The Henley College

The client

The Henley College is a long-standing client, with ongoing work focused on consistency, refinement and evolution rather than wholesale reinvention. Across multiple touchpoints, the aim has been to ensure the college’s visual identity remains confident, contemporary and unmistakably Henley.

The prospectus plays a central role in this system. It is one of the most tangible expressions of the Henley brand, and often the first meaningful interaction prospective students have with the college.

The brief

The brief was to continue evolving Henley College’s prospectus year on year, keeping it fresh and relevant while maintaining strong recognition and ownership. Rather than redesigning from scratch each cycle, the work needed to build on an established visual language and strengthen consistency across the wider brand ecosystem.

This included maintaining Henley’s distinct square format, showcasing the college’s identity clearly, and exploring refinements through layout, print detail and finishing.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 spread titled 'a new era of football' a orange background.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 front cover and spread on a orange background.

Our approach

We structured the project around evolving an established identity system, refining the prospectus annually while maintaining consistency across the wider Henley brand.

A mock-up of the Sport Industry Report 2026 fan experience spread on a dark blue background.

Anchoring the brand

In 2023, a new visual language was established for Henley and has since been embedded across the college’s ecosystem, from signage and printed promotions to social content and large-format applications. The prospectus became the anchor for this system, helping to cement the identity year on year.

The Henley College blue and green wave graphic used throughout the Henley branding.

Wave-led visual language

At the heart of the identity is the wave device, introduced in 2023. It references education, curiosity and growth, while also nodding to Henley’s riverside setting on the Thames. The wave sits alongside the college motto — QUESTION, SEEK, GROW — which features prominently on the prospectus each year to reinforce a consistent narrative of progression, enquiry and ambition.

A mock-up of a spread from the Henley College Prospectus on a purple background, showing the Henley College timeline, with a shadow from a window frame shining over it.

Evolving, not rebuilding

Rather than redesigning from scratch, the prospectus is evolved annually through subtle refinements, new creative routes within the framework, and considered updates that keep the publication current while remaining unmistakably Henley.

A mock-up of the Henley College Prospectus sat next to a window, with shadows and light shining on to it.

Print & craft

The square format remains a consistent choice across Henley’s printed materials, reinforcing distinctiveness and shelf impact. For the most recent edition, a spot UV finish was applied to the wave device and key typography, and the word 'SEEK' was die-cut through the cover to create a literal window into the pages beyond. The brand gradient has also been introduced more selectively, adding energy without diluting its clarity or long-term recognisability.

“It’s always a pleasure working with everyone at The Graphic Design House. The team is incredibly professional, supportive and collaborative, and we’re genuinely delighted with the finished work. It’s been a joy seeing it all come together.”

Rhian Mason
Head of Marketing & Communication
The Henley College

A photo of the Sport Industry Group's 2026 report full page image in the Bishops Printers factory.

Results

The prospectus now sits confidently within a wider, coherent visual system, not as a standalone piece, but as a cornerstone of the Henley identity. Through consistency, refinement and attention to detail, it continues to feel current while remaining instantly recognisable.

Each annual evolution strengthens the framework further, allowing Henley to maintain long-term brand clarity while still introducing considered updates through design and print craft. The most recent edition also includes a perforated throw-out slip at the back of the prospectus, designed to house essential information such as open day details, QR codes, social links and contact information, a functional element that can be removed, kept to hand or used as a bookmark.

It’s not about shouting louder, it’s about being recognised instantly. Want to work with an agency who takes care of your organisations brand?

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Our work in action

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AFC Wimbledon

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Bute House School

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Keep your brand moving forward

If your organisation needs year-on-year design support that builds recognition while keeping things fresh, we can help. From prospectuses and admissions materials to wider brand systems, we refine what’s already working, strengthening consistency, improving detail and delivering design that feels current, confident and unmistakably you.

Let’s evolve your next edition with purpose and craft.

Get in touch