The Marlowe
Associate schools programme

Associate schools programme

Our programme working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and schools in our region to develop and improve access to Shakespeare.

The Associate Schools programme is the RSC’s national partnership project run by schools and regional theatres, The Marlowe has been running the programme as a partner of the RSC since the programme began. The fundamental ambition of the Associate Schools programme is to transform experiences of Shakespeare and live theatre for young people. Alongside transformational continuing professional development for teachers, the programme includes unique opportunities for students in performance, leadership and career development.

Here are some teachers talking about the impact it has had on their schools earlier this year.

In Kent and Medway, the programme is run by The Marlowe together with two lead associate schools, Canterbury Academy & King Ethelbert School. Each school leads a cluster of 10 schools bringing together a dynamic community where students can work with and learn from students from other schools and teachers can meet and share ideas to further improve their practice.

Take a look at this year’s production of Much Ado About Nothing – The Merry War. 21 schools performed two incredible performances of the play in The Marlowe Theatre on Monday 28 March.

This year, we are looking for Primary, Secondary and Special schools from across the whole of Kent and Medway to join the Cluster lead by King Ethelbert School for the academic years 2022/23 and 2023/24 to transform experiences of Shakespeare and performing arts in their classrooms and their wider communities.

If you are interested in applying to join the programme please see our flyer here.

To apply please use the expression of interest form.

Applications need to be returned to via email by 5pm on Wednesday 15 June 2022.