Shakespeare North Playhouse joins national RSC Associate Schools Programme to expand arts opportunities for young people across Merseyside.
Tue 20 Oct, 2026
Shakespeare North Playhouse (SN) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) as part of its acclaimed Associate Schools Programme, creating exciting new opportunities for children, teachers and schools across Knowsley and the wider Liverpool City Region.
The programme, which has been developed and refined by the RSC over the past two decades, brings together Shakespeare’s plays, rehearsal room techniques and long-term partnerships between schools and regional theatres. Today, the Associate Schools Programme connects 280 schools and 17 regional theatres across England, demonstrating the transformative impact that arts-rich education can have on young people’s lives.
Shakespeare North Playhouse care deeply about the way Shakespeare’s work is shared with young people – we want students of all ages to feel passionate and empowered when approaching Shakespeare both in and out of the classroom. We know what a creative conversation-starter and inspiration his work can be. By working with RSC and through the Associate School’s programme we are empowering front line educators to communicate his work creatively and confidently giving students the best possible start with the Bard.
Through this partnership, Shakespeare North Playhouse will work alongside local schools and educators to embed creative learning practices that support educational attainment, confidence, wellbeing and a deeper connection to learning. The programme is built on the principle that local leadership is key, enabling theatres and schools to respond directly to the needs and aspirations of their communities while benefiting from a nationally connected network of expertise and support.
Research from the RSC shows that participation in arts-rich education can improve educational attainment, language development, critical thinking, creativity, wellbeing and resilience. Crucially, it can also help close the gap between children from the most advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds, strengthening young people’s sense of self-belief, belonging and future opportunity.
For Knowsley, where increasing pressures on schools and reductions in arts funding continue to impact access to creative experiences, the partnership represents a significant investment in the next generation.
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be joining the RSC’s Associate Schools Programme and to be bringing this nationally recognised model of creative learning to Knowsley. Regardless of their background, every child deserves access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences. This partnership allows us to work closely with schools, teachers and young people to unlock creativity, build confidence and create meaningful opportunities that will have a lasting impact on learning and life outcomes. The programme aligns perfectly with our mission to place our community at the heart of everything we do, while connecting Knowsley and Merseyside to a national network of innovation, excellence and opportunity.”
The partnership will draw on the RSC’s renowned rehearsal room approaches, encouraging young people to engage actively with Shakespeare’s work while developing skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Steph Green, Head of Learning & Engagement at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“What excites us most about this partnership is its emphasis on local leadership and long-term relationships. We know our schools, our teachers and our young people, and this programme gives us the opportunity to build on that knowledge while drawing on the expertise of the RSC network. Shakespeare can be a powerful catalyst for deepening understanding and connection. By working creatively together, we can help young people discover their voice, develop confidence in their ideas and feel a greater sense of belonging, both in the classroom and within their community. We’re proud to be joining a long list of esteemed theatres, venues and partners across the country to extend the work of this programme for our local schools. At a time when access to arts education is becoming increasingly challenging for many schools, this partnership is a hugely positive step towards ensuring that all children in Knowsley can experience the life-changing benefits of creativity and cultural participation.”
The collaboration reflects a shared belief that arts education is not an optional extra, but an essential entitlement for every child. By bringing together schools, theatres and other cultural organisations as well as educators, Shakespeare North Playhouse and the RSC will help create a stronger, more connected pathway for young people to access creativity and realise their potential.
