How We Reimagined Claycots Primary School

Claycots Primary School, one of the largest primary schools in Europe, has always been a leader in more ways than one. But even the most forward-thinking schools sometimes need a fresh creative spark to match their energy and ambition. When one of the early years teachers first approached us, the project sounded modest, just a small idea to brighten up her classroom area.

That simple request, however, became the starting point for something far more ambitious. After our first visit to the Britwell campus and a meeting with the Head, the conversation shifted from updating one section to completely reimagining the visual identity and atmosphere of the entire school. The potential was too great to ignore.

What started as a small creative brief evolved into a campus-wide design journey: one that would eventually extend to both of Claycots’ expansive locations: Britwell and Town Hall.

What Sparked the Vision Behind the New School Environment?

The existing school brand was minimal,  just a logo and a few colours. But Claycots’ team had the imagination and courage to explore how those simple elements could grow into a fully formed identity. We wanted to build a visual experience that reflected the school’s values, culture, and focus on lifelong learning. To do this, we redefined the traditional concept of “key stages” into something more meaningful and inspiring for students.

Each phase of learning became part of a journey:

• Explorers for the early years,
• Discovery for lower key stages,
• Venture for the middle years, and
• Horizons for the upper stages.

Every stage was assigned its own colour palette and theme, carefully chosen to create a sense of progression and excitement. When these visuals came together across corridors, classrooms, and shared spaces, they turned the campuses into immersive, story-driven environments.

To bring these concepts to life, we used Custom Printed Vinyl Wall Coverings, creating large-scale, vibrant graphics that support the student journey, enhance engagement, and encourage pride at every step. The result wasn’t just decoration: it was a fully realised, immersive design system.

How Did Collaboration Shape the Creative Direction?

From the beginning, collaboration was at the heart of this project. Our design process didn’t happen in isolation: it grew through constant communication and teamwork with Claycots’ staff and leadership. We held creative workshops, gathered feedback from teachers, and discussed what each space should communicate. To ensure every detail was accurate and suited the environment, we conducted a Site Survey, verifying measurements, surfaces, and layouts before production.

The staff’s insight into the students’ daily experience proved invaluable, helping us tailor every detail to feel both aspirational and accessible. The photography stage became another highlight. We commissioned a photographer to capture authentic images of Claycots students, laughing, learning, and exploring. These real moments of school life became central to the visual storytelling, connecting the designs directly to the children who make the school what it is. 

We also worked with teachers to select quotes, messages, and educational values that would appear across the graphics. This ensured the final visuals didn’t just look engaging but spoke to the heart of the school’s ethos, promoting curiosity, respect, teamwork, and creativity. To bring these ideas to life in a bold, personalised way, we incorporated Typography Custom Printed Wall Graphics. 

These custom graphics allow schools to highlight key messages, values, and inspirational quotes across their walls, creating an environment that’s both visually striking and deeply meaningful for students and staff alike.

What Made the Design Approach Stand Out?

When we presented the first design concepts, the reaction from the Claycots team said it all. The staff were genuinely moved. They could see their school’s spirit come alive through the colours, typography, imagery, and layout. This reaction marked a turning point. The Head and leadership team decided to expand the project scope, using the early years’ design budget to develop a comprehensive design proposal for the entire Britwell campus. 

The trust and enthusiasm from the school empowered us to dream even bigger. Our creative approach went beyond simple visual updates: it was about creating a world that students could step into every day. Every wall, corridor, and common area became a canvas to express identity and purpose.

To achieve this, we used our Custom Wall Stickers & Design service, creating vibrant, personalised graphics that brought quotes, imagery, and key school values to life. And it worked. The designs inspired engagement, pride, and positivity among students and staff alike.

How Did the Project Expand Beyond Expectations?

Once the Britwell campus design was approved, it was only a matter of time before the Town Hall campus followed. After construction was completed, the same creative direction was rolled out across the second site, ensuring consistency and connection between both campuses.

By that stage, what began as a single teacher’s request had turned into a full-scale rebranding and environmental design project, covering everything from visual storytelling and wayfinding to thematic decoration and educational graphics.

