Three new websites launched for University Schools Trust

Communitas has completed the design and development of three new school websites for University Schools Trust (UST), creating a fresh and distinctive digital presence for its Canary Wharf College schools.

The project has seen the launch of new websites for Canary Wharf Secondary School, Canary Wharf Primary East Ferry and Canary Wharf Primary Glenworth, replacing the schools’ existing sites with modern, photography-led websites designed to showcase each school and make information easier for parents and prospective families to find.

While each school now has its own standalone website, the three sites have been designed to sit clearly together as part of UST. The two primary schools share a common design approach, while the Secondary website has been developed to accommodate its larger and more complex range of content.

As part of the wider project, Communitas also worked with UST to refresh the schools’ existing logos, retaining their established identities while giving them a cleaner, more contemporary look.

A key part of the website brief was to improve the experience for parents and prospective families. Admissions, open events, curriculum information, news and other frequently accessed content have therefore been given greater prominence, with the sites designed to work seamlessly across desktop, tablet and mobile.

Communitas worked closely with the UST team throughout the project, from developing the initial structure and design through to content migration, development, testing, launch and CMS training.

Chris Bloor, Head of External Affairs and Internal Comms at University Schools Trust, said: “We wanted our new websites to reflect the ambition and character of our three schools, while making it much easier for current and prospective families to find the information they need.

“Communitas took the time to understand what we were trying to achieve and guided us through the whole process. We’re delighted with the finished websites and particularly pleased that, while each school has its own identity, there is a clear connection between all three.”

Ken Stevens, Director at Communitas, said: “This was never going to be a case of designing one website and simply reproducing it three times. Each school has its own character, audience and requirements, but at the same time the three websites needed to feel unmistakably part of the same organisation.

“It’s been a really enjoyable project and we’re delighted to see all three sites live. Just as importantly, we’ve made sure the UST team has the tools and training to manage and develop the websites themselves going forward.”

The new websites can be viewed at Canary Wharf Secondary, Canary Wharf East Ferry and Canary Wharf Glenworth.