Preserving the legacy of an institution while inspiring the next generation is a delicate balance. For The Hessle Academy in Hull, a school with a rich heritage dating back to 1808, the goal was to make this prestigious history visible and relevant to today’s students. By partnering with school wall graphics specialists, the academy sought to transform a central stairwell into a powerful narrative of growth and achievement. This The Hessle Academy Case Study demonstrates how bespoke secondary school wall art can bridge the gap between a school’s past and its future, fostering a deep sense of belonging and institutional pride.
The Brief: Celebrating a 200-Year Legacy
The Hessle Academy is more than just a place of learning; it is a pillar of the Hull community with over two centuries of history. However, much of this story was tucked away in archives or old photographs that students rarely encountered. The leadership team identified an underutilised, high-traffic stairwell as the perfect canvas to bring this history to life.
The primary objectives for the project included:
- Heritage Celebration: Charting the school’s journey from its inception in 1808 through to its modern-day status.
- Visual Context: Using a large-scale aerial photograph of the current school and grounds to provide a sense of place and scale.
- Inspiration: Highlighting key milestones and achievements to motivate current students.
- Environmental Transformation: Turning a functional, plain transition space into an engaging learning environment design
The Design Process: Weaving the Past into the Present
At Design for Education, we understand that secondary school branding solutions must be sophisticated enough to resonate with teenagers while maintaining educational integrity. The process for The Hessle Academy was deeply collaborative.
Archival Research and Concept Development
Our design team worked closely with the school to select key dates, figures, and events. The challenge was to create a chronological flow that worked vertically across multiple floors. We designed a timeline that “climbed” with the students, using a prestigious colour palette that complemented the academy’s existing school branding.
The Focal Point: Aerial Perspective
A standout feature of the design was the inclusion of a high-resolution aerial photograph of the school site. By placing this at a strategic junction in the stairwell, we provided students with a unique perspective on their environment, reinforcing their connection to the physical campus and the local Hull landscape.
The Installation: Engineering for High-Traffic Areas
Stairwells in secondary schools are among the most demanding environments for any material. The installation required a solution that could withstand thousands of students passing by every day.
We utilised our premium, high-tack vinyl finished with a scuff-resistant laminate. This ensures the graphics are “student-proof”—resistant to bags, coats, and heavy footfall. Our installation team, all of whom are fully DBS-checked, worked meticulously to ensure that the complex angles of the stairwell were handled perfectly. The result is a seamless, durable finish that looks like a permanent architectural feature of the building.
The Impact: A Renewed Sense of Identity
The transformation of the stairwell has had a profound impact on the daily atmosphere at The Hessle Academy.
Pupil Engagement and School Pride
Students no longer simply “trudge” between lessons; they interact with the walls. The timeline has sparked curiosity about what school life was like in the 19th century compared to the present. By seeing the academy’s long-standing success mapped out visually, students feel part of something larger than themselves, significantly boosting school pride and collective identity.
Behaviour and Wayfinding
Large-scale corridor displays and stairwell graphics often have a secondary benefit: they naturally improve student flow. At Hessle, the visual markers provided by the timeline act as informal wayfinding cues, making the building feel more navigable and ordered. The improved aesthetics have also led to a noticeable “respect for the environment,” with a reduction in casual littering or loitering in the area.
Community and Ofsted Perception
For visitors and Ofsted inspectors, the display serves as a powerful testament to the school’s values and its role within the community. It demonstrates a school that values its roots while investing in its future. The high-quality school wall graphics provide an immediate “wow factor” that signals a well-managed and aspirational learning environment.
Why Schools Choose Design for Education
The Hessle Academy chose us because we are specialists in the education sector. We don’t just print stickers; we create bespoke secondary school branding solutions that solve specific spatial challenges. From safeguarding-compliant installation teams to our understanding of the UK curriculum, we provide a “hassle-free” experience for busy school leaders.
Whether it is a primary reading corner or a complex secondary school stairwell, our focus remains the same: high-impact, durable, and educationally valuable design.
Looking to Transform Your School Environment?
Is there a blank wall or a quiet stairwell in your school that could be working harder for your students? A bespoke heritage project can turn “dead space” into your school’s most talked-about feature.
At Design for Education, we offer a full-service experience—from initial consultation to final installation. We help you celebrate your history while building your future.
Book a design consultation today to discover how we can bring the unique story of your school to life through expert primary school wall art and secondary branding.
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