Choosing Bordette display borders for school boards
Choosing a display border involves more than selecting a colour. Profile, contrast, board size and the amount of written information all affect the result. Compare short samples with actual pupil work, then choose a frame that supports the display's purpose and can be managed by staff.
Compare profiles on the same layout
Place straight, scalloped or other available samples around a small mock-up of the board. Keep the backing and work unchanged so the effect of the border is clear. Check the current product information for each Bordette option rather than assuming the profiles share dimensions or performance. Ask whether the frame helps a viewer find the work or draws attention away from it.
Give pupils a useful evaluation role
For a class enquiry display, show two proposed frames around the same set of question and evidence cards. Pupils explain which makes the sequence easier to follow and why. Encourage observations about spacing, contrast and repeated shapes rather than simply voting for a favourite colour. A small tabletop mock-up can make the comparison available to pupils who cannot easily inspect the wall board.
Plan the installation
Measure the board perimeter and consider the space the border will occupy inside the frame. Decide how corners will join and which approved fixings suit the board and material. Installation should be handled by an appropriate adult using the school's arrangements. Keep the title, labels and pupil names comfortably inside the border so they remain visible when cards are replaced during the unit.
Build a reusable border stock
Label spare rolls and intact lengths by colour, profile and approximate usable length. Store them so decorative edges do not become crushed or tangled. Keep a note of which lengths fit commonly used boards. At each display change, inspect the existing border before replacing it; a frame that still suits the layout may remain while the pupil work inside develops.
Action checklist
- Compare profiles using the same sample layout.
- Measure the perimeter and usable inner area.
- Plan corners and approved fixings in advance.
- Label reusable stock by profile, colour and length.
Common questions
Should a border change whenever the topic changes?
Only if its condition or visual treatment no longer suits the work. A reusable frame can remain while the content inside is refreshed.
Sources and scope
Source titles are provided for reference. Check the current original guidance and your school's circumstances before making a policy or compliance decision.
- Schools Direct editorial — Original classroom planning guidance and worked examples. Checked 1 November 2026.