To bring the designs to life with precision and care, we used our Installation Services, ensuring every element was applied flawlessly across both campuses. The final outcome was vibrant, thoughtful, and full of life—a true reflection of Claycots’ forward-thinking approach to education.

What Challenges Did the Team Face Along the Way?

As with any project of this scale, there were challenges. Coordinating design approvals across multiple departments, aligning with construction schedules, and ensuring all visual elements adhered to the school’s evolving brand identity required careful planning and adaptability. But these challenges were part of what made the process so rewarding. 

Every obstacle refined our understanding of what Claycots needed. It pushed us to be more strategic with our creative decisions and helped us balance innovation with practicality. And because the school leadership trusted our vision, we were able to experiment and think freely. That creative freedom was instrumental in achieving such a powerful, cohesive result.

What Was the Most Rewarding Part of the Process?

For our team, seeing Claycots’ reaction to the finished work was unforgettable. The excitement from the staff, the energy from the students, and the transformation of the space itself made the entire process worth it. This wasn’t just about creating art for walls: it was about shaping a daily environment where students could feel inspired and proud of their school.

Claycots’ willingness to take a creative risk and let us think beyond conventional design boundaries made all the difference. It set a new standard for how school environments can look and feel when creativity is embraced at every level.

What Can Other Schools Learn from Claycots’ Journey?

Claycots’ story highlights how powerful design can be in shaping a school’s culture. Too often, educational spaces prioritise functionality at the expense of creativity. But Claycots proved that the two can go hand in hand. By investing in a strong visual identity and environment, the school didn’t just brighten its walls: it strengthened its sense of community and belonging. 

The project showed that when a school’s values are expressed through design, they become more than words on a website or a mission statement; they become something students can see, feel, and connect with every day.

Why Does This Project Still Stand Out Today?

Even now, the Claycots Primary School project remains one of the most inspiring collaborations we’ve been part of. It was a rare opportunity to merge creativity, education, and design on a scale that truly mattered. The process required imagination, patience, and trust — and the result speaks for itself. Walking through the finished spaces, you can feel the energy shift. 

Each corner tells a story. Each design choice reinforces a sense of purpose. Projects like this remind us that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about shaping experiences and inspiring people to see their environment in a new light.

Could Your School Be Next?

What if every school looked and felt like Claycots? How much more inspired, imaginative, and engaged would students be in their daily learning environments? At its heart, the Claycots project was about more than graphics: it was about rethinking what a school can communicate through space and design. And as we look back, we’re reminded that creativity in education has no limits when schools are brave enough to dream bigger.

So, if you know a school that could benefit from a creative refresh, take inspiration from Claycots. A single idea can spark a transformation, and a brighter, more inspiring space might just be the start of something incredible.

Transforming Learning Through Design

The Claycots Primary project shows that school environments can inspire curiosity, confidence, and community. By blending design with educational values, Claycots created spaces that engage students, spark imagination, and foster belonging, proving that thoughtful design can transform how students experience learning.

At Hyper Creative, our Office Branding service helps schools and businesses elevate their spaces through creative design, immersive graphics, and cohesive visual storytelling. We work closely with teams to reflect values, energise environments, and craft spaces that inspire everyone who uses them, turning ordinary walls and offices into vibrant, purposeful environments.

Frequently Asked Questions for Claycots Primary School

How can schools balance creativity with functionality in their design?

Successful school design integrates inspiring visuals without compromising practicality. Thoughtful colour palettes, clear wayfinding, and flexible spaces ensure students are engaged while maintaining safety, accessibility, and everyday usability.

What role does student involvement play in school design projects?

Including students in design decisions, from artwork to classroom layouts, can foster ownership and pride. Their input ensures the space resonates with the learners and reflects the school community authentically.

How can design influence student behaviour and learning?

Well-planned environments can enhance focus, collaboration, and motivation. Colours, imagery, and layouts that reflect school values create a positive atmosphere, subtly encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and engagement in daily learning.

Can a school rebrand be implemented gradually across multiple sites?

Yes. Phased rollouts allow schools to test concepts, gather feedback, and adapt designs for different campuses. This approach maintains consistency while managing budgets, schedules, and construction challenges effectively.