Google has recently announced a significant change that will impact educational institutions listed on Google Search and Google Maps. Starting April 30, 2025, Google will permanently remove all reviews and ratings from school listings categorized under “general education” in Google Business Profiles.
This global update will affect thousands of schools and marks a major shift in how educational institutions are represented online.
What’s Changing?
Effective April 30, 2025:
- New reviews and ratings will no longer be allowed on general education school listings.
- All existing reviews and ratings will be permanently deleted.
- Users will not be able to view or write reviews for these schools on either Google Search or Google Maps.
This means that schools will no longer be able to display any public feedback — positive or negative — through Google’s review system.
Why Is Google Making This Change?
Google’s decision is driven by the need to reduce inappropriate, fake, or prank reviews that have historically targeted schools. Such reviews have often misrepresented institutions and affected their reputation unfairly.
By removing the review feature entirely for general education schools, Google aims to:
- Prevent misuse of its review system.
- Protect schools from harmful or misleading feedback.
- Maintain the integrity of its platform.
Who Will Be Affected?
This update applies specifically to schools listed under the “general education” category in Google Business Profiles, including:
- Elementary Schools
- Middle Schools
- High Schools
The following institutions are not affected by this update:
- Pre-schools
- Colleges and Universities
- Vocational or Trade Schools
- Postgraduate Institutions
Important: If a school is miscategorized and doesn’t fall under general education, it may retain its reviews — but only if the category change aligns with the institution’s actual type.
What Should Schools Do Now?
No action is required if your school is correctly categorized as a general education institution. The change will be applied automatically by Google on April 30, 2025.
However, if you suspect your school is incorrectly listed under the general education category, consider reviewing and updating your Google Business Profile. Here’s how:
- Visit Google Business Profile Manager
- Select your school’s listing.
- Navigate to the “Business Information” section.
- Check your business category and update only if appropriate.
Final Thoughts from Texon Solutions
At Texon Solutions, we believe in empowering institutions with the right tools and timely updates that matter. While this may feel like a step back in terms of public visibility, it’s a proactive move by Google to foster a safer and more responsible online environment for schools.
Need help managing your institution’s online presence or optimizing your digital strategy in light of this update? Contact our expert team today.
