When Earlham Primary School in Forest Gate, London, embarked on a full interior revamp, Curriculum Stairwell Wall Art quickly became the centrepiece of their vision. As part of a wider investment in school wall graphics across corridors, stairwells and the school hall, the leadership team wanted to create a learning environment that actively supported the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Working closely with the school, Design for Education delivered a fully immersive scheme of educational wall art that not only enhanced the physical space but strengthened pupil engagement, school pride and curriculum visibility throughout the building.
The Brief
Earlham Primary School, located on Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, London had a clear objective: to transform previously plain circulation areas into vibrant, purposeful learning spaces.
As part of a whole-school refresh, the corridors and two main stairwells were identified as priority areas. These spaces were heavily used yet underutilised from a learning perspective. The leadership team wanted:
- Curriculum-linked visuals spanning Geography, History, Science, English, PE and Music
- Stairwells that actively reinforced learning rather than simply connecting floors
- A cohesive approach to school branding and identity
- Durable, long-lasting graphics suitable for a busy primary environment
- A professional installation with minimal disruption
The two stairwells were to become the focal point of the project. However, they presented significant technical challenges, including windows, bannisters, exposed pipework, conduits and light switches. Any design solution would need to wrap seamlessly around the entire staircase without compromising safety or visual impact.
The Design Process: A Collaborative Consultation
Our approach began with in-depth consultation sessions with senior leaders and teaching staff. As experienced school wall graphics specialists, we understand that effective learning environment design must align directly with teaching priorities.
Together, we mapped curriculum themes across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 to ensure representation of core subjects and progression.
Concept Development
The stairwells were conceptualised as vertical curriculum journeys. Each flight of stairs reinforced subject knowledge through:
- Geography maps and global themes
- Historical timeline
Where relevant, we drew upon our expertise in bespoke subject installations, including elements inspired by our work in:
- https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-geography-wall-art/
- https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-science-wall-art/
- https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/bespoke-timeline-wall-art/
The stair risers were fitted with timetable graphics, turning each step into a subtle learning reinforcement tool. The artwork was carefully scaled and adapted to flow around structural obstacles, ensuring continuity despite architectural complexity.
Attention to Detail
To complete the design, colour-coded corner protectors were installed along exposed edges. These not only enhanced durability but also provided a crisp, finished aesthetic that aligned with the school’s wider branding scheme.
The Installation
Delivering Curriculum Stairwell Wall Art in an active primary school requires meticulous planning and professionalism. The stairwells at Earlham Primary were particularly intricate. Our installation team worked carefully around:
- Windows and natural light sources
- Bannisters and balustrades
- Pipework and electrical conduits
- Light switches and safety fixtures
Each graphic panel was precision-cut and applied to ensure seamless wrapping around the full staircase. The materials used were high-performance, anti-scuff vinyls designed specifically for educational environments.
Minimal disruption was a priority. The team worked efficiently and respectfully within the school environment.
Headteacher Jacob Oudegeest commented:
“Can I just add how impressed I was with all three of the guys working on site. Often workmen and companies will not clean up after themselves or do a rush job to get it over with and this was not the case here. Their hard work, dedication to make things look great for the school and to improve our school environment was evident throughout the time the team was on site.
It really is great to work with people who take pride in their company and product and want to deliver the best for their customers. I will definitely be recommending your company and the team that worked at Earlham.”
The Impact 0f Curriculum Stairwell Wall Art
The transformation at Earlham Primary has had a clear and immediate effect.
Pupil Engagement
The stairwells are no longer transitional spaces. Pupils now pause to read, discuss and reference the graphics. Teachers report increased spontaneous curriculum conversations as children move between lessons.
By embedding educational wall art into daily routes, learning is reinforced naturally and repeatedly.
Behaviour and Movement
Visually stimulating yet structured environments can positively influence behaviour. The stair graphics provide focus points and talking prompts, contributing to calmer transitions between floors.
School Pride
The cohesive scheme across corridors, the hall and stairwells has strengthened school identity. Visitors immediately see a curriculum-rich environment that reflects ambition and care.
This aligns seamlessly with broader school branding objectives and supports consistency across shared spaces. Schools seeking similar impact often explore our wider https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/ solutions or larger-scale https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/school-murals/ for halls and communal areas.
Ofsted Readiness
While wall graphics alone do not define inspection outcomes, they visibly demonstrate:
- Curriculum intent
- Subject coverage
- Vocabulary reinforcement
- Investment in learning environments
For school leaders, this provides confidence that the physical environment reflects the quality of education delivered.
Wayfinding and Structure
Colour-coded elements and subject zoning improve navigation for pupils, staff and visitors. In busy primary settings, clarity of movement supports safeguarding and supervision.
Community Perception
Parents and visitors entering the school now encounter a vibrant, purposeful space that communicates high expectations. The environment reinforces Earlham Primary’s commitment to providing a rich and engaging education.
Why Schools Choose Design for Education
Design for Education specialises exclusively in learning-focused environments. We understand the pressures facing headteachers and trust leaders from budget accountability to inspection frameworks.
Schools choose us because we provide:
- Curriculum-driven design expertise
- Fully bespoke primary school wall art
- Technical capability for complex installations
- Durable materials designed for education settings
- Professional, safeguarding-aware installation teams
Whether delivering secondary school branding solutions or immersive primary environments, our work is always rooted in educational impact rather than decoration alone.
Looking to Transform Your School Environment?
Whether you are looking for a school hall sports wall mural, a reading corner makeover, or a full rebrand, our team is here to help. We specialise in creating primary school wall art that inspires the next generation.
Ready to start your journey?
Book a design consultation today to discuss your vision, and let’s create something extraordinary together.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
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