When The Oak Partnership Trust approached us about a new specialist school opening in Somerset, we knew this project would be something special. Hill View School was more than a new build, it was a chance to shape the identity of a place designed to support children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges from day one. It needed to feel inclusive and supportive without being patronising, confident without being corporate, and deeply rooted in the community it serves.
This is the story of how we worked side by side with the school to build a brand that does just that. One that celebrates individuality, draws strength from its surroundings, and creates a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through the gates.
Hill View is a co-educational special free school for children aged 5–16. As part of The Oak Partnership Trust, it was created to provide tailored support for young people with complex needs, but before the first pupils arrived, the school needed an identity. Something distinctive, accessible and future-proof that reflected its ethos and reassured parents, carers and the wider community.
The challenge was layered. We had to create a visual language that was sensitive and inclusive but avoided stereotypes. We needed to make sure every element - from colour to typeface - met accessibility standards. And because Hill View was brand new, the identity had to feel established from day one, ready to support everything from signage and uniforms to digital platforms and admissions materials.
We started where every good brand story should: by listening. We met with Headteacher Stu Lambert and the school team to understand their vision and values. We walked the grounds of Ham Hill, the historic landscape that gives the school its name, exploring the local landmarks and stories that shape the community’s identity. That sense of place became a powerful foundation for the work ahead.
The discovery phase uncovered a clear opportunity: to weave Ham Hill’s natural history and cultural significance into the brand narrative. Its ammonite fossils, ancient tools known as “Timestones,” and distinctive memorial silhouette became design cues that grounded the identity in something much bigger than a logo. They told a story of growth, resilience and evolution - qualities that mirror Hill View’s purpose.
From the very beginning, our goal was to build an identity that could grow with the school. We positioned Hill View as “a trusted local specialist provision where every learner belongs and can flourish. Enabled by experienced staff, a relational approach, and deep community roots.” That positioning guided everything we created.
Our messaging was centred around three core ideas:
Community. Hill View is shaped by its surroundings and partnerships.
Empowerment. Students are encouraged to explore, grow and thrive.We kept the tone warm and clear with inclusive language, free of jargon, with a focus on positivity and possibility.
With a strategy in place, we turned ideas into form. The logo system, built around a flexible shield, was designed to be simple, timeless and adaptable. It works across signage, uniforms, stationery and digital spaces, with variants for every context; from stacked lockups to micro-sized icons.
Typography was another crucial choice. We selected Noto Sans as the brand’s primary typeface for its clarity, versatility and accessibility, supported by Bowlby One for bold headlines that bring personality and confidence. Together, they balance professionalism with warmth.
The colour palette took its cue from the school’s surroundings, three shades of green inspired by Ham Hill’s fields, complemented by blue and yellow for the sky and sun. These colours aren’t just aesthetic choices; they help differentiate areas of the school and provide visual cues for students and staff.
We also built a graphic language from deconstructed shield shapes, creating patterns and playful motifs that can scale from website backgrounds to classroom signage. Even the school’s house system draws from the same palette and structure, offering room for new names and symbols as the school grows.
The final phase focused on implementation. We provided a comprehensive set of brand guidelines to ensure the identity could be applied consistently, whether by the school’s in-house team or external partners. From uniforms and signage to newsletters and social templates, every application was designed with usability and accessibility in mind.
We also supported the internal rollout, walking staff through the new system and showing how they could confidently use it day-to-day. Because a brand isn’t truly successful until the people who use it feel ownership over it.
Although Hill View is still in its early chapters, the signs of success are already clear. The new identity has helped the school make a confident first impression, building trust with parents and carers and creating a welcoming environment for pupils.
"I am proud to be Headteacher at this ambitious new provision. We are creating a school that values every learner and celebrates their potential."
Stu Lambert, Headteacher
Hill View School
There’s tangible momentum too. Significant investment (over £400,000) has been secured for site upgrades, staffing is growing rapidly, and engagement in enrichment activities like STEM workshops, Forest School sessions and World Book Day celebrations is strong. Feedback from visitors and students alike reflects genuine enthusiasm for the school’s mission and environment.
This is just the beginning for Hill View. With its new brand in place, the school is well-positioned to grow its community, expand its impact and continue building a space where every child can thrive. Future phases will focus on storytelling; developing campaign assets, defining a photography style and bringing the brand to life through motion and content.
For us at Teapot, this project is a perfect example of why we do what we do: using creativity and strategy to create meaningful change. Hill View’s identity isn’t just a visual system, it’s a story of place, purpose and possibility, built to grow as the school does.