Now that we are past the summer solstice, the warmer months are definitely in full swing – even with the odd break of inevitable cooler and wetter weather ahead! – and for many schools this is when the work really starts. The summer break is a great opportunity to crack on with site improvements, of which a signage and branding audit is one element. Things to consider are; is your wayfinding signage looking a bit weathered, do your vehicle wraps need updating with the next set of open day dates, and how about your internal signage which may need reviewing if some room usages are changing?
City Signs are signage experts for schools and colleges across the Midlands. Here’s our take on why you might need an audit to assess whether you need to update your school signage this summer and how City Signs can help.
1. Update your school signage for the New Academic Year
An audit of your current signs around your school site is a great thing to do when the longer holiday period creates an opportunity to take stock of what is outdated or looking less than its best. Refreshing signage over the summer months will ensure everything is ready ahead of the new term this September. From internal directional signs to entrance branding, everything will be in place to create a positive first impression for returning and new students, staff, and parents to start the new academic year as you mean to go on.
2. The Summer gives a chance to Update your school signage Safely & Efficiently
With students off-site during the holidays, signage installations can be carried out safely and without disrupting the school day. This also gives contractors more flexibility and time to deliver high-quality work without time pressure and any health and safety, or safeguarding complications. Access and logistics around the school site will be much more straightforward and make for a smoother installation process.
3. Welcome Students and Staff Back with a Fresh Look
New signage can look smart and professional, contributing to a general feeling that can feel aspirational to both staff and students. Signage that is looking less than its best can give the impression of carelessness, a lack of respect and negatively affect motivation. Clear and vibrant signs can go a long way to create an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere. Whether it’s refreshed values displays, wall graphics, or updated wayfinding signs, a fresh look helps foster school pride and excitement at the start of term.
4. Boost School Image Ahead of Tours for Prospective Families
Many schools host open days and tours in September and October and it’s imperative to look your best to give a first class impression to prospective parents and students. Update your school signage to a high standard reflects professionalism, attention to detail, and pride in the school – all of which make a strong impression on prospective parents and students. Reception and entrance signs must look clean and fresh as the first time any visitor enters your premises. Your school brand image needs to subliminally convey to new visitors that this is a school that takes care of its premises as well as its people and a vibrant, clear brand image will help instil this sense in visitors.
5. Highlight Changes and Improve Navigation
School buildings often need to be re-purposed throughout the year, or changed ahead of the next school year according to the changing needs of the next cohort of students. If any building layouts, room names, or departments are changing, now is the ideal time to update internal directional and wayfinding signage to avoid confusion when the new term begins.
6. Support Rebranding or New Initiatives
From time-to-time schools need to roll out a rebrand, update a mission statement or new initiatives in the new academic year and the summer can offer this opportunity to ensure this is implemented site-wide. Fresh signage is an impactful way to communicate any significant visual or directional changes visually across the entire campus.
If you think you might need to update your school signage, or you’re not sure, do get in touch with us for a chat and we can review your situation and advise you. If some of your school signs are repairable, we’ll be able to help and if it’s time to replace elements of your signage, we can also assist. Please call us before the summer holidays are upon us so we can be sure to help out, on 01905 640007 or info@citysigns.co.uk