced a major change: reviews and star ratings are no longer visible for school Google Business Profiles.Why Google Is Removing Reviews from School GMB has become a major discussion point among educators and parents alike
This update has created confusion among school owners, administrators, and marketers. Why did Google take this step? What does it mean for schools? And how can schools now build trust without Google reviews?
In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about this update.
What Is the New Google Policy for School GMB Profiles?
Under Google’s new policy, ratings and reviews are still shown for most businesses, such as restaurants, shops, hospitals, salons, and service providers. However, for general education schools (Nursery to Class 12 / K–12 schools), Google has completely :
- Removed all existing reviews
- Removed star ratings
- Disabled the option to add new reviews
This change applies globally and affects schools categorized as primary, elementary, middle, secondary, and senior secondary schools.
In short:
⭐ Ratings remain visible for other businesses, but school reviews are no longer shown on Google.
Why Google Is Removing Reviews from School GMB
Google has shared that the main reason behind this decision is to improve the quality, fairness, and reliability of information on its platform. Over time, Google noticed serious issues with school reviews.
1. Many School Reviews Were Fake or Misleading
One of the strongest reasons why Google is removing reviews from School GMB is the misuse of the review system. A large number of reviews were :
- Written by people with no real connection to the school
- Posted by students as jokes or pranks
- Left by competitors or angry individuals
These reviews often did not reflect the true quality of education or environment of the school.
2. Reviews Were Emotion-Based, Not Experience-Based
Another important reason why Google is removing reviews from School GMB is that school experiences are very different from businesses like restaurants or shops. Education is :
- Long-term
- Complex
- Personal
A single negative incident or misunderstanding often resulted in harsh reviews that stayed online for years, even if the issue was resolved later. Google found that such reviews were not a fair or accurate way to judge a school.
3. Protecting Schools and Students
A critical factor in why Google is removing reviews from School GMB is safety and sensitivity. Schools deal with children, parents, and confidential information. Google aims to :
- Reduce online harassment
- Prevent abuse of the review system
- Protect educational institutions from unfair public criticism
Removing reviews helps create a safer and more respectful digital space for educational institutions.
4. Reviews Are Not the Right Metric for Education Quality
Education quality cannot be measured using star ratings alone. Factors like :
- Teaching methods
- Academic results
- Student development
- Values and discipline
cannot be accurately judged through short public comments. Google recognized that school reviews do not truly help parents make informed decisions.
Which Schools Are Affected by This Change?
The policy of why Google is removing reviews from School GMB mainly applies to general education schools, including :
- Nursery schools
- Primary schools
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Senior secondary schools (Class 12)
What About Colleges and Universities?
While understanding why Google is removing reviews from School GMB, it is important to note that in many cases :
- Colleges
- Universities
- Coaching institutes
- Vocational training centers
may still show reviews, depending on their category. The restriction is focused on general education (K–12) schools.
How This Change Impacts Schools
1. No More Negative Review Pressure
One major benefit of why Google is removing reviews from School GMB is that schools no longer have to worry about :
- Old negative reviews
- Fake ratings
- Reputation damage from irrelevant comments
This gives schools a fresh digital start.
2. Shift from Ratings to Real Information
As reviews are removed, why Google is removing reviews from School GMB also encourages parents to focus more on :
- School details
- Facilities
- Photos
- Academic performance
- Communication
This encourages schools to present real value instead of chasing stars.
3. Increased Importance of Digital Presence
Without reviews, why Google is removing reviews from School GMB highlights the need for schools to strengthen :
- Website quality
- Social media activity
- Google Business Profile optimization
How Schools Can Build Trust Without Google Reviews
Even after understanding why Google is removing reviews from School GMB, schools can still build strong online credibility.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your GMB profile still matters a lot. Schools should :
- Upload high-quality photos of campus, classrooms, labs, playgrounds
- Keep address, phone number, and timings updated
- Write a clear and engaging school description highlighting vision, values, and facilities
A complete profile builds first-level trust.
2. Use Website Testimonials Instead of Google Reviews
Since why Google is removing reviews from School GMB affects public feedback, schools should use :
- Parent testimonials
- Student success stories
- Alumni feedback
Using real names, photos, or videos (with permission) increases authenticity and trust.
3. Highlight Academic Results and Achievements
Show proof of performance through :
- Board results
- Competitive exam success
- Olympiads and competitions
- Sports achievements
- Awards and recognitions
Achievements speak louder than ratings.
4. Stay Active on Social Media Platforms
Parents often check social media before visiting a school. Schools should regularly post :
- School events and celebrations
- Classroom activities
- Annual functions
- Workshops and parent-teacher meetings
This transparency supports the idea behind why Google is removing reviews from School GMB.
5. Use Google Posts for Updates
Even without reviews, Google allows schools to :
- Post announcements
- Share admission updates
- Highlight events
This keeps the profile fresh and informative in search results.
6. Focus on Word-of-Mouth and Offline Reputation
Despite why Google is removing reviews from School GMB, word-of-mouth remains powerful. Schools should :
- Encourage parent referrals
- Organize open house events
- Maintain strong teacher-parent communication
Real experiences build long-term trust.
For stronger online presence and better visibility in the digital space, schools can also consider hiring a professional digital marketing expert like Digiphlox, who can help manage online profiles, SEO, content, and overall digital reputation effectively.
SEO Benefits of This Change for Schools
From an SEO perspective, why Google is removing reviews from School GMB means :
- Less competition based on star ratings
- More importance on content quality
- Higher value for optimized websites and local SEO
Schools that invest in:
- SEO-friendly websites
- Informative blogs
- Local search optimization
will gain a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
Why Google is removing reviews from School GMB is not a setback but a strategic shift. It protects schools from unfair judgment and helps parents focus on meaningful, factual information rather than star ratings.
In simple words :
Google reviews are gone for schools, but trust is not. Schools must now build credibility through transparency, achievements, communication, and strong digital presence.
Schools that adapt quickly and focus on quality presentation instead of ratings will benefit the most from this change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are Google reviews permanently removed for schools ?
Yes, for general education schools, reviews and ratings are currently disabled.
Q2. Can parents still leave reviews for schools ?
No, Google has turned off the review option for school profiles.
Q3. Does this affect SEO ranking ?
No direct negative impact. SEO now depends more on content, website quality, and profile optimization.
Q4. What is the best alternative to Google reviews for schools ?
Website testimonials, social media engagement, achievements, and parent referrals.
