Scotch College Visual Identity Guidelines
External Version 1. 2025
Scotch College's collective impact begins with the story of the Scotch Family, and extends across the world. This story comes to life through every touchpoint of our school communications.
These visual identity guidelines explain how to apply our creative assets and tone of voice, ensuring our school is represented in a consistent and compelling way for all audiences.
Our founding motto:
Deo Patriae Litteris
To the glory of God, for the good of one’s country, and for the advancement of learning.
Our value proposition statement
Avaluepropositionisasuccinctinternalstatementofwhyparentsandstaffchooseourschool. Itsumsupthe'value'weofferourcommunity,andwhatsetsusapartfrompeerschools.
WeareScotchCollege,whereboysbecomemenof goodcharacter,readytoservetheworld.
Ourholistic,character-focusededucationisanchored intheChristianvaluesoffaith,hopeandlove,andthe ScottishEnlightenmentprinciplesthatempowerenterprise andinnovationthroughseekingtruthandwonder.
TogetherwiththeScotchFamily,wehelpreveal eachboy’splaceintheworld;challengingthemto aimhigh,whilekeepingtheirfeetfirmlyontheground, andpreparingthemforalovingandfulfillinglifeof purposeandcontribution.
The Scotch Story
At Scotch College, we know that good men contribute so much to society.
The Scotch Story brings together all the elements of who we are, what we offer, who we offer it to, and why families choose Scotch College.
It is a copywritten, audience-facing narrative that can be used in its entirety, or as a launching-off point for other communications and messaging.
They are inspiring role models, empathetic leaders, uplifting partners, loving fathers, and positive changemakers. They are not bystanders, but act with conviction and courage, wonder-filled curiosity, and empowering compassion.
Scotch College in Melbourne is dedicated to educating boys to help them become good men of character who are ready for a purposeful and fulfilling life of contribution.
Our approach to learning is designed to nurture and enlighten the whole boy. Through a model of relational education, we help our boys to build collaborative relationships with their teachers and each other, as well as connecting them into the support, inspiration and expertise of the wider Scotch Family. They become active participants in their own learning journeys, setting the goals and intentions that make the most of their individual talents and passions.
When boys have the time, space and encouragement to pursue their own education pathways, they develop a love of learning that goes beyond just academic and career achievements. At our single, Prep to Year 12 campus that sits on the banks of the Yarra River in Hawthorn, and at our outdoor education campuses around Victoria, boys are encouraged to aim high in every endeavour, while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.
Scotch College boys become members of the Scotch College Family, from their first day of school and for the rest of their lives. This Family not only welcomes them into a global network of peers, mentors, champions and supporters, but also makes them a part of the collective impact of the College that is over 170 years strong. The Scotch Family represents a legacy of contribution that lights the way for each new generation of boys.
Above all, we value and nurture a service mindset, guided by our Christian heritage and Scottish Enlightenment principles, where education helps us improve ourselves, serve each other and progress society. Together with our community, we shape generous, impactful, life-long learners, sending them out into the world to help make it better every day.
Our coat of arms
TheofficialScotchCollegecoatofarmswas designedbySirEdwardMackenzieandwas adoptedin1924.Itformsthebasisofthe ScotchCollegelogoasitstandstoday.
Thediagramherebreaksdownitssymbolic elementsandtheiroriginalmeanings.
Our Latin motto, which means 'To the glory of God, for the good of one’s country, and for the advancement of learning'
The Burning Bush represents our links to the Presbyterian Church
The Royal Crown represents our British heritage and loyalty
St Andrew's Cross represents our Scottishheritage
The Flaring Torch represents learning
The Southern Cross constellation representspatriotism
The Lymphad, or Scottish galley, representscourageandadventure
Logo variations
TheScotchCollegelogositsonall brandedcommunications.Wherepossible, alwaysplacetheScotchlogointhetop rightcornerofcreativeexecutions.
Lockupvariations
Therearetwostandardvariations oftheScotchCollegelogolockup –horizontalandvertical.Eithervariation maybeusedandshouldrelyondesign judgementtodeterminewhichismore appropriatefortheformat.Ingeneral, verticalworksbetterforportraitlayouts andhorizontalforlandscapelayouts.
Colourvariations
Usethefull-colouredversionofthe logoonScotchRedwhereverpossible. Thepositivelogohasthreecolourvariations toallowittoappearclearlyonanybrand colour,howeverScotchRedispreferable.
