Complete Guide to School Signs

Good school signage is important as it will visually portray the type of educational institution you are. Whether that be a primary school or sixth form, whether your institution is public or private. Good school signs can also help reinforce or change perceptions the public have, as well as direct students, staff and visitors alike.

The need for good signage applies across the whole range of educational institutions, from nurseries to universities and everything in between. When most think of signage, they think about the name over the door, rather the varying types of signage and the solutions they can offer.

For example, in a university environment with thousands of students and hundreds of rooms, it could be easy to get lost and overwhelmed. In this instance, signage plays a key role at keeping people on track while getting from A to B.

Signage is very flexible and can be deployed in different areas to display different messages. Health & Safety signage for example can be used in many areas such as; fire evacuation instructions, evacuation locations, where to locate extinguishers or first aid kits as well as reminders for washing hands or not running in hall-ways.

School signs need to display messages not just to students, staff and visitors, but also the wider public. It is important that your institution looks its best and shares its achievements to bring confidence and trust to parents sending their children to be educated.

Trust and reputation are two key attributes for a school to promote, and signage can play a part in showcasing the ethos and values – not to mention results of the institution

Signs are a great way to share the school’s achievements, such as great inspection scores or exam pass rates. This is commonly seen with banners outside school fences or gates. These types of signs make parents and students feel as though they are in a well-trusted educational environment.

A further point of difference is to include the heritage or pedigree on any signage through displaying the date of when the institution was founded, when a particular building was built, or drawing attention to any other point of historical interest.

Signage can play a key role in helping set the mood for students. A nursery would have lots of playful graphics to keep the children engaged, whereas a sixth form may use graphics that inspire, motivate and aid concentration.

For example, research shows that imagery of nature can help to reduce stress – something that is likely to be a very real concern for university students fretting about their dissertation deadlines.

Signage doesn’t just have to be boards on doors or walls, large printed signs and graphics can lend unique character to study spaces, it can be extremely fun!!!

Your first day at school or university can be very stressful, trying to navigate a new environment can add to that stress, hence why it needs to be as easy as possible to move through school halls or university campus. This is where Wayfinding signage is an invaluable asset for many different types of institutions. Great wayfinding signage helps students, staff, and visitors alike get to where they’re going – helping them to get to their classes on time and reducing congestion in busy areas. Think of when you go to an airport, you regularly rely on directional and informational signs to help you find the check-in desk or departure gate, this is the same way to think about school signs.

All things considered, signage is a very important investment for any school, university or other educational institution. The idea of rebranding or upgrading signage for your entire site may seem daunting, there are several aspects of the project which may be of concern but it's important to follow a process and take things step-by-step.

Most commonly used as entrance or welcome signs that display contact information and details for the school. These signs are highly impactful, cost effective and available in practically any shape and size.

First impressions count, so be sure to proudly display your school name to welcome students and visitors into your premises. Built up letters, logos and sign trays are amongst the most flexible, due to the array of options available.

Another exterior signage staple for the education sector, monoliths display important information including school name, contact details and directional instructions. They can even be illuminated so they’re visible 24/7.

In areas such as car parks and drop-off zones, signage to direct traffic is essential to avoid incidents. Directional signs can also be used to guide visitors to places within school grounds, utilising solutions such as outdoor plaques and finger post signage.

A great opportunity to add a feature to school windows or doors in the form of photos or motivational quotes. Window graphics can also increase privacy with the use of full colour or frosted window films and act as a health and safety measure.

In schools, having a bright and engaging environment is really important so make use of spare walls in canteens, corridors and sports halls to display motivational images, quotes or school branding, the options are endless!

It’s important for students and visitors to be able to easily navigate school buildings to ease any anxiety. Effective wayfinding solutions such as directories and wall graphics can be created to include your branding or incorporate fun elements.

Alongside wayfinding signage, door signs and plaques are the final piece of the puzzle distinguishing between blocks, rooms, corridors and offices. From bespoke engraved nameplates to intricate changeable messages we can find the perfect solution.

Floor graphics have many uses, including acting as social distancing aids, showing students where to stand and queue. Branded to your requirements to find the perfect solution; floor graphics are printed on anti-slip, hard-wearing vinyl.

We provide a large range of signage to make sure your students and staff are in a safe environment. There is a wide range of solutions available depending on your needs. External health & safety signage is also available.

With a network that is over 60 strong across the UK and Ireland, Signs Express has an impressive portfolio of projects within the education sector. To begin your signage journey, get in contact with us today to discuss your requirements.