Wall graphics can make a real difference in schools. We’ve worked with primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities across Leeds for 30 years, and we always hear the same thing – students notice when their space has had some thought put into it. When the environment feels purposeful and well-designed, it affects how motivated and engaged they are.
Wall art can reinforce your school’s values, help with wayfinding and create an inspiring environment that supports better learning. It could be as simple as motivational quotes in study areas or as ambitious as full corridor transformations filled with colour and inspiring imagery.
If you’re thinking about wall graphics for your school, this guide covers the options and how to get the best results.
What are the benefits of wall art in schools?
Wall graphics do more than brighten up a space. Done well, they serve several practical purposes:
Reinforce your school's values – keep what matters to your school visible throughout the building
Help with wayfinding – make it easier for visitors, new students and supply teachers to find their way around
Set the right tone for each space – for example, calming graphics in study areas and brighter colours in communal spaces
Make students feel connected to the space – when they see their learning and achievements reflected back, the space feels like it belongs to them
Supports what's being taught – subject-specific vocabulary and curriculum content keep learning visible outside the classroom
Avoids the cost and disruption of repainting – vinyl graphics can transform a space without mess and downtime
Using colour to set the tone
Colour has a real impact on how spaces feel, and schools are no exception. The same principles we covered in our blog on colour in branding signage apply here too – the colours around us affect how we feel and behave, often without us even realising it.
Different colours work better in different areas:
Warm colours (red, yellow, orange)
Create energy, excitement and warmth
Help spaces feel more welcoming and positive
Work well in common areas, dining halls and reception spaces
Cool colours (blue, green)
Have a calming effect
Can help students concentrate better
Suited to libraries, study areas and quiet spaces
Other colours to consider
Purple: often associated with creativity, making it a good choice for art rooms or creative spaces
Pink: nurturing and youthful, it works great in counselling spaces or for younger year groups
Neutrals (grey, beige): provide balance and breathing space, letting brighter colours stand out and preventing spaces from feeling overwhelming
If repainting entire rooms isn’t an option, wall graphics are a practical way to introduce colour into specific areas without a full redecoration.
Using imagery to connect with students
The images that you choose for your school’s wall art matter, and the most effective motivational school wall decals are the ones that mean something to the students who see them every day.
Here are some approaches that work well:
Subject-specific imagery
Science corridors benefit from images of the natural world – ecosystems, the solar system or close-ups of cells and organisms. We created large-scale window graphics for the University of Leeds that brought complex concepts to life. World maps work well too, especially in primary schools. We've even installed magnetic versions that teachers can use as teaching tools.Historical figures and role models
Images of scientists, inventors, artists and writers work well when they relate to what students are studying. It makes more sense to choose figures that connect to the curriculum rather than just picking famous faces.
Creative and thematic designs
Some schools want something more distinctive. At Hawksworth Primary School, we built wooden shields featuring mythical creatures. We blow-torched the wood to make them look aged and worn, which gave their main hall real character.Natural landscapes
Forests, coastlines, gardens – calming imagery works well in quiet spaces. We’ve seen it used in nurture rooms, counselling areas and libraries where you want students to feel settled and focused.Student work and achievements
Photos of students playing sports, doing art or working on science experiments help make the space feel like it actually belongs to them, and make a far bigger impact than stock imagery.Geometric patterns and abstract designs: Bold patterns and shapes add visual interest. For Garforth Academy's quiet room, we used geometric shapes in pastel colours to keep things calm and understated.
Inspiring through words
Text-based graphics are one of the simpler options for educational wall graphics for classrooms, but they need to feel genuine. Random motivational quotes can lose their impact quickly. The ones that work best are chosen with purpose.
Inspirational quotes
Quotes from writers, scientists, leaders or artists work well when they’re relevant to the space. At Shakespeare Primary School, we created a ‘recommended reading wall’ in the library, featuring quotes from celebrated authors alongside book covers. It reinforces their focus on literacy without feeling forced.School values and mission statements
Putting your school's values on the wall means students see them every day, not just when they're mentioned in assembly. Once they're up, they're a constant reminder without needing any effort from staff.Subject-specific vocabulary
Key terms in the right spaces reinforce what's being taught – words like 'experiment' and 'observation' in a science corridor, or 'imagination' and 'creativity' in an English department. It keeps students thinking about the subject even when they're between lessons.- Educational content
Wall graphics don't have to be motivational at all. They can actually teach or inform. At St. Wilfrid's canteen, we installed graphics about food consumption statistics. It gave students something meaningful to read and think about while they ate.
Adding digital elements
Alongside printed graphics, more schools are now adding digital displays to make their wall space more interactive and easier to update.
Digital displays can show rotating content – timetables, announcements, student work and educational videos – without needing to reprint anything. They’re especially useful in reception areas or communal spaces where information changes regularly.
QR codes can be incorporated into printed wall graphics to link students to online resources, videos or additional content.
We can help with both the printed graphics and the digital elements, depending on what makes sense for your space and budget.
What schools say about working with us
Schools need projects done well and done on time. We're responsive, we deliver to deadlines and we make sure the finished work is something you're actually happy with. Here's what schools have said about working with us:
“The work FASTSIGNS® Leeds has completed at Hawksworth Wood Primary has been exceptional. The design team were able to perfectly translate our ideas into amazing wall art and décor in our hall. The signage outside the school is of good quality and all work was completed efficiently. I would recommend without reservation.”
Abi Owen, Headteacher, Hawksworth Primary
"FASTSIGNS® Leeds was great to work with. The team were efficient throughout and always quick to respond. They led the design ideas, and the results are great! Following a quick installation, the graphics look really professional and are of superb quality. I would definitely recommend FASTSIGNS® Leeds – in fact, I already have – for their professionalism and generosity of time. The whole process was impressive."
Sarah Garnsey, Garforth Academy
"St Wilfrid's has worked with FASTSIGNS Leeds for years now and always received excellent service with a personal touch. The team understand our requirements and make the whole process easy."
Chris Slater, Academy Business Manager, St Wilfrid's Catholic High School
Frequently asked questions about school wall graphics
How much does wall art for schools cost?
It depends on the size, complexity and materials. Simple vinyl lettering is very affordable. Large-scale printed graphics or custom work will cost slightly more. We'll give you a clear quote based on what you actually need, and we can suggest options at different price points if the budget's tight.
How long does installation take?
Again, timelines vary depending on the specifics of the project. We schedule installations around your timetable and, where possible, during term breaks to avoid disrupting lessons. We'll give you a clear timeline when we quote.
Can wall graphics be removed or updated later?
Yes. Vinyl graphics come off without damaging the walls, so they're flexible if you want to update branding or refresh a space. We can also help with repairs or replacements if graphics get damaged.
If you're thinking about wall art for your school, get in touch to discuss your project. Whether you've got designs ready to go or you'd like help developing ideas, we'll talk through the options and give you a clear quote.