School wall graphics helped turn a tired transitional space into an inspiring, curriculum-linked feature
When Co-op Academy Bebington in Bebington, Wirral converted to academy status, leaders were clear: the physical environment needed to reflect their renewed ambition. Central to this transformation was a large-scale history timeline wall art installation within the school’s main stairwell, a high-traffic space that every pupil uses daily.
This case study explores how carefully planned school wall graphics helped turn a tired transitional space into an inspiring, curriculum-linked feature that strengthens school pride, improves behaviour and supports Ofsted readiness.
The Brief
Following conversion to academy status, Co-op Academy Bebington — a secondary school serving the local Wirral community — wanted its environment to reflect its forward-thinking ethos. While standards and aspirations were rising, many internal spaces remained drab, dated and visually uninspiring.
The main stairwell, in particular, presented a significant opportunity. Used multiple times a day by hundreds of pupils, it was functional but lacked purpose. Senior leaders wanted to:
- Brighten up a dull and ageing space
- Reinforce academic ambition
- Create a visually stimulating learning environment
- Celebrate history as a core subject
- Improve the overall perception of the school
The vision was clear: transform circulation space into an educational asset through a bold, curriculum-led history timeline wall art installation.
The Design Process
Collaborative Planning with SLT and Department Heads
Following conversion to academy status, Co-op Academy Bebington — a secondary school serving the local Wirral community — wanted its environment to reflect its forward-thinking ethos. While standards and aspirations were rising, many internal spaces remained drab, dated and visually uninspiring.
The main stairwell in particular presented a significant opportunity. Used multiple times a day by hundreds of pupils, it was functional but lacked purpose. Senior leaders wanted to:
- Brighten up a dull and ageing space
- Reinforce academic ambition
- Create a visually stimulating learning environment
- Celebrate history as a core subject
- Improve the overall perception of the school
The vision was clear: transform circulation space into an educational asset through a bold, curriculum-led history timeline wall art installation.
Concept Development and Refinement
Following the initial briefing, our design team created a comprehensive concept for the stairwell timeline. The design:
- Followed a clear chronological structure
- Included major world and British historical milestones
- Integrated imagery, dates and concise educational copy
- Used bold colour blocking to improve visual flow up the stairwell
We presented the initial concept to SLT and refined it through several iterations, adjusting tone, emphasis and layout to ensure it met both curriculum objectives and aesthetic goals.
The final approved design achieved a strong balance between educational wall art and striking environmental design — enhancing both subject knowledge and overall school branding.
For schools considering similar projects, explore our bespoke timeline solutions here:
https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-timeline-wall-art/
The Installation – Built to Withstand a Busy Secondary Environment
Stairwells are high-impact zones. Pupils move quickly, bags brush against walls and surfaces must withstand daily wear.
For this project, we specified a very durable adhesive vinyl, finished with a protective matt laminate to provide:
- Enhanced scratch resistance
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Long-term colour retention
- Anti-glare readability under artificial lighting
Our installation team worked around the school timetable to minimise disruption. Precise measurement and careful application ensured the timeline aligned seamlessly across landings and vertical wall transitions.
The result was a smooth, professional finish that instantly elevated the space.
Schools looking for wider secondary school branding solutions can learn more here:
https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/
The Impact of the History Timeline Wall Art
Pupil Engagement
The stairwell is no longer just a route between lessons — it’s a daily point of interaction with curriculum content. Pupils regularly stop to read sections of the timeline, and staff report increased informal discussions about historical events.
The visual prompts act as memory triggers, reinforcing classroom learning in a subtle but consistent way.
Behaviour and Movement
Clear visual structure has helped create a calmer flow in the stairwell. When spaces feel cared for and purposeful, behaviour often follows suit. The upgraded environment communicates expectations and pride, which influences how pupils treat the space.
School Pride
The transformation has had a noticeable effect on how pupils and staff perceive the building. What was once a drab corridor is now a standout feature that reflects ambition and identity.
The timeline has also become a talking point during open evenings and parent tours, supporting positive community perception.
Ofsted Readiness
Inspectors increasingly look beyond classroom teaching to consider the wider learning environment design. The history timeline demonstrates:
- Curriculum intent beyond the classroom
- Investment in subject visibility
- Strategic use of space to support learning
- Cohesive school branding
It provides tangible evidence of a school that values both academic depth and environment.
Wayfinding and Spatial Identity
The timeline provides clear visual orientation across stairwell levels, subtly supporting wayfinding. Each section acts as a landmark, helping pupils navigate floors more confidently.
Why Schools Choose Design for Education
We understand the education sector because it is our sole focus. From primary school wall art to large-scale secondary school branding projects, our work is grounded in curriculum awareness, safeguarding considerations and long-term durability.
Schools choose us because we offer:
- Strategic learning environment design
- Collaborative consultation with SLT
- Curriculum-linked content development
- High-performance materials suitable for busy schools
- Professional installation nationwide
Our wider educational wall art and school murals can be viewed here:
https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/school-murals/
Every project is bespoke, carefully aligned with each school’s identity and improvement priorities.
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