Two of the Trust’s alternative provision (AP) schools in London have unveiled vibrant new murals created in collaboration with Birmingham-based illustrator and street artist, Roots, as part of projects designed to celebrate student voice, community identity and inclusion.
Students at Freston Junction, a specialist resource base supporting children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and part of Ormiston Latimer Academy, and Ormiston Bridge Academy worked closely with the artist through a series of workshops and discussions, helping shape designs that reflected their experiences, aspirations and school values.
At Freston Junction, the mural was created to reflect the diversity and individuality of the students attending the provision, while also celebrating the academy’s core values. Seven students were involved in the research and planning of the project, contributing ideas, drawings and themes that were incorporated into the final artwork. Roots set out to capture the spirit of fun and friendship that emerged during those planning sessions, while students have described the finished mural as “inclusive”, “creative” and representative of the different cultures and identities within the school.
Meanwhile at Ormiston Bridge Academy, in Fulham, over 20 students from all phases of the school took part in a three-day creative workshop alongside Roots. Students started the project by planning the design before picking up the paint cans and layering colours and patterns to create the background of the mural. Roots finalised the mural using themes of aspiration, resilience, entrepreneurship and belonging. Handprints from participating students and staff were also added to the finished piece, creating a lasting symbol of ownership and community.
The projects formed part of both schools’ wider commitment to enriching their environments through creativity and ensuring students feel represented within their school communities.
Grant Monaghan, Principal of Ormiston Latimer Academy, said: “We wanted the mural at Freston Junction to reflect the students who attend the provision and the community around them. The final artwork captures the individuality, diversity and aspirations of our young people in a way that feels vibrant, meaningful and welcoming. It has already had a hugely positive impact on the environment, and the pride students feel in their space.”
Sophia Martin, Principal of Ormiston Bridge Academy, added: “This project gave our students a valuable opportunity to contribute to something lasting and meaningful within the school. It has been wonderful to see students from different phases work together creatively, while exploring themes such as inclusion, resilience and aspiration. The mural has already become a real talking point within the academy and reflects the pride our students have in their community.”
Roots, Birmingham-based illustrator and street artist, said: “These murals were all about creating something shaped by the students themselves. Every workshop, conversation and drawing helped influence the final outcome, so the finished pieces genuinely reflect the schools and communities they belong to. It was brilliant to see students so engaged in the process and excited to leave their mark in a lasting way.”