Mary Hare School

A vibrant yearbook design

The brief

Mary Hare School, based in Newbury, Berkshire, is the UK’s largest school for deaf children. A national charity and non-maintained special school, it educates profoundly and severely deaf students aged 4–19, offering both boarding and day options. The Graphic Design House has long supported Mary Hare with print and mailing services. In 2024, this partnership expanded to include the design, print, and mailing of the Soundwave Magazine.

Mary Hare School commissioned a 32-page magazine to capture the events, achievements, and experiences across the school year, from Reception to Sixth Form. The magazine serves as both a keepsake for existing families and a key marketing tool for prospective ones. This publication demanded a design that would resonate deeply with the school’s community whilst authentically reflecting the school’s unique identity.

Our approach

From developing a fresh Soundwave masthead to designing every section of the 32-page magazine, we focused on creating a publication that engages, informs, and celebrates the school community. Hover over the flip tiles below to explore each stage of our design process.

Designing concepts

We presented three initial design routes exploring cover styles, article layouts, and image galleries. The selected route introduced the new Soundwave masthead, incorporating a subtle soundwave illustration into the letter ‘O’ to reflect the school’s focus on deaf education.

Refining the magazine design

Following client feedback, we blended elements from two mastheads and two design routes to finalise the magazine’s design. This ensured the layout and visual identity closely reflected Mary Hare’s community, ethos, and values.

Sectional layout

The magazine was divided into sections for each school year, from Reception to Sixth Form. The Mary Hare colour palette was applied to clearly distinguish sections, guiding readers through the school journey and making navigation easy for readers.

Mary Hare school magazine cover design from July 2024

Tactile print finish

We produced the magazine with a 300gsm silk cover and 170gsm silk internal pages, with the masthead enhanced by Spot UV finishing for a tactile, premium feel. The magazine combined visual appeal with practicality, creating a keepsake suitable for students and families.

“The design is excellent – we had an initial consultation, following which we had a concept stage and I felt Amy and the team did a brilliant job of understanding what we were looking for, capturing us as a school that has many aspects to it, and creating a fresh new look for the magazine.”

Selina Cross
Marketing Manager
Mary Hare School

Overview of spreads featured in Sound Wave

Results & next steps

The final 32-page Soundwave Magazine effectively showcases Mary Hare School’s vibrant community and achievements. Its high-quality design, structured layout, and premium finishes make it both an engaging yearbook and a promotional tool for prospective families. The publication reinforces the school’s identity, provides a lasting memento for students and parents, and demonstrates the importance of clear, thoughtful design for specialised educational institutions.

Following the success of Soundwave Magazine, we continue to support Mary Hare School. Future projects will focus on enhancing marketing materials and communications, further strengthening the school’s visual identity and helping to celebrate its exceptional educational environment.

Need a publication that reflects your school’s values and community spirit?

Get in touch

Our work in action

Let’s create something great together

From rebrands and brand rollouts to prospectuses and campaigns, we help organisations bring their stories to life through thoughtful, design-led thinking.

Ready to start your next project with a UK design agency that listens and delivers? Let’s talk.