Essential School Signage
Whether you are a school, academy, college, or university, having a consistent signage scheme in place throughout your campus is essential.
There are dozens of signage options and systems available, and it’s difficult to know which is the most appropriate for your organisation. So, here is your comprehensive school signage guide – what to use, when to use it, and how it works.
Entrance
Let’s start where your visitors start – at the entrance. Why is it so important to carefully consider your entrance signage?
The obvious first answer is visibility. People need to know where to find you, and that they’ve arrived at the right place. This is particularly important if you have several entrances for different groups or events.
And then there’s making that all-important first impression. Your entrance sign tells people a lot about your brand; whether you see your school as a family, or an establishment dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. Your entrance sign can help you say all this, without opening your mouth.
Here’s What We Recommend
Monolith (or totem) signs are a good option for entrances. These are stand-alone pillars on which you can display all the necessary information about your school. They’re sleek and modern, giving a great first impression.
Post Mounted signs are particularly good if people are driving past and need to find your site. They’re low maintenance and high-impact. With flat panels mounted onto wooden or aluminium posts. Different techniques can be used to give more visual impact. For example, this sign for Farnborough Hill School is made of clear acrylic with vinyl on its face to give a shadow onto the backboard.
If your entrance is bounded by a wall, then you can step up the visual by using flat-cut or built-up letters As you can see at The Austen Academy, the letters are set an inch away from the wall, giving a 3D effect.
School Grounds
It’s not just new pupils who can end up wandering, lost, around corridors and paths. Your visitors need to be able to find their way around too. And, while they’re trying to find the Science block, your signage can reinforce the school brand or that family feel. Using the same fonts, colours, logos, and wording subconsciously make people feel comfortable and secure – just what you’re after.
Here’s What We Recommend
For wayfinding signage, Post and Plank systems are simple to erect, low maintenance, and easy to read. As you can see at Austen Academy, they usually consist of planks fixed between two posts.
Alternatively, Finger Posts are common on school campuses. Perhaps a more traditional option (think National Trust footpaths), these can point visitors in different directions at crossroads to avoid confusion. There tends to be less room for logos or other design elements.
In areas such as playgrounds safety signage is important. You want clear fonts and wording to make sure your equipment is used as safely as possible.
Building Exterior
Buildings don’t have to be boring! We prefer to see them as another opportunity to give a cohesive feel to your site – tying in every space to your brand and values. Exterior signage can also help guide people on their journey from the front entrance to the main building.
Here’s What We Recommend
If you want to make a lasting impression, a Statement Piece is perfect. Remind people immediately of your logo, your mission statement, and even display photos of happy (or studious) children! These pieces cement your brand in the minds of your visitors.
On bigger exterior spaces, cut or built-up letters give a modern touch. Just like on the main UCN building, these use brand colours and modern techniques to really stand out.
If people are often on your campus after dark, then you can consider a Fret Cut, Illuminated Sign Tray. For these signs, we cut your text and light the tray behind it to make you really stand out. You can see the effect this sign gives at Little Ducklings Nursery.
Moving Inside
A place of learning should be inspiring! You’re in the business of igniting brains, creating individuals thirsty for knowledge, and building a nurturing community. The interior of your buildings should reflect (and enhance) that, and you don’t need to rely on your teachers’ lovely wall displays.
Here’s What We Recommend
An easy option is to fix inspirational quotes about learning and exploration, or your school motto, straight to your walls. Cut or Built-Up letters are also great for things like mission statements.
Creating custom wallpapers in your school colours can spread that consistent message all the way through your building. And make the environment a pleasant place to spend time in.
