Schools
Whether you’re teaching in primary, secondary, further education or at SEND/SEMH schools, we’re here to help inspire creativity in your classroom.
Explore our range of programmes, opportunities and teaching resources, including our free online library of performances, the National Theatre Collection.
Stay up-to-date 💌
We’ll send you updates once per month (excluding school holidays), with the latest resources, events and opportunities for your school.
The Next Morning – teaching Second World War stories to mark VE day
As part of the Government’s events and celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we have released a new film, The Next Morning, exploring how memories of the Second World War are passed down through generations, asking what the end of the war means in a world shaped by its aftermath.
The film is accompanied by a downloadable resource and a year-long schools engagement programme responding to the events of VE and VJ Day and this significant period of the UK’s history.
The schools engagement programme for Key Stages 3 and 4 will be delivered as part of a nationwide tour of Dear England. Inspired by Gareth Southgate’s open letter to England fans in 2021, this creative project will collect and share the hopes that young people have for themselves and for young people in 2105, 80 years from now.
Explore our Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is a free online library of National Theatre resources vital for teachers and educators. Find teaching tools for curriculum set texts or explore creativity, literacy and oracy using theatre and drama skills.
With our recently added Dear England resource (PDF), explore the key creative elements from our 2023 production. This resource also covers discussion around identity, equality and gender, and can be used to support the PE and PSHE curