At Bronte Girls’ Academy, secondary school in Bradford, the English department became the heart of a full-school transformation project. Central to this redevelopment was a powerful Brontë sisters inspired English wall mural, designed to celebrate the school’s namesakes while inspiring the next generation of female writers, thinkers and leaders.
As part of a wider programme of school wall graphics installed across every department, the English space was given particular significance. The brief was clear: create educational wall art that honoured the Brontë legacy, elevated school branding, and fostered pride, ambition and academic excellence.
The Brief
Bronte Girls’ Academy was undergoing a comprehensive overhaul of its internal environment. Leaders wanted each department to reflect subject identity and curriculum ambition. For the English department, the opportunity was unique.
Key Objectives
- Celebrate the legacy of the Brontë sisters
- Create an inspiring focal point within the English corridor
- Highlight influential female literary figures
- Strengthen school branding through meaningful design
- Enhance the overall learning environment design
As a girls’ secondary school, Bronte Girls’ Academy was keen to ensure the display reinforced powerful role models. The mural needed to feel aspirational, academically rigorous and visually striking, without overwhelming the space.
The project formed part of a broader strategy to elevate corridor displays across the school, ensuring that transitional spaces reinforced subject identity and curriculum intent.
The Design Process
Placing the Brontë Sisters at the Centre
The Brontë sisters inspired English wall mural was developed as a centrepiece installation. Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë formed the focal point, positioned prominently to anchor the design.
Working closely with senior leaders and English staff, we ensured the mural:
- Reflected the historical significance of the Brontë sisters
- Incorporated literary references and key works
- Used typography and quotations to create depth
- Aligned with the academy’s visual identity
The design blended portraiture, subtle background textures inspired by the Yorkshire landscape, and elegant typography to create a cohesive narrative.
Celebrating Female Literary Achievement
To broaden the inspirational message, we expanded the mural to include notable female authors from different periods and cultures. The aim was not only to celebrate heritage but to demonstrate progression and diversity in literature.
The final composition created a visual timeline of female literary excellence, reinforcing that women’s voices have shaped, and continue to shape, global storytelling.
Cohesion Across Departments
As part of a whole-school transformation, it was essential that the English mural complemented other departmental graphics. Colour palettes, layout structures and materials were carefully aligned to maintain consistency in school branding and corridor displays throughout the building.
You can explore similar curriculum-focused installations here:
https://www.designforeeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/
The Installation
Delivering a large-format mural within a busy secondary school required precision and planning.
Materials and Durability
We specified:
- High-performance wall vinyl
- Protective matt laminate finish
- Wipe-clean, scuff-resistant surfaces
- Professional edge finishing for a seamless look
The chosen materials ensured longevity in a high-traffic corridor environment. Secondary school wall art must withstand daily movement, contact and routine cleaning.
Safeguarding considerations were central. The installation was completed safely during scheduled times to minimise disruption, with all materials compliant with school standards. The result was a premium, gallery-style finish that elevated the entire English department.
For more subject-specific designs, visit:
https://www.designforeeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-english-wall-art/
The Impact
The impact of the Brontë sisters inspired English wall mural extended beyond aesthetics.
Inspiring Pupil Engagement
Students immediately connected with the imagery. Teachers reported increased curiosity about the Brontë sisters and other featured authors, with pupils referencing the mural during discussions and creative writing tasks.
By embedding literary role models into the physical environment, the school reinforced academic aspiration in a subtle yet powerful way.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
High-quality educational wall art contributes to an atmosphere of pride and respect. The professional finish of the English corridor signalled that this space and the learning within it matters.
When environments feel valued, pupils are more likely to treat them accordingly.
Strengthening School Identity
As a school named after the Brontë sisters, the mural deepened the connection between the academy’s identity and its daily environment. The display made the school’s name tangible and meaningful for students.
Visitors, parents and governors immediately recognise the intentional link between school branding and subject spaces.
Supporting Ofsted Readiness
The mural visibly demonstrates:
- Curriculum intent in English
- Aspirational role models
- A commitment to literacy
- Cohesive learning environment design
Inspectors increasingly note how schools use space to reinforce educational priorities. The English department now clearly reflects the academy’s values and ambitions.
Enhancing Community Perception
For prospective families and the wider Bradford community, the mural sends a clear message: Bronte Girls’ Academy celebrates strong female voices, academic excellence and cultural heritage.
This strengthens community perception and reinforces the school’s distinct identity within the local area.
Why Schools Choose Design for Education
Bronte Girls’ Academy’s project highlights why so many schools work with Design for Education.
As experienced school wall graphics specialists, we:
- Collaborate closely with subject leaders
- Align designs with curriculum intent
- Deliver durable, high-quality installations
- Maintain consistency across departments
- Understand the importance of school branding
From English corridors to maths wall art and full-school transformations, we create educational wall art that supports both learning and leadership vision.
Looking to Transform Your School Environment?
If you are planning a department refresh or full-site transformation, a bespoke feature such as a Brontë sisters inspired English wall mural can become a powerful focal point for your school.
Explore our full range of school wall graphics:
https://www.designforeeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/
Discover bespoke English wall art solutions:
https://www.designforeeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-english-wall-art/
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Book a free on-site planning session. We’ll assess your school’s specific needs in person and provide a custom strategy—plus a clear, upfront quote.
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