Usethemonologo'spositivevariationfor executionsonlightercolouredbackgrounds whencolourprintingisnotpossibleorwhen thefullcolourlogowouldnotbelegible.
Fordarkerbackgrounds,themonologo's reversedvariationcanbeused.Theaim istoensuregoodcontrastforclearviewing andlegibility.
Clearspace and minimum size
Clearspace
Each Scotch College logo variation is designed to include an area of clearspace around its outermost edges. The size of this clearspace ('X') is variable, and will automatically increase or decrease depending on the size of the logo output. Nothing must appear within the clearspace determined by 'X'.
Minimum size
The vertical logo variation must not be reproduced at any height less than 50 mm with the 'founded' banner, or 30 mm without.
The horizontal logo variation must not be reproduced at any width less than 30 mm.
These minimum sizes can also be applied to any other Scotch logos e.g. OSCA logo.
Co-branding
Thispagedemonstrateshowto representourlogowithinapartnership withanotherorganisation.
Co-branding ockup
Inallco-brandingrelationships, theScotchCollegelogoshouldalwaysbe ofequalheighttotheotherorganisation's logo(s.Thedistancebetweenthelogoand thedividershouldbeequaltothewidthof oneScotchcrestwhenthehorizontallogo variationisused,andhalfthewidthofthe Scotchcrestwhentheverticallogo variationisused.
Co-brandinggroupings
Forgroupedspacings,theminimum distancebetweenlogosshouldbeequal tothewidthoftheScotchcrests.
Co-brandingrelationshipsandplacement
WhenScotchCollegeleadsasthemain partner,thelogocanappearseparate fromtheotherorganisations'logos. PlacetheScotchlogointhetopright corneroftheexecutionwhereverpossible, withthesupportingpartnerlogosinthe bottomleftcorner.
Whenthepartnershipisequal,ifpresenting theassetasScotchCollege,positiona co-brandinglockup(asexplainedabove inthetoprightcorneroftheexecution.
IfnotpresentingasScotchCollege,orif Scotchisasupportingpartner,followthe partner'sguidelinesonlogoplacement.
ToensureScotchCollegeisrepresented impactfully,pleasefollowtheserulesforall applications andexecutions:
Do
1. Do use the logo in the colour variations outlined in this guide
2. Do place the logo in the top right corner wherepossible
3. Do use the logo on pattern backgrounds that are subtle and won't interfere with contrast and legibility
4. Do place the logo on simple backgrounds should the logo ever need tositoverimagery
Don’t
5. Don’t move, edit or stylise elements of the logo
6. Don’t re-colourise any part of the logo
7. Don’t use the logo smaller than the specified minimum size
8. Don’t rotate, distort or stretch any part of the logo
9. Don't skew, rotate or embellish the patterns – keep to the angles and sequences as they have been supplied
Our fonts balance elegance and professionalism with digital-first, modern impact and accessibility.
Personality font
Freight is our personality font, applied in the 'Big Pro' version of the typeface.
It is used primarily for headlines and key messages. It feels modern and sleek, while maintaining a hint of traditional flair. Information font
Our information font, Aktiv Grotesk, is used for larger bodies of text. It is clean, functional and professional, and performs well on digital executions.
It is available in 24 styles, offering great flexibility to successfully differentiate different modes of communication e.g. Foundation brochure vs social media post.
Both fonts are available for download via the Adobe font suite (complimentary to Adobe license holders, or subscribers).
Adobe fonts are easy to utilise across website designs. See here for further info:
Freight is a modern serif that blends tradition with progression.
0123456789
Aktiv Grotesk is a clear and functional typeface for main text and information. It is used for headlines and key messages. It mostly appears in its Medium weight, and at times Semibold for more impact, especially for smaller sized text.
Clubs and Auxiliaries
These logos for Clubs and Auxiliaries were developed in 2025 as part of a broader initative to ensure all Scotch College branding is consistent, contemporary, and visually appealing.
PARENT ASSOCIATIONS
Logo variations
Colour variations
Use the full-coloured version of the logo on white wherever possible. The positive logo has a reverse colour variation to allow it to appear clearly on any brand colour, however white is preferable.
Use the mono logo's positive variation for executions on darker coloured backgrounds when colour printing is not possible or when the full colour logo would not be legible.
For darker backgrounds, the mono logo's reversed variation can be used. The aim is to ensure good contrast for clear viewing and legibility.
