GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail

The Brief

GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is a prestigious British-curriculum school with a reputation for academic excellence, inclusive culture and vibrant student life in Dubai Hills. When the school embarked on a strategic expansion of key campus zones — including the Reception, main corridors, Nursery and Sixth Form — Praxis was invited to reimagine these spaces not just as functional areas, but as expressions of the school’s identity, values and learning culture.

The challenge was clear:
Create environments that reflect Wellington’s ethos of aspiration, creativity and community; spaces that welcome, inspire and support students at every stage of their journey.

‍

‍

‍

Design That Speaks to Identity

‍

At WEK, every space plays a role in shaping the learning experience. Praxis approached the project with a human-centred, narrative-led lens; ensuring that each area resonated with the school’s principles while enhancing daily interactions.

For the nursery, the brief was to design a world that feels nurturing, inviting and stimulating; the first meaningful touchpoint for young learners. Praxis crafted a brand style that blends organic textures, earthen tones and joyful imagery, creating an environment that calms, excites and sparks curiosity for the littlest members of the Wellington family.

In the Sixth Form areas, the narrative shifted to reflect a mature, aspirational learning culture. The branding and spatial graphics were developed around Wellington’s advanced curriculum and focus on independent growth. Engaging visuals communicated elements of the school’s learning model and created a space that feels both sophisticated and empowering for senior learners preparing for next-stage pathways.

The reception foyer was transformed into a warm, engaging introduction to the school’s character; a space that immediately communicates belonging and ambition. Strategic use of visual hierarchies, typography and materiality guided visitors through key messages about Wellington’s values and promise. Main corridors became more than passageways; they evolved into visual journeys reinforcing the school’s culture and elevating wayfinding and discovery.

‍

Beyond Aesthetics — A Unified Experience

Across all touchpoints, Praxis ensured that design decisions were rooted in educational purpose; amplifying Wellington’s strategic priorities of engagement, confidence and agency. The result is a campus experience where:

• First impressions matter: The reception instantly tells Wellington’s story.
• Every corridor informs: Spaces guide, communicate and celebrate community.
• Learning stages feel intentional: From playful beginnings in Nursery to aspirational futures in Sixth Form.

‍