In the fast-paced world of a school day, an exercise book goes through a lot. From being crammed into overstuffed backpacks to surviving accidental juice spills at lunchtime and the general wear and tear of being opened and closed dozens of times a week, a standard paper cover can quickly begin to look tired.
At The School Print Company, we believe that the quality of a student’s stationery is a direct reflection of the value placed on their work. When a book remains pristine, a student is more likely to take pride in the content they write inside it. That is why we have pioneered the use of high-quality laminated covers for school exercise books.
In this guide, we’ll explore why laminated covers are becoming the gold standard for UK schools and how to choose the best options for your students.
Why Lamination is a Game-Changer for Schools
Lamination involves bonding a thin, clear protective plastic film onto the 225gsm card cover of the exercise book. While it might seem like a small addition, the functional benefits are transformative for both the student and the school budget.
- Unrivaled Durability
Standard manilla or card covers are prone to “dog-eared” corners and spine splitting. Lamination adds a layer of structural integrity that resists tearing and creasing. Because the film reinforces the card, the book remains rigid and professional from the first day of the autumn term to the final day of summer.
- Wipe-Clean Protection
Spills are inevitable in a classroom. Whether it’s a leaky water bottle or a stray ink smudge, a non-laminated book would absorb the liquid, ruining the cover and potentially damaging the pages within. Laminated exercise books are moisture-resistant; a quick wipe with a damp cloth or even an antibacterial wipe removes dirt and germs without leaving a trace.
- Vibrant Aesthetics
Colors simply look better under lamination. A gloss finish makes school crests and subject-specific colors pop, while a matte finish provides a sophisticated, high-end feel. This visual appeal encourages students to treat their books with more respect, fostering a better learning environment.
Matte vs. Gloss: Which Finish Should You Choose?
When ordering from The School Print Company, you have two primary choices for your laminated covers. Both offer superior protection, but they cater to different needs and styles.
The Gloss Finish: Bright and Bold
Gloss lamination is the most popular choice for primary schools and creative subjects.
- Best for: High-impact colors and school branding.
- Key Advantage: It is the easiest to wipe clean. If your students are younger or the books are used in high-mess environments like Science or Art, gloss is the way to go.
- The Look: Shiny, reflective, and energetic.
The Matte Finish: Sophisticated and Non-Reflective
Matte lamination is often the preferred choice for secondary schools and academies looking for a premium feel.
- Best for: Reducing glare and providing a modern, professional appearance.
- Key Advantage: It doesn’t show fingerprints as easily as gloss and is much easier to read under bright classroom fluorescent lights because it doesn’t reflect the light back at the student.
- The Look: Soft-touch, elegant, and understated.
Built to Last: The Four-Staple Difference
A durable cover is only half the battle. If the binding fails, the book falls apart regardless of how pretty the cover looks. At The School Print Company, we don’t settle for the industry standard of two staples.
Every one of our laminated exercise books is finished with four staples on the spine. This provides:
- Greater Page security: Even 80-page or 100-page books stay firmly bound.
- Resilience to Heavy Handling: Students who “fold back” their books to save desk space won’t find the middle pages slipping out.
- Longevity: One book can comfortably last an entire academic year of intensive use.
Customization: Making the Book Their Own
Laminated covers provide the perfect canvas for bespoke school branding. Because the laminate protects the ink underneath, your school’s identity remains clear and unfaded.
| Feature | Bespoke Option | Benefit |
| Branding | School Logo & Colors | Builds school pride and identity. |
| Organization | Subject-Specific Covers | Helps students find the right book instantly. |
| Learning Aids | Printed Back Covers | Add a Periodic Table, Map, or Times Tables. |
| Personalization | Student Name Boxes | No more lost books; clear ownership. |
Supporting Every Learner
We recognize that for some students, white paper and standard covers can be overwhelming. As part of our commitment to inclusive education, we offer:
- Tinted Paper Options: Our laminated covers can be paired with cream, blue, or pink internal paper to assist students with dyslexia or visual stress.
- Size Versatility: Choose from A4, the slightly larger A4+ (perfect for sticking in worksheets without trimming), or the classic 9″ x 7″.
Conclusion
While a laminated exercise book may have a slightly higher upfront cost than a basic manilla version, the return on investment is undeniable. You save money on replacements, reduce waste, and most importantly, you provide your students with a tool that says, “Your work is important, and it deserves to be protected.”
At The School Print Company, we take pride in being the UK’s leading provider of durable, beautiful, and bespoke school stationery. Our laminated range is designed by educators, for educators.
