ABOUT

The Courtyard Islington, a specialist Autism Spectrum Condition provision for students aged 13–19, sought a new identity after becoming independent from an academy. Their goal was to establish a brand that reflects their nurturing, growth-focused environment while removing ties to their previous branding.

At the heart of the new identity is an oak tree, symbolising both the personal and academic growth of the students, as well as the school’s natural surroundings. Through collaborative workshops with students and staff, we developed a design that resonated with their experiences and aspirations. The academy’s previous blue branding—linked to sadness in the Zone of Regulation framework, a widely used system for helping Autistic students manage emotions—was replaced with a green-led palette to evoke calmness and growth. Earthy tones, warm accents, and a friendly, modern typeface reinforced the school’s mission of inclusivity, academic development, and emotional well-being.

This rebrand not only established The Courtyard as an independent school but also created a more positive and empowering identity for students and staff, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the learning environment.