Designing the perfect yearbook: A keepsake to treasure

Creating a school leavers’ yearbook is more than just putting together a collection of memories, it’s crafting a keepsake that students will cherish for years to come. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student leading the project, getting the design and content right is key to making it meaningful.

Here’s a guide to designing a memorable and heartfelt yearbook, including some essential dos and don’ts.

First things first: layout matters

The first page of text should always appear on the right-hand page (page 3 of the book if you’re counting from the cover). This mirrors professional publishing standards and sets a polished tone from the start.

If you have designed your own cover, then you can upload those pages into our cover design tool, adjust them and add text to your spine. If you haven’t designed a cover then you can easily use the tool to add colour and text until you’ve got it just how you want it.

It’s worth noting that here at Dox Direct we don’t have a minimum order quantity, so you can order one copy, and then if you’re happy with it, go on to order the rest! You can order from us here.

What needs to be in it?

A great leavers’ book strikes a balance between fun, reflection, and celebration. Here’s a checklist of content that you might wish to include:

1. Message from the headteacher

The headteacher’s message should highlight the student’s achievements, resilience, and growth.

2. Words from the year tutor or Head of Year

This message is usually more personal, sharing funny memories, inside jokes, or heartfelt encouragement as students move on.

3. High-quality photos

Group shots, candids from school trips, and class photos are essential. Make sure:

• Photos have plenty of contrast (avoid dark, blurry, or overly edited images).

• Faces are clear and bright.

• You have permissions for use!

3. Student profiles

Give every student a space for their photo and a few words. Some ideas:

• Nicknames

• Favourite school memory

• “Most likely to…” predictions (keep it kind!)

• Hopes for the future

5. Awards

These should be lighthearted and positive – think Best Laugh, Most Creative, Kindest Soul. Nothing that could embarrass or single out someone in a negative way.

6. Timeline or photos of highlights

Create a visual timeline of key events, trips, performances, and milestones.

7. Autograph pages

Leave space at the end for handwritten messages and signatures, these will become the most personal part of the book.

Finally, we just had to mention a yearbook which was designed in the style of the Netflix user interface, with messages from the teachers in the style of show synopses, and student profiles in a ‘New and Hot’ section.

It just goes to show it’s possible to get really creative with your yearbooks! Perhaps you could design one in the style of a restaurant menu, with the teachers being different cocktails, or perhaps in the style of a well-loved kids book like the Gruffalo. Be as creative as you want!