Associate schools programme

The Associate Schools Programme is the RSC’s national partnership project run by schools and regional theatres. The fundamental ambition of the Associate Schools Programme is to transform experiences of Shakespeare and live theatre for young people.

In Kent and Medway, the Marlowe Theatre has been running the programme as a partner of the RSC since the programme began. The programme consists of 22 schools arranged in two clusters. There is a mix of schools, with a range of experience, some of those have been specifically selected to mentor other schools in areas of expertise. It is a rich, dynamic community where students can work with and learn from peers from other schools and teachers can meet and share ideas to further improve their practice.

Schools join the programme for two years and will benefit from a range of teacher training days and workshops with students as well as performance opportunities for their young people at both the Marlowe Theatre and inspirational places around Kent for immersive site-specific performances.

Voyage of their Lives

In 2025, our annual Associate Schools production with the RSC was Voyage of their Lives, taking place along the atmospheric shoreline at Samphire Hoe in Dover. Where previously the schools have performed one play, this year saw the students perform several parts of Shakespeare’s plays that are either set in a coastal location or have themes of the coast throughout the text, selected by the Marlowe’s resident Dramaturg, award-winning playwright Leo Butler. The performers acted as castaways washed up on the beach to tell their stories. The project saw 11 schools per day over two days, with up to 660 young people taking part across both days.

Take a look at some our previous productions here:

Much Ado About Nothing – The Merry War.
Main House, March 2022.

As You Like It: All The Woods A Stage
Oare Gunpowder Works, June 2023

Get involved

We are recruiting primary, secondary and special schools to join us as Associate Schools.

We are looking for schools with at least two teachers that will lead the programme in their school, have senior management and governor support and will be committed to engage fully for a minimum of two years.

The programme is most suitable for secondary English and Drama teachers and primary teachers (who may be the Literacy Lead) from either Key Stage One or Key Stage Two. By joining the Associate Schools Programme, you will be able to:

• Join a vibrant regional and national network.
• Develop the teaching practice of Shakespeare in your school.
• Access unique opportunities for staff development.
• Work with RSC practitioners and practitioners from the Marlowe Theatre
• Take part in local and national performance festivals of work by young people.
• Access opportunities for students interested in a career in theatre.
• Take part in student leadership programmes.
• Take part in exciting national projects.
• Become part of a national research programme about the impact of Shakespeare’s work on young people.

Financial commitment

Each school in the cluster will contribute £750 per year towards the cost of the programme. This will cover CPD for teachers in your schools, workshops for students and performance opportunities at the Marlowe Theatre. It will be payable to The Marlowe Trust.

Application process

If you wish to apply, please complete the attached expression of interest document, and return it to us via email at education@marlowetheatre.com by 5pm on Friday 22 May.

Interviews will be held either at your school site or the Marlowe Theatre in June and July. Please contact us via email at education@marlowetheatre.com if you have any further questions.