In the world of education, the physical tools a student uses are just as important as the curriculum itself. While digital transformation is a hot topic, the exercise book remains the primary engine room of the classroom. It is where ideas are born, mistakes are corrected, and knowledge is solidified.
However, choosing the right exercise book design isn’t just about picking a color. It’s a strategic decision that affects teacher workload, student organization, and school identity. At The School Print Company, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of the exercise book. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential elements of design—from cover aesthetics to internal layouts—to help you build the perfect book for your students.
- Defining the Purpose: Subject-Specific Design
The first step in choosing a design is identifying the subject. A “one size fits all” approach often limits a student’s ability to present work effectively.
- Literacy & Languages: Design should focus on line spacing. For early years, consider “red and grey” lines to help with letter height and baseline positioning.
- STEM Subjects: Design needs to facilitate both writing and drawing. Squared paper (graph paper) is essential, but you should choose between 5mm for secondary and 10mm for primary to ensure the grid matches the student’s fine motor skills.
- Dual-Purpose Layouts: One of our most popular designs is the interleaved book, where one page is lined and the facing page is plain. This is a game-changer for Science and Geography, where a student can write an explanation on the left and draw a diagram or map on the right.
- Selecting the Right Size and Page Count
Design isn’t just about what’s on the page; it’s about the dimensions of the book itself.
- A4 (297 x 210mm): The standard for secondary schools. It provides enough space for extended essays and complex diagrams.
- A4+ (Oversized A4): A growing trend in UK schools. These books are slightly larger than A4, meaning students can glue in A4 worksheets without the edges sticking out or having to fold the paper. This keeps books looking neat and prevents “bulging” spines.
- 9″ x 7″: The classic “exercise book” size. It is perfect for primary school desks where space is limited and for subjects like Spelling or Mental Maths where smaller bursts of work are common.
- Page Count: While it’s tempting to go for 120 pages to last the whole year, consider the weight of the student’s bag. For many, an 80-page book offers the best balance between longevity and portability.
- Cover Design: More Than Just a Logo
The cover of an exercise book is the first thing a student sees. It sets the tone for the lessons ahead.
Branding and Identity
A bespoke cover featuring your school’s crest, motto, and brand colors creates a unified professional image. It fosters a sense of belonging among students. When designing your cover, consider:
- Subject Color-Coding: Using a consistent color for each department (e.g., Blue for Maths, Yellow for English) makes it easy for teachers to collect the right books and for students to find them in their lockers.
- Information Zones: Leave dedicated space for the student’s name, class, and teacher. A clean, uncluttered box for these details ensures the book remains organized.
The Power of the Back Cover
The back cover is often wasted space. We recommend using it for Passive Learning tools. Depending on the subject, you can print:
- Periodic Tables for Science.
- Key Vocabulary for MFL.
- Historical Timelines for History.
- Punctuation Pyramids for English.
- Optimizing Internal Layouts for Feedback
Modern pedagogy places a high value on Formative Assessment and Feedback. Your exercise book design can actually make this easier for teachers.
The Margin
Standard 15mm-20mm margins are common, but you can customize this. Some schools prefer a “double margin” or a wider margin on the right-hand side for “Teacher Only” comments or “Self-Correction” notes.
Tracking Progress (WWW/EBI)
Many schools now choose to have a footer printed on every page or a specific section at the end of each unit for “What Went Well” (WWW) and “Even Better If” (EBI). By integrating these into the page design, you ensure that feedback becomes a consistent habit rather than an afterthought.
- Material Quality: The Feel Good Factor
A well-designed book should feel premium. If the paper is thin and the ink bleeds through, the design—no matter how beautiful—is a failure.
- Paper Weight: Always aim for 80gsm or 90gsm. This allows students to use fountain pens or highlighters without the ink ruining the reverse side of the page.
- Cover Weight: We recommend a 225gsm card cover. It’s sturdy enough to protect the pages but flexible enough to open flat.
- Lamination: For extra durability, a matte or gloss laminate finish prevents the covers from scuffing and makes them water-resistant.
- Designing for Inclusivity
Inclusive design is a core pillar of modern education. When choosing your book design, consider students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
- Tinted Paper: For students with Dyslexia or Meares-Irlen Syndrome, the high contrast of black ink on white paper can cause visual stress. Designing books with cream, pale blue, or canary yellow paper can make reading and writing significantly easier.
- Line Thickness: Some students benefit from slightly bolder lines or “raised” lines that provide a tactile guide for writing.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact
The design of an exercise book is a silent partner in the classroom. When it is done well, it stays out of the way, allowing the student’s work to shine. When it is done exceptionally well—with custom feedback zones, durable covers, and subject-specific aids—it becomes a powerful catalyst for learning.
At The School Print Company, we don’t just print books; we help you design tools for success. Whether you want to replicate your current design or completely overhaul your school’s stationery for the new academic year, we are here to help.
