The award-winning schools are all ‘Lead Schools’ in the Programme, working to ensure that more children and young people experience the positive benefits of arts and cultural learning. The specially created awards recognise the schools’ outstanding commitment to cultural education, Shakespeare and live theatre over a number of years.

Artsmark is a creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England. It's designed to help schools embed arts, culture and creativity across their whole curriculum, celebrating their commitment to cultural education. 

Director of Learning and National Partnerships Jacqui O'Hanlon said about the awarded schools: "Even during these past two years with the challenges of a pandemic, they have continued to develop exciting work which is having a powerful impact in their classrooms and on learning outcomes for pupils. These schools are extraordinary leaders, and it is wonderful to be able to recognise them with platinum awards - the highest level of the Artmark Award."

About our Associate Schools Programme

Established over a decade ago, the RSC’s Associate Schools Programme is a long-term partnership programme with schools and 12 regional theatres across the country. The focus is to broaden access to quality arts learning opportunities and transform experiences of Shakespeare in schools. Using the same techniques actors and directors use in rehearsal, its playful approach engages children and young people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, improving literacy and language acquisition as well as boosting emotional and social skills development.

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