School discos are a favorite fundraising event for a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). They are easy to organise, can be scaled up, and are fun for everyone. Whether it’s a glow-stick rave for Year 6 or a gentle boogie for Reception, a well-run disco is a fantastic way to bring the school community together while raising funds for extras that matter.

If you are a PTA volunteer or school organiser planning your first disco, this guide is for you. This will help you create a school disco that kids will remember long after it ends.

1. Choose Your Date and Book Your Venue Early

Timing is everything. The best dates for discos are usually:

• End of term (as a fun send-off, especially as a YEar 6 leavers disco)
• After-school on a Friday
• Before a school holiday

Make sure you check for clashes with local events, school trips, or parents’ evenings.

Venue options:

• Your own school hall (if available)
• Community centres
• Church halls or local venues for hire

Top Tip: Use Sharesy to browse child-friendly, affordable venues in your area—perfect if the school hall is already booked or too small.

2. Music: The Heart of the Disco

No disco is complete without a great playlist. You’ve got two main options:

A) Hire a DJ

Look for a child-friendly DJ who understands the vibe—no inappropriate lyrics, lots of audience interaction, and maybe even games. Ask for references or see if other schools have recommendations. Tip: Connect with your school community. There might be a parent who can be a DJ for the evening.

B) DIY Playlist

Save on cost by creating your own playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. Stick to radio-edits, clean pop hits, and party favourites.

Must-haves:

• Wireless speaker or sound system
• Microphone for announcements
• A mix of current hits + classics

Bonus: Include some teacher or parent-requested songs for a cross-generational dance moment.

3. Set the Mood with Simple Decorations

You don’t need to break the bank—just a few well-placed decorations can transform a hall into a party zone.

Easy wins:

• Disco lights or fairy lights
• Balloons and streamers
• Glow sticks or LED bracelets- You can set up a stall for children to purchase these goodies at the disco
• A photo backdrop with props for silly selfies

Themes like neon, retro, or sparkle can make decorating easier and more cohesive. Don’t forget to check if your venue allows blu-tack or tape on walls!

4. Food, Drink, and Snacks

Keep it simple, fun, and mess-free. Discos usually run for 1–2 hours, so light refreshments are best.

Snack ideas:

• Crisps or popcorn in paper cups
• Drinks station with squash or juice cartons
• Allergy-friendly options clearly labelled

Optional: Sell snacks at a tuck shop for extra fundraising!

5. Safety First!

A fun disco is a safe disco. Here’s how to make sure everything runs smoothly:

• Check your venue’s first aid access and have a first aider on-site
• Make sure you have enough volunteers for sign-in/out, supervision, and snack stations
• Create a sign-in list and a clear system for pick-up (especially for KS1/younger pupils)
• Set boundaries: no running, no phones (if needed), and stay inside the venue
• Make sure you don't exceed your capacity. You can control numbers by selling tickets to the disco in advance.

Tip: Split the disco into sessions by year group if numbers are high—this helps with crowd control and keeps things age-appropriate. Speak to your headteacher to see if there are staff who can help with dismissing children at the end of the disco.

6. Add a Little Extra Magic

Make your disco stand out with a few easy extras:

• Dance-off competitions with small prizes
• Freeze dance or musical statues for younger kids
• Photo booth with silly props
• Glow stick giveaways at the door
• Teacher dance cameo – guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

And don’t forget a countdown song at the end so kids know when it’s time to go!

7. Keep It Affordable (and Fundraising Friendly)

A school disco is a great PTA event when done right. Think about:

• Charging a small entry fee to raise money.
• Selling refreshments or glow items
• Running a mini raffle or prize draw
• Sponsorships from local businesses
  

8. Involve the Whole School Community

Planning a disco can be easy if you have the right support. Ask for:

• Parent helpers (for check-in, snacks, or decorating)
• Teachers to supervise and dismiss children at the end of the event!
• Pupils to help choose the playlist or design posters

And make sure to say thank you—in person, on social media, or in the school newsletter. That recognition goes a long way.

9. Promote Your Disco Like a Pro

Start 2–3 weeks ahead and use every communication channel:

• School newsletter and email
• WhatsApp parent groups
• Printed posters or flyers in book bags
• Facebook and Instagram (if your PTA uses them)

Include all key info: date, time, location, ticket price, pick-up details, and what’s included (e.g., snack + glowstick).

Whether you are planning a disco for 30 or 100 people, you can have a great night. With some preparation, the right venue, and a good playlist, you can make it happen.