When a school has invested in a new purpose-built building, new facilities or a major redevelopment, a school prospectus provides an excellent opportunity to showcase that investment to prospective parents.
A new building can completely change the way a school looks and feels, but simply including a few photographs isn't always enough. The design of the prospectus should bring the building, its facilities and the school's wider vision together to tell a clear and engaging story.
At The School Print Company, we recently produced a new school brochure focusing on a purpose-built school building and the facilities it provides. Projects such as this demonstrate how thoughtful school prospectus design and printing can help a school communicate its environment, values and ambitions to prospective families. We also produced new school roller banners to accompany the prospectus brochures and showcase the new building.
Using a School Prospectus to Showcase a New Building
A new school building is often a significant investment, and prospective parents will naturally want to understand what it means for their children.
A well-designed school prospectus can introduce the building as part of the wider school experience rather than simply presenting it as a collection of rooms.
Photography can show:
- New classrooms and teaching spaces
- Specialist facilities
- Sports and activity areas
- Communal spaces
- Outdoor areas
- Libraries and learning resources
- Modern technology and equipment
- Architectural features
- Spaces designed for pupils and staff
The most effective approach is to combine these images with information explaining how the facilities are used and how they support pupils' education and everyday experience.
This helps prospective parents understand not only what the new building looks like, but why it matters.
Professional Photography Makes a Difference
Photography is particularly important when a prospectus is being created around a new building.
A new school environment can provide some impressive visual opportunities, but the photographs need to work within the overall design of the brochure.
Rather than simply photographing empty rooms, a school prospectus can use a mixture of architectural images, wider views and photographs showing the spaces being used.
This helps create a prospectus that feels more personal and gives prospective parents a better impression of what school life will actually be like.
At The School Print Company, we can provide professional photography as part of our school prospectus design and printing service, helping to create a consistent visual style throughout the finished brochure.
Creating a Prospectus Around the School's Story
A new building should not necessarily dominate every page of a prospectus.
The building is part of the school's wider story.
The prospectus can introduce the new facilities alongside information about:
- The school's ethos and values
- Curriculum and teaching
- Academic achievement
- Pastoral care
- Extracurricular activities
- Sport and enrichment
- Admissions
- The wider school community
This creates a more balanced brochure and ensures that the new building supports the school's overall message rather than becoming the entire focus.
For schools undergoing a major redevelopment or moving into a new building, the prospectus can be an ideal opportunity to present a refreshed image of the school.
Designing the Right Layout for Photography and Information
A prospectus featuring a new building is likely to contain a significant amount of photography.
The layout therefore needs to give photographs enough space while still providing room for the information prospective parents need.
Large landscape photographs can work particularly well for showing architecture and larger facilities, while smaller supporting images can be used alongside text to highlight individual areas.
Different page formats can also influence the finished design.
An A4 prospectus provides plenty of space for larger photographs and detailed information, while square and landscape formats can create a more contemporary, image-led presentation.
The right format depends on the amount of information, photography and content that needs to be included.
Choosing the Right Printed Finish
The physical quality of the finished prospectus is also important.
A professionally printed brochure should reflect the quality of the school and the investment that has been made in its facilities.
There are a number of options to consider, including:
- Different paper stocks
- Printed card covers
- Gloss lamination
- Matt lamination
- Different brochure sizes
- Bespoke formats
- Different binding and finishing options
Gloss lamination can be particularly effective for a photographic prospectus because it enhances strong colours and photographs while providing additional protection to the cover.
Matt lamination offers a softer and more understated finish and can work well where the school is looking for a more contemporary or premium appearance.
The choice should ultimately reflect the school's branding, the design of the prospectus and the way it will be distributed.
Creating a Prospectus for Open Evenings and Admissions
A new school building is often an important part of an open evening or admissions campaign.
Prospective parents visiting the school can see the facilities for themselves, but a professionally designed prospectus gives them something tangible to take away afterwards.
It allows them to continue looking through photographs and information once they are at home and can help reinforce the impression made during their visit.
A prospectus can also be produced alongside other printed materials for an open evening, such as school folders, school banners, signage and other promotional materials.
Using a consistent design across these different items helps create a professional and recognisable school identity.
Making the Most of a New School Investment
A new building represents a major investment for a school, and the prospectus should help communicate the benefits of that investment.
Rather than simply listing facilities, good design can show how the new environment supports teaching, learning, wellbeing and the wider school experience.
Photography, copy, typography, colour and print finishing can all work together to create a brochure that feels distinctive to the school.
This is particularly important when a new building is part of a wider programme of change or represents a new chapter for the school.
A School Prospectus Designed Around Your School
Every school has its own story, and a prospectus should reflect that rather than relying on a standard template.
At The School Print Company, we work with schools, academies and Multi-Academy Trusts to create bespoke school prospectuses from the initial design through to professional printing and delivery.
Whether you are opening a new purpose-built building, undergoing a refurbishment, introducing new facilities or simply looking to refresh your existing prospectus, we can help bring the project together.
Our service can include school prospectus design, professional photography, printing, paper selection, cover finishes and delivery, giving schools one experienced team to manage the project.
Discuss Your School Prospectus
If your school is preparing a new prospectus to showcase a new building, new facilities or a refreshed school environment, we'd be happy to discuss your requirements.
From photography and creative design through to proofing, printing and delivery, The School Print Company can manage your school prospectus project from start to finish.
Contact The School Print Company to discuss your school prospectus design and printing requirements.
