The Royal Shakespeare Company is to get an extra pound;200,000 for its Learning Network, which it piloted earlier this year as part of a campaign to make the bard seem more interesting. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, last week announced the funding boost, which will come via Creative Partnerships.

The Learning Network is a three-year rolling programme of between 10 and 12 specialist hub schools, with a particular interest in exploring new ways of teaching English or the performing arts. Each hub school then has its own local network of between six and eight schools, which share ideas.

Maria Evans, director of learning at the RSC, said: “With the additional funds we will be able to give a much broader base of pupils a positive experience of learning creatively through Shakespeare, as well as supporting teachers with theatre-based tools that unlock Shakespeare texts in a dynamic way.”

For further information about the Learning Network visit www.rsc.org.uklearning or contact RSC Learning on 01789 403460.