Primarypalette
ScotchCollegeisknownforour signaturered,standingoutamongstour peerschoolsinMelbourne.Tostrengthen this,ScotchRedshouldbeourmost prominentprimarycoour,alongside atouchofGold.
Secondarypaette
Inspiredbyourtartan’smixofcolours, theexpandedsecondarypaletteincludes existingandadditionalcoloursthat complementtheprominentScotchRed. Thesecolourshelpwithcontrastand legibilityandgivedepthtoourpatterns.
OurDeepRedcanactasasupportcolour insmallamounts.Avoidlargefloodsof DeepRed–withOSCAcommunicationsas theexception–soastoallowtheScotchRed toremainourprimarybrandcolour.
Highlightpalette
ThesecoloursextendourPrimaryand Secondarypalettestohelpcreate higher-energy,moderncontrastinour patterns.Highlightcoloursareused sparinglyandneverinfull-floodsor incombinationwithoneanother (e.g.wewouldnevermixHighlightRed andHighlightBluewithinapattern. Theyworkbestinadigitallandscape.
HighlightGoldisreservedprimarilyfor uniformsandothertextiles.
Scotch Red Gold
Colour accessibility
Large headings
–AA and AAA pass
–Text size guide: 18pt/24px
These recommended colour pairings have been assessed against digital accessibility standards to ensure creative executions are legible for the majority of audiences.
Use these combinations where possible. Before using any other combination, check accessibility and contrast using this free tool:
www.colourcontrast.cc
White headings
Normal text headings/ body copy
–AA and AAA pass*
–Text size guide: 12pt/16px (or smaller)
–*Be careful of the font being too thin/fine at small sizes
Large headings
–AA and AAA pass
–Text size guide: 18pt/24px
Large headings
–AA and AAA pass
–Text size guide: 18pt/24px
White body text also recommended on Scotch Red backgrounds.
Black or Navy headings
Normal text headings/ body copy
–AA and AAA pass*
–Text size guide: 12pt/16px (or smaller)
–*Be careful of the font being too thin/fine at small sizes
Normal text headings/ body copy
–AA and AAA pass*
–Text size guide: 12pt/16px (or smaller)
–*Be careful of the font being too thin/fine at small sizes
Large headings
–AA and AAA pass
–Text size guide: 18pt/24px
Black or Navy body text also recommended on Gold backgrounds.
Normal text headings/ body copy
–AA and AAA pass*
–Text size guide: 12pt/16px (or smaller)
–*Be careful of the font being too thin/fine at small sizes
White or Gold headings
White body text with highlights of Gold recommended on Navy backgrounds.
Scotch Red, Deep Red or Navy headings
Black body text with highlights of Scotch Red, Dark Red, or Navy recommended on White backgrounds.
Patterns
Patterns
Ourpatternscreateownabilityand dynamismwithinourvisualidentity. nspiredbyourregisteredScotchtartan, thepatternsrepresentthethreadof communitythatguideseachboythrough hisScotchjourney,whetherwithinthe schoolorasanoldcollegian.
Ourpatternscanbeusedasa graphiclanguagetooltohelpunifyour communicationswhen t sappropriate todoso.
Thissuiteofpatternscanbebuiltonover timetokeepthebrandfeelingenergetic andfresh.Whendevelopingnewpatterns, takeinspirationfromourScotchtartan, butensurenewpatternscouldnotbe interpretedasreplacingoreditingthe officialregisteredtartan.
ScotchTartan–forheritagestorytelling Theofficialtartanisonlyforusein communicationswherethefocusinon ourhistory.Forexample,itmightbeused inacommemorativebookexploringthe foundationsoftheschool,orincollateral foracommemorativecelebration.
PATTERNS
Shown here are examples of how to apply the Scotch colours to patterns. Scotch Red should always be the most prominent colour overall within communications, with the secondary and tertiary palette acting as support or small highlights.
When layering colours together, we can go from subtle overlays to more depth in contrast. For a cohesive look, the colours shown are layered in tones. For example, Navy is paired with Highlight Blue, and Gold is paired with a White overlay that can increase in intensity for more energy when needed.
Highlight Gold is already built into the Scotch tartan, and can also be used for uniforms in place of the metallic Gold. It is avoided here as a highlight colour so as not to overpower the brightness in the overall tone.
Communications and Marketing Team
communications@scotch.vic.edu.au