Hull Truck Theatre, Brough Primary School and St George’s Primary School set to deliver Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Associate School Programme (2025 – 2027)

03 Nov 2025 | Press Release

We are once again excited to deliver a programme that will facilitate the wider “Associate Schools” network to take part in a wide range of activities specially designed to develop and enhance Primary School students’ experiences of Shakespeare.

Looking to recruit 10 - 15 local Primary Schools from Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire and N.E Lincs, we are inviting schools to take part in something special! A two-year project, which will commence in January 2026 and lasts two academic years. The programme will see classroom teachers transformed and empowered using real life RSC rehearsal room techniques. These techniques have been proven to help students of all ages and abilities unlock their inner love of language and produce sophisticated verbal and written analytical responses to questions.

Teachers will have the chance to attend training days and meetings across the two-year term to support them in using the techniques learnt, as well as the opportunity for students to present what they have learnt at a cumulative performance event at Hull Truck Theatre.

Tom Saunders, Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre said:

“We’re delighted to once again play our part in this fantastic project. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local schools to get involved in a truly special national initiative. Shakespeare offers such a rich tapestry of plots, characters, and language, and we’ve seen first-hand how this project can not only reshape a school’s approach to reading and writing, but also positively transform pupils’ attitudes toward learning as a whole.”

“At Hull Truck Theatre, we’re passionate about connecting our local communities with the arts and encouraging young people to explore all kinds of theatre from an early age. This initiative offers an exciting chance to dive into the world of Shakespeare and build valuable skills in language, drama, and literacy along the way.”

Throughout the academic year, staff and students from Associate Schools will take part in wide-ranging activities designed to develop teachers’ approaches in the classroom and foster a love of Shakespeare in pupils. Teachers will have the chance to attend training days and meetings across the year(s) to support them in using the techniques learnt, as well as the opportunity for students to present what they have learnt at a performance event at Hull Truck Theatre. This would be supported with two visits to their school from a Hull Truck Theatre drama practitioner to guide the rehearsals for the performance event finale. 

Not only is the project proven to help improve student’s experiences and opinions of Shakespeare, but it is also thought to improve confidence, develop language ability and give students a chance to express themselves and their ideas more clearly. It also more broadly encourages a positive attitude to school and learning.

Helen Shepherdson, Headteacher at Brough Primary School, said:

“Becoming an Associate School has revolutionised our approach to teaching. It hasn’t just transformed how we deliver English across the school – it has played a vital role in building pupils’ self-confidence, resilience, and self-belief: essential life skills for every child. As our school motto reminds us, ‘Learning is a journey, not a destination’ – a sentiment that truly reflects our experience as part of the Associate Schools Programme.”

Mrs Gabrielle Fox Teacher at St. George's Primary School

"Our partnership with the RSC and Hull Truck Theatre has been truly transformative for the children at St George’s. It has opened up new spaces for creative expression, nurturing confidence and resilience in ways we hadn’t seen before. We are proud to be part of the Associate Schools Programme and greatly value the expertise and inspiration it brings to our school community."  

There are currently 10 - 15 places available. The financial investment is £450 + VAT per school, per academic year. Places are expected to fill up quickly, so interested parties are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible to secure their place. 

To apply to take part in this fantastic opportunity, please download the expression of interest form here and return to engagement@hulltruck.co.uk by Monday 15 December, 9am.

Key dates document also available as a download if required. Click here.

To find out more about our work with schools and educational partnerships, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk/get-involved/schools/