Updates include a modernised crest, a unified colour palette anchored by a deep heritage-inspired blue, updated typography, and a graphic system inspired by the College Chapel’s stained-glass windows and motto Fiat Lux (“Let there be light”).
The evolution of the College brand reinforces Emmanuel’s reputation and supports its vision to enrich lives through a world-class living and learning experience, while also improving digital accessibility and reflecting the College’s commitment to inclusivity, engagement, and authentic connection with its community.
“Our new identity is a bridge between tradition and progress,” said Principal Stephen Peake. “It empowers us to honour our heritage while confidently embracing the future, ensuring Emmanuel College remains a place where every student can belong, thrive, and shine.”
The redesign was shaped through extensive consultation with students, alumni, staff, and parents to inform and strengthen Emmanuel’s brand strategy and positioning, alongside the development of a fresh look and feel.
The brand evolution began in April 2023 with a review of Emmanuel blue, uncovering over 15 inconsistent shades and prompting a broader rethink of the College’s identity. A Culture Review soon followed, engaging the community in conversations about values and aspirations.
“The 2023 Culture Review was a defining moment for Emmanuel College,” Stephen Peake added. “It reaffirmed the values that have guided our community for generations, while also challenging us to look forward with courage and creativity.”
Updated photography and videography now reflect authentic student life, while a verbal brand review helped shape a warm, optimistic, and confident tone of voice aligned with Emmanuel’s inclusive spirit.
The refreshed brand re-positions the College to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
“Emmanuel has ambitious goals for the future, and we believe the evolution of our brand is the perfect platform to showcase who we are, where we've come from, and where we are going,” said Stephen Peake.
The refreshed brand extends into student life through a new sports uniform range co-designed with ECSC Sports Convenors, incorporating Emmanuel’s registered tartan to blend heritage with contemporary style and foster team spirit. At the same time, the Students’ Club led the revitalisation of the beloved Blue Dog symbol, with workshops and co-design sessions resulting in a distinctive new design and usage guidelines to strengthen identity and recognition.
“Having community involvement in the logo's development was crucial because it’s really a physical embodiment of community,” said 2024 ECSC President Richard Huelin. “We wanted it to be something each member could wear with pride and feel like they took part in creating it.”
The evolved brand will begin rolling out from October 2025, starting with the launch of Emmanuel’s new website. Updates will be phased across all College platforms, channels, and assets throughout 2026, aligning with sustainability goals and existing maintenance schedules.
Emmanuel College’s Brand and Publications Lead led the development of the brand evolution project in partnership with leading brand expert and Creative Director Graham Purnell and his team at Totem Branding, with collaboration from Michael Cutter from Alchemic Web Design and Glenn Cartledge from The Creative Engine.
To learn more about Emmanuel College’s brand story please visit our brand journey and timeline on the Emmanuel College website.
