The context
With an incredible heritage, a distinctive sense of character, strong academic reputation, and a progressive outlook on education, Clifton College is one of the UK’s leading independent schools. But like many long-established institutions, its brand had grown fragmented over time. Visual assets lacked consistency, messaging felt diluted, and the school’s distinctive character wasn’t coming through clearly to prospective families, pupils, or staff.

‍The craft
‍We worked with the school to uncover its three key values - Integrity, Spirit, and Resilience -  which in turn informed our entire approach and helped us clearly identify Clifton’s point of difference. This led to the creation of their new brand proposition – ‘Aim high, stay grounded’ - which captured the essence of the unique Clifton way of being. 

To celebrate the school’s heritage, by living it, not just looking back, we developed a refreshed school crest with the help of a specialist engraver and traditional techniques. Delivered across Clifton's digital channels, it became the perfect blend of old and new.

Bringing the new proposition to life meant adopting an art direction that reflected 'Aim high, stay grounded.' Alongside the Clifton team, we shaped a brief for a two-day photography shoot to capture the real Clifton experience. This was all about being as authentic as possible, using an almost reportage approach we documented unscripted moments from daily life across the breadth and depth of the school.

We then rolled out the proposition and visual identity across a new website, a revised strategy for email campaigns, PPC, and social. We also designed signage, wayfinding and uniforms to ensure the Clifton brand worked not just in communications but throughout the school experience. 

‍The end result
‍A rooted and relevant brand that goes way beyond the blazer.