Personalisation Options Explained: Foil, Embossing, Pockets and Stoles

The difference between a generic certificate holder and something students treasure often comes down to personalisation. When your institution’s name, colours, and crest appear on the product, it transforms from packaging into a keepsake.

Here’s how we approach customisation at School Smart, and what options are available across our product range.

Foil Blocking

Foil blocking is our primary personalisation method for folders, files, wallets, and tubes. The process transfers metallic foil onto the material under heat and pressure, creating a permanent, elegant finish that catches the light.

We offer foil in gold, silver, black, blue, red, and green. Gold and silver remain the most popular choices, particularly on darker card colours where they stand out beautifully. However, some schools match their foil to their house colours or opt for a more understated black on grey combination.

Your school name, logo, and additional text can all be foil blocked. Most clients include their crest or logo at the top, institution name in the middle, and a descriptor like “Record of Achievement” or “Examination Certificates” at the bottom. We can work with artwork you supply or help recreate your logo if you only have low resolution files.

Window Options

For presentation folders and achievement folders, we offer an optional window cut into the front cover. The standard size is 105mm wide by 40mm high, positioned so you can see the student’s name or document title without opening the folder.

This small addition makes a real difference at busy presentation evenings. Staff can quickly identify the right folder for each student, speeding up the ceremony and reducing the chance of mix ups. The window adds just 10p per folder to the cost.

Pocket Configurations

Our files with pockets come in three configurations: 10, 20, or 40 pockets. The right choice depends on how much material students will accumulate.

For a basic record of achievement covering key certificates and a personal statement, 10 pockets usually suffices. For comprehensive portfolios spanning multiple years or subjects, 40 pockets gives room to grow. Many schools choose 20 pockets as a middle ground.

We also offer two quality levels: Classic and Prestige. The Prestige version features heavier weight pockets and a more substantial feel, which some institutions prefer for sixth form or college level use.

Standard files without the “Record of Achievement” wording are available if you want flexibility in how the file is used.

Graduation Stoles

Graduation stoles add a visual element to ceremonies that folders and tubes can’t match. Students wear them during the event, creating colour coordinated photos and a sense of occasion.

We produce stoles in a range of colours, and they can be branded with your institution’s name or crest. Some universities use different coloured stoles to distinguish faculties or achievement levels. Others provide plain stoles in institutional colours.

Stoles work particularly well when combined with branded presentation tubes. The student wears the stole during the ceremony, receives their tube on stage, and leaves with two coordinated keepsakes.

Luxury Finishing

Our luxury certificate holders take personalisation further. These hand made holders feature a leather effect exterior and watered silk interior. Your institution’s name and crest are foil blocked onto the front cover.

The premium materials justify a higher price point, but recipients notice the difference immediately. These holders are particularly popular with universities for degree certificates and with professional bodies for membership credentials.

Creating Cohesive Branding

The most effective approach is often to match personalisation across multiple products. If your folders are dark blue with gold foil, consider the same combination for your wallets and tubes. Students and parents notice when everything coordinates, and it reinforces your institution’s identity.

We’re happy to produce samples showing different colour and foil combinations before you commit to a full order. Sometimes seeing three or four options side by side makes the decision much easier.