When South Hylton Primary Academy in Sunderland refurbished their library, they wanted more than new shelving and fresh paint. They wanted a destination, an immersive reading environment that would ignite imagination and encourage every child to fall in love with books.
This primary school library mural project transformed a standard room into a vibrant storytelling landscape, combining high-impact educational wall art with thoughtful learning environment design to support literacy, engagement and school pride
The Brief
South Hylton Primary Academy had recently invested in upgrading its library space. While the refurbishment provided a clean, functional environment, leaders felt something was missing. The school’s objective was clear:
- Create an immersive, inspiring reading environment
- Encourage reluctant readers to engage with books
- Reinforce a culture of reading for pleasure
- Reflect the school’s commitment to creativity and imagination
As a forward-thinking primary school, leaders recognised that the physical environment plays a crucial role in pupil engagement and behaviour. They wanted a primary school library mural that would feel magical and transport children into a world beyond the classroom.
The design needed to appeal across year groups, remain timeless, and align with the school’s wider approach to school wall graphics and educational wall art.
The Design Process
Collaborative Consultation
We began with a detailed consultation with senior leaders and teaching staff. Understanding how the space would be used was essential. Would the area host guided reading sessions? Whole-class storytelling? Quiet independent reading?
The academy wanted an illustrative cartoon style, vibrant but not overwhelming, that would capture children’s attention without distracting from books themselves.
Concept Development
Our creative team developed a large-scale fantasy landscape featuring:
- A grand castle in the foreground with rolling hills behind it
- Snow-capped mountains stretching into the distance
- Enchanting woodland details
- Storybook characters including Gulliver, witches, knights and even friendly dinosaurs
These elements were carefully balanced to ensure recognisable literary references. The scene created a sense of adventure while remaining inclusive and accessible for younger pupils.
The mural was designed to wrap around the room, ensuring full immersion. Rather than a single feature wall, the artwork supported a cohesive learning environment design that complemented shelving, seating areas and reading nooks.
We presented visual mock-ups to the school for feedback, refining colours and character placement to ensure the final design met their vision precisely.
The Installation
Durability and safeguarding are always key considerations in primary settings.
For South Hylton Primary Academy, we used high-quality, scuff-resistant materials suitable for busy school environments. The printed wall graphics were finished with a protective matt laminate to ensure longevity and ease of cleaning, particularly important in high-traffic areas.
Our experienced installation team completed the work efficiently and safely, minimising disruption to teaching time. All installers were DBS-checked, and safeguarding protocols were strictly followed throughout.
The result was a seamless, professionally finished mural that looked painted directly onto the walls, vibrant, durable and built to last.
Unlike temporary décor, this primary school library mural was designed as a long-term investment in the school’s environment.
The Impact
The transformation was immediate.
Increased Pupil Engagement
Teachers reported heightened excitement about library sessions from the very first week. Children were eager to explore the space, pointing out characters and storytelling elements within the mural.
The immersive environment encouraged imaginative thinking and provided natural conversation starters about books and genres.
Improved Behaviour and Focus
A well-designed environment influences behaviour. By creating a calm yet inspiring backdrop, the library became a purposeful, respected space. Pupils demonstrated greater focus during reading sessions and treated the room with pride.
Strengthened School Pride
The mural quickly became a showcase feature for the academy. Visitors, parents and governors commented on the impact of the space, reinforcing the school’s commitment to high standards.
The library now reflects the school’s broader approach to educational wall art, corridor displays and school branding, ensuring consistency across the site.
Ofsted Readiness
A visually engaging library supports evidence of a strong reading culture. The mural helps demonstrate the school’s investment in literacy and enrichment, contributing positively to inspection readiness.
Community Perception
Parents have praised the transformation, with many noting how excited their children are to talk about reading at home. The space reinforces the message that reading is valued and celebrated.
This is the power of strategic learning environment design — it goes beyond decoration to influence culture.
Why Schools Choose Design for Education
At Design for Education, we specialise in purposeful school wall graphics that deliver measurable impact.
We understand that primary schools need more than attractive artwork, they need:
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Designs aligned with curriculum and ethos
- Professional installation with safeguarding compliance
- Solutions that enhance behaviour and engagement
As experienced school wall graphics specialists, we work with primary schools, secondary schools and trusts across the UK to deliver bespoke environments that support learning outcomes.
From immersive library murals to corridor displays, values walls and even secondary school wall art and maths wall art, our work is designed around educational impact.
You can explore more of our wall displays and signage projects here:
https://www.designforeducation.co.uk/wall-displays-signage/
For literacy-focused environments, visit:
https://www.designforeducation.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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