Good school sign design comes down to short words, strong contrast and one or two plain typefaces. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text and background, and choose matte finishes so lights don’t cause glare. As a guide, allow about 25mm of letter height for every 3 metres of viewing distance. That is about 50mm for a sign read from 6 metres, and about 100mm from 12 metres.
Children who can’t read yet need a picture or symbol as well as the words, and symbols also help international students and visitors on tertiary campuses. Don’t rely on colour alone. Colour coded zones only work for everyone if each zone also has a name, letter or icon, which also helps people who are colour blind.
For neurodivergent students, keep the wording direct, the layout the same from sign to sign, and the sign uncluttered. Tell people what to do, for example “Visitors, please sign in at reception”.
See some examples of and inspiration on designing and make signs for schools on our Education Signage page.
