City design firm launches education specialism

Nick Watts, founder of Depict Creative, is building on his success of already transforming a secondary school and sixth form.

Father-of-three Nick says meaningful community branding and storytelling revitalises learning — motivating pupils and teachers alike. 

It comes after a storm of negative education headlines in the wake of acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence which focused on schools’ lack of awareness of how students can become isolated and potentially targeted by ‘toxic’ online groups.

And Nick says, at a time when schools have to juggle demands of ever-tightening budgets, advantages of excellent design are more powerful than ever. 

“Schools are expected to provide safe, inspiring spaces for their students to learn and the staff to teach,” said Nick.

“When we’re having a national conversation on teenagers potentially finding themselves isolated and the harm this can bring, strengthening community and a sense of belonging are vital.”

“It’s important, like any brand, that schools create their own identity that reflects values but also inspires – why would children want to learn if they aren’t inspired to do so? It’s important that schools do their best to create a community culture for their students. 

“Encouraging them to do their best and perform to the best of their abilities. A cohesive brand helps to make them feel part of that community.

“That has never been more impactful as schools work hard to support students amid formerly unknown pressures.

“When it comes to marketing a school, it’s important that communications with neighbouring communities consistently deliver.

“We need to shout more about good news stories that are going on. Too often we hear negative things about schools and that’s what the local community remembers.

“Investing in design and branding when there are pressing crisis management issues to address, is not a quick fix.”

He added: “It may be challenging for headteachers to support what may seem cosmetic changes at a tough time.

“Sometimes branding is regarded as ‘fluff’ – the gloss to make things looks better than they are. But it’s far more. When you get told that the students have asked to be in the next set of photos, you know something is going well. When you’re contacted by other schools because they have seen what was done, then you know you are doing the right stuff.

“We are now responding to this demand with a dedicated service for the education sector.

“Parents will rightly question whether schools need ‘branding’ but at the end of the day, working or learning in a place that is vibrant, proud, and encouraging will lead to happier children and staff.

“A strong, clear vision for the future brings a massively positive impact. It’s hugely rewarding for everyone involved. 

“Branding unites children from all walks of life to have something in common." 

Claregate-based Depict Creative has already worked with Aldersley High School for about nine months after being invited to bid to create a new brand identity. They also worked with the school for a year to roll out resulting updated branding. 

Amethyst Academies Trust Marketing Director, Paul Martin said: "Working with Depict has been an absolute breath of fresh air. When Aldersley were looking to rebrand, Depict were the first company I thought of after almost working together on a sixth form promotion a few years back. After an initial consultation Depict came back with three amazing concepts, keeping the best till last though and that is now our new identity.

“We also wanted to completely overhaul the school which was looking tired and unloved. Depict created vinyl wall art to go on the walls in key areas. Our students and staff love them, and it’s made our school something to be really proud of.”

Senior Assistant Vice Principal Jas Bhangal added: "Working with Depict was really straightforward, they presented us with some fabulous ideas which brought our visions to life. Their imagination and creativity meant that we can be proud of the brand for Amethyst Sixth Form and Aldersley High School.”

Nick added: "If a school is considering a rebrand, then there must be good reason for it. Consider what that reason is… and how they can make sure they don’t face those reasons again five years down the line. Rebranding a school is a big investment and requires widespread change.

“It’s all very well for the leadership team to want to change their image to align with values, but what about what the students think? It is important that the opinions of the students are heard, not just the board of governors. An effective rebrand should take into consideration the old identity, what is needed to replace it, how will this effect day to day operations, how long will it take, what are the best months to implement these changes. Will it impact the parents financially? These are all things we go through when consulting on a rebrand for a school, sixth form or college.”