Surrey Hills-based Silverback Studios Ltd have been announced as the creative partner behind the landmark rebrand of Weymouth College and Kingston Maurward College (WKMC), now united under a bold new identity: Coastland College.
The two respected colleges, with deep roots in the region, came together with a vision to build a modern, ambitious, and collaborative Further Education group. To reflect this step change, Silverback® were invited to design and deliver a fresh brand identity that would honour both institutions’ heritage while setting a confident course for the future.
Project rebrand
The objectives of the rebrand were to create a united identity that communicates ambition, inclusivity, and relevance across the diverse range of courses and communities the colleges serve. The new identity needed to attract and inspire students, engage with employers, and strengthen partnerships across Dorset and beyond. It also needed to clearly stand out in a competitive education landscape while capturing the distinctive qualities of both Weymouth and Kingston Maurward campuses.
With a strong track record across multiple industries and a reputation for fearless creativity, Silverback® were tasked with developing a visual identity and culture-led strategy that could grow with Coastland College for years to come.
Strategic leadership
The rebrand was steered by strategic adviser Duncan Adams of DJA Advisory Ltd, who led a highly competitive pitch process to identify the right creative partner. After reviewing proposals from multiple agencies, Silverback® were selected for their bold approach, sector-spanning creativity, and proven ability to transform brands through a client-focused process.
Grounded in heritage, designed for the future
Founded in 1949, Kingston Maurward has been a centre of land-based education for over a century, while Weymouth College has long been recognised as a key provider of technical and academic routes on the Dorset coast. The new Coastland College identity draws inspiration from this combined heritage while reflecting a shared vision: to prepare students for tomorrow’s world with practical skills, real opportunities, and a thriving learning environment.
Collaboration at the core
Silverback® carried out extensive engagement across both colleges – speaking with staff, students, governors, businesses, and wider community stakeholders. This insight helped shape a brand that is inclusive, future-focused, and rooted in the values of ambition, collaboration, resilience, and variety.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this partnership with Silverback. Their ability to engage with our stakeholders, understand the ambitions of both colleges, and translate this into a bold, modern, and accessible brand has been outstanding. The new Coastland identity gives us a platform from which to grow, inspire, and lead further education in our region.” - Kate Wills, CEO of Coastland College
Creative rollout
The Coastland College identity uses a bold and contemporary palette that reflects the diverse landscapes and opportunities of Dorset – from the coastlines of Weymouth to the rolling land-based heritage of Kingston Maurward. Silverback®’s creative direction ensured the brand communicates energy, inclusivity, and optimism, while offering flexibility for future expansion and innovation.
Importantly, Coastland serves as a constant brand platform – a unifying identity that not only works across the education group but can also be flexibly repurposed for commercial entities, partnerships, and future initiatives. This gives
Coastland College the ability to expand its reach while maintaining a consistent and recognisable presence.
“From the outset, we knew this project needed to strike a balance between heritage and ambition. We worked closely with Coastland College’s leadership and stakeholders to ensure the identity captured the unique spirit of both colleges while creating a cohesive brand that feels fresh, modern, and built to last. Coastland College is about opportunity, inclusivity, and thriving futures – and we’re proud to have played a part in shaping this new chapter.” - Malcolm Gilbertson, Silverback® MD & Creative Director
Silverback® are a Troop of design, digital, and strategic specialists with an instinctive talent for creating compelling brands. Whether it’s helping you to create a long-lasting company culture, or communicating your services and values to the wider world via a solid and distinguishable re-brand – Silverback® are here to help.
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