Murals Transform Warden Hill Primary School

Warden Hill Primary School in Cheltenham is a place where every child’s wellbeing and personal growth sit proudly at the top of the agenda. Recognised by Gloucestershire County Council in 2020 as the county’s highest priority school for refurbishment, Warden Hill has since undergone an incredible transformation. A £7.5 million investment led to the opening of a stunning new building in 2023, which is now celebrated as one of the most environmentally friendly primary schools in Gloucestershire.

A Nurturing Environment for Every Child

Under the inspiring leadership of Headteacher Georgina Flooks, Warden Hill’s pupils thrive both academically and personally. The school’s ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for personal development reflects a deep commitment to the nurturing environment upheld. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that care and creativity shape every aspect of the learning experience. Vibrant murals line the corridors, with galleries celebrating students’ achievements and artwork while fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Inspiring Spaces That Spark Imagination

When students moved into their new building, the school invited local mural artists Mint + Mabel to bring colour and creativity to the school’s fresh white walls. Two years on, artists Hattie and Erin have transformed the space with fourteen stunning murals.

From a vibrant stairwell gallery that proudly showcases children’s artwork to calming, nature-inspired scenes, each mural has been thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and support mental wellbeing. The warm, muted tones reflect the school’s house colours – yellow, red, green, and blue – chosen for their uplifting psychological impact.

“Mint and Mabel have brought our school walls to life in a way that truly benefits our students,” says headteacher Georgina Flooks. “Fourteen blank spaces have been transformed into calming, inspiring murals that create an environment where children feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn. Their work has made a real difference to the atmosphere in our school, and I’m excited to continue developing spaces that nurture our pupils’ wellbeing and creativity. I can’t recommend Mint and Mabel highly enough.”

A Culture That Loves Reading

One of Warden Hill’s greatest strengths is its passion for reading. The school has created a culture where books are celebrated daily, not just in lessons, but throughout the entire environment. Within the school’s multi-level atrium, four enchanting reading nooks invite children to sit and read beneath beautifully painted murals.

The school hall features a flowing mural backdrop to a gallery of books that tie into the themes explored in assemblies. Every corridor, classroom, and shared space echoes the school’s belief that reading opens doors to curiosity and creativity.

Each year, classroom libraries are refreshed with new, exciting, and language-rich titles to ensure that every child can discover stories that spark their imagination. From inspiring “Class Read” sessions to interactive displays, reading for pleasure is truly at the heart of school life.

Art That Teaches and Inspires

Beyond their beauty, many of Warden Hill’s murals serve as powerful learning tools. In Reception and Year 1, hand-painted letters and numbers transform classroom walls into engaging visual aids, helping young learners connect with language and numeracy in a fun way. This creative approach reinforces the school’s ethos, that learning should be immersive, meaningful, and filled with wonder.

“We love that our artwork can have a positive impact for the children and teachers each morning as they walk into school,” says Erin from Mint + Mabel. “Even educational artwork, such as numbers and letter sounds, can be beautiful while supporting learning.”

A School That Shapes the Future

Warden Hill Primary School isn’t just a place of learning, it’s a thriving community where wellbeing, creativity, and academic excellence go hand in hand. With its innovative spaces, nurturing staff, and inspiring commitment to personal development, it stands as a shining example of what a modern primary education can be.