How to Design Custom Printed School Exercise Books
If you’re looking to design custom exercise books for your school, you’re making a smart choice. Personalised school books are more than just stationery - they’re a reflection of your school’s identity and a practical tool for learning. At Bespoke Exercise Books, we help schools across the UK create high-quality, branded exercise books that students love to use.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the design process, share expert tips, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we’ll show you how custom books can improve organisation and enhance learning outcomes.
Why Design Custom Exercise Books?
Include useful reference information on inside covers to save time in class.
Custom exercise books offer benefits that go beyond aesthetics:
Promote School Identity: Featuring your logo, colours, and motto reinforces pride and professionalism.
Improve Organisation: Subject-specific layouts and resources help students stay on track.
Enhance Learning: Including reference pages or key formulas supports classroom teaching.
Create a Sense of Belonging: Students feel proud using books that represent their school.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose
Before you start designing, ask:
What subjects will these books cover?
Do you need lined, squared, or plain pages?
Should the book include extras like mark schemes, presentation guides or formula sheets?
Clear objectives will guide your design choices and ensure the books meet your school’s needs.
Step 2: Choose Your Size and Format
Oversize A4 school exercise books make including A4 print outs much easier.
Popular sizes for UK schools include:
XL/Oversize A4: Perfect if you are likely to need to insert lots of A4 printed sheets
A4: Ideal for detailed notes and diagrams.
A5: Compact and easy to carry.
Custom Sizes: Perfect for specialist subjects or branding.
Step 3: Design the Cover
Your cover sets the tone. Here are some tips:
Include Your School Logo: Reinforces identity.
Use School Colours: Creates consistency across materials.
Add Space for Student Details: Name, class, and subject fields are essential.
Consider Subject Designs: Make books vibrant and fun, by including images or artwork related to the subject.
Step 4: Plan the Inside Pages
Functionality matters most here. We have a huge range of standard exercise book ruling options including:
Lined Pages: Perfect for writing tasks.
Squared Pages: Great for maths and science.
Plain Pages: Ideal for art or sketching.
Custom Layouts: Add subject-specific tables, diagrams, or reference guides.
You can also include school policies, timetables, or learning tips on the inside covers or first few pages.
Step 5: Add Branding Elements
Branding can go beyond the logo on the front cover, consider:
Watermarks: Subtle logos on inside covers.
Colour Accents: Use school colours for inside cover headings or boarders.
Inspirational Quotes: Add motivational messages for students.
Step 6: Review and Approve Your Design
Once your design is ready, review it carefully:
Check spelling and layout.
Ensure branding elements are correct.
Confirm page count and binding options.
At Bespoke Exercise Books, we’ll send you a digital proof before printing so you can approve every detail.
Creative Cover Design Ideas
Want your exercise books to stand out? Try these ideas:
Full-Colour Photography: Showcase your school building or mascot.
Illustrated Themes: Fun graphics for younger students.
Minimalist Design: Clean lines and bold typography for a modern look.
Seasonal Variations: Different designs for autumn and spring terms.
How Custom Books Improve Learning Outcomes
Custom exercise books aren’t just about looks—they can boost learning:
Subject-Specific Layouts: Maths grids, science tables, or language prompts help students stay organised.
Reference Pages: Include formulas, grammar tips, or revision checklists.
Reading Records: Encourage time management and accountability for reading at home.
Appropriate Rulings: Our huge range of school exercise book rulings mean that you can match the perfect ruling for the year group or key stage.
Studies show that well-structured learning materials improve engagement and retention.
Design Tips for Maximum Impact
Keep It Simple: Overly complex designs can distract from functionality.
Use High-Quality Images: Blurry logos look unprofessional.
Think About Durability: Would laminating the covers be beneficial?
Plan Ahead: Order early to avoid last-minute stress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Branding: A plain book misses the chance to showcase your school identity.
Choosing the Wrong Size: Make sure the book suits its intended use.
Overloading Pages: Too much information can overwhelm students.
Skipping Proof Checks: Always review before printing.
Ready to Design Your Custom Exercise Books?
Designing custom exercise books doesn’t have to be complicated. At Clarkeprint | Bespoke Exercise Books, we make the process easy and enjoyable. Click here to get in touch and create personalised school books your students will love.
Q&A Section
Q: Can we include our school logo on every page?
A: Yes, we can add watermarks or branding elements throughout the book.
Q: What sizes are available?
A: Oversize A4 (XL), A4 and A5 exercise books are most popular, but we offer standard rulings in a range of other sizes too.
Q: Can we add subject-specific content?
A: Absolutely. We can include tables, diagrams, or reference pages tailored to your curriculum.
Q: Is there a minimum order quantity?
A: Usually 200 books, but contact us for smaller orders.
Q: What other products and services do you offer schools?
A: We’d also love to talk to you about bespoke homework planners, school yearbooks, school leavers hoodies and school prospectuses