Bluestone Paver Project – Brighton Grammar School

The Client

Brighton Grammar School (BGS), founded in 1882, is a leading Anglican school for boys in Melbourne, committed to developing character, leadership, and academic excellence in a nurturing environment. With over 1500 students from its Early Learning Centre to Year 12, BGS is known for its values-driven approach, fostering passion, respect, integrity, and accountability throughout its school community.

The Vision

In 2023, BGS launched a fundraising campaign to support the development of a new seating area at their sporting oval. To recognise donors and create a permanent connection to the project, the school envisioned engraved bluestone pavers installed directly into the infrastructure. The goal was to create a professional, visually striking, and durable outcome that honoured each contribution, while remaining financially viable for the school’s fundraising objectives.

Why They Came To Scotia Engraving

Brighton Grammar has a long-standing relationship with our team. When the opportunity came to support this special project, we were proud to collaborate once again. After reviewing samples and comparing quotes, BGS chose us based on our competitive pricing, proven craftsmanship, and the ease of working together - something they value deeply, especially on projects with high visibility and meaning.

Our Engraving Solution

Engraving stone, especially bluestone, presents its own set of challenges. It was critical that each donor name be legible, durable, and aligned with the school’s strict branding requirements, including the use of their specific font.

We began by delivering a test sample to ensure the quality met the school’s expectations. After feedback, we provided two further samples at varying engraving depths. The approved solution involved deep engraving paired with black outdoor-grade paint to create contrast and permanence. Bluestone’s porous nature allowed the paint to absorb into the surface, ensuring a finish that would stand the test of time.

How We Collaborated

This was a hands-on, highly collaborative project from day one. We worked closely with the school to review name lists, brand elements, and layout requirements - particularly important given the tight character constraints and need for consistency across over 230 individual pavers.

Every paver was proofed prior to engraving, with final artworks reviewed and approved by the BGS team. Additional donor pavers sold mid-production were quickly proofed and slotted into the engraving queue, ensuring nothing was missed and no timelines were disrupted.

Throughout the project, we prioritised responsiveness: fast-tracking approvals, coordinating forklift access for large deliveries, and ensuring each engraved piece met the highest standards.

Challenges and Outcomes

The scale of the project, both in logistics and precision, was no small feat. With over 230 engraved pavers, maintaining consistency and quality was essential. Tight timelines, branding rules, and dynamic updates added complexity, but it was a challenge we were proud to meet.

The end result is a beautifully integrated, lasting installation that celebrates generosity and community spirit. The engraved pavers not only fulfilled their role in helping BGS achieve their fundraising goals, they’ve become a physical legacy on campus.

This project was more than engraving. It was about honouring connection between past and present, donors and students, values and action. Working with the team at Brighton Grammar was a seamless, rewarding experience, and we’re proud to have played a part in bringing their vision to life.