I know that we were one of the lucky ones who avoided the cull of Building Schools for the Future because our building work had started and contracts signed. The next wave of Liverpool schools, who had worked so hard on their plans and buildings, were left bereft and cast covetous glances at we five schools who continued their build. They joined with the LA and local business men to attempt a rescue package and have, fingers crossed, united with a design and building company to re-build certain schools all with the same air-hangar infra-structure. And as this progresses, they are more and more looking for advice from our wave of schools to avoid the mistakes made: the stress and the anger; the feeling of the loss of independence and control; contracts signed because of emotional blackmail and brinkmanship. All of these so much a part of our collective experience.

When is a sign not just a sign? All of the time is the true answer. In the worst case, it can be a missed opportunity to attract new pupils or can make the school appear less than it is. The first thing that visitors, pupils, staff and local people see is the school frontage. An integral part of that is the signs which instantly create an image and perception of the school. Signage is an important part of your marketing and will help to attract new pupils and visitors alike as well as guiding and informing.

Signs can be large, small, shaped and a range of different colours and styles. Above all else, your signs should present the image that you want to promote to the outside world. They are almost as important as a school uniform in that respect and like a uniform, the style, design and presentation are also important. With modern technology now, the design and colours can match the school’s colours. Logos, no matter how complicated, can be easily added and production methods mean that now almost anything that can be printed can be included into the design of the signs.