ABOUT

The Associate Schools Programme is our long-term partnership programme with schools and regional theatres across England with teacher professional development at its core. The work is predicated on transforming the way Shakespeare is taught in schools, using RSC rehearsal room approaches.

Teachers spread out, in various lively fighting poses in a large, bright rehearsal room.
Teachers training at RSC Connected, November 2024. Photo by Sara Beaumont (C) RSC

The programme is open to primary, secondary and special state-funded schools and further education colleges in England, with a specific focus on schools serving areas of structural disadvantage. It is built around the principle of schools and theatres working in local partnership to develop communities of practice from which we can build a body of research to advocate for an arts-rich curriculum.

Here, in the Associate Schools portal, you should find everything you need to know about the programme. If you are a Lead School, an Associate School or an Associate Regional Theatre, we have documents, plans and information, including who in the RSC team is the best person to contact. The aim is for this to be a space that contains all of the information and details about the progamme, so you don’t have to worry about where you have saved things. Please do let us know if you have any feedback on the portal, or if you think something is missing.

Associate Schools Impact Report

We are delighted to share our Associate Schools Impact Report for the 2024-2025 academic year. It has been a joy to gather and collate the impact and stories of the Associate Schools Programme from last year, and we hope you enjoy reading it.

KEY INFORMATION

[About] Image > FAQs signpost

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick and clear guide to the Associate Schools Programme.
[About] Page assembly > Who's Who Signpost Image

Who's Who

The Associate Schools Programme is managed by the RSC's Creative Learning & Engagement team. Meet the team who work with our Associate Schools and Associate Regional Theatres.
[About] Page assembly > Research Signpost Image

Research

'Time to Act' is our major research study exploring the difference that Shakespeare’s work and RSC teaching approaches make to the language development and social and emotional development of young people.

YOUNG PEOPLE

[About] Page assembly > Next Generation Signpost Image

Next Generation

Next Generation, our talent development programme gives talented young people from Associate Schools the chance to explore a career in acting, directing or working backstage.
Login to Access
[About] Signpost > Careers & Apprenticeships Signpost Image

Careers & Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships create new opportunities for people who want to take a work-based path into backstage theatre.
Learn more
[About] Page assembly > Shakespeare Ambassador Signpost Image

Shakespeare Ambassadors

Shakespeare Ambassadors are young people within your school, who have a passion for the difference that creative arts and Shakespeare can make in their schools and communities.
[About] Page assembly > Youth Advisory Board Signpost Image

Youth Advisory Board

We set up a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure that young people’s voices and opinions are heard and acted upon at the RSC.
Login to Access

Geographical Spread 

We are currently working in the following areas:

North

The Relationship Manager for our clusters in the North of England is Esther.

Midlands

The Relationship Manager for our clusters in the Midlands is Ellie.

South & East

The Relationship Manager for our clusters in the South & East of England is Sarah.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

GET IN TOUCH

SOCIAL MEDIA

FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS

The Associate Schools Programme is support by:

The Associate Schools programme is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, The Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust and other generous supporters.

© 2025 Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC is a registered charity (no. 212481)