Kier Construction / Fitzalan High School

Located in Cardiff, Fitzalan High School is a large and welcoming secondary school and sixth form that caters to a richly diverse urban community. Since its founding in 1953, the school has evolved into one of the city’s leading educational institutions, supporting students aged 11 to 18. A recent transformation saw the launch of a cutting-edge campus featuring nearly 100 classrooms, a swimming pool, and extensive sports amenities.

At a glance

• Fitzalan became a technical high school in 1953, relocating to Howard Gardens.
• In 1964, the school moved to Lawrenny Avenue to accommodate increasing enrolment.
• Cardiff Council unveiled plans for a major redevelopment in 2017.
• A new, high-spec campus opened in 2022, featuring modern learning and community spaces.
• Today, Fitzalan High School educates approximately 1,830 students, making it one of Cardiff’s largest secondary schools.
• The school is celebrated for its inclusive values and commitment to supporting a diverse student population.

Brief

This £64 million development stands as the largest school build within the 21st Century Schools programme, jointly funded by Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government. Spanning 17,730 square feet, the new facility includes a 25-foot swimming pool and a surround sound immersive projection room, one of South Wales’ largest presentation venues.

In 2023, Fitzalan High School approached Morgans Consult to assist with the design and production of signage for their newly developed campus. This initial collaboration led to a broader partnership, resulting in a comprehensive branding and signage rollout that included wayfinding systems, window graphics, and a feature wall mural.

We collaborated closely with key stakeholders, Cardiff Council, Kier Construction, and the school’s leadership team to develop a signage solution that complemented the building’s premium finishes while enhancing brand visibility and navigational clarity. Engagement workshops played a vital role in shaping the outcome, ensuring alignment across all parties.

The Solution

The final result is a fully integrated signage scheme that spans the entire school site. The Fitzalan brand is prominently displayed at all entry and exit points, supported by intuitive wayfinding signage for students and visitors. Internally, the scheme features creative installations, large-scale graphics, and bespoke window designs. The signage not only makes a visual impact but also harmonises with the school’s contemporary architecture. Door signs incorporate brand elements, department-specific colours, and modular components to allow for future updates as classroom layouts evolve.