Inspired by the work that we had created as part of the Sorrell Foundation’s ‘joinedupdesignfor schools’ initiative, The Guardian approached Spy to apply this working methodology to rebranding Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA) an 11-16 girls' state school in Islington, London.
Time Out recently described the schools in Islington as "A poor lot, so most parents leave the borough or move to private schools if they can afford it." In spite of being recognised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, EGA
remained undersubscribed.
This project was about empowering the pupils to make key, creative decisions in the rebranding process. It allowed them to communicate the true achieving reality of EGA and change perceptions, whilst simultaneously developing their education
and self-worth.
Through workshops, discussions, inspiring trips, ideas creation and development SPY acted as design collaborators and facilitators in bringing the brand to fruition. It is the girls who retain ultimate ownership, making presentations to Governors, Staff and the rest of the school. We developed all of the collateral for launch including the print and signage. Bella Freud also worked with us and the team to implement the brand through a bespoke EGA uniform.
A year on Michelle Obama heard about the project and paid
them a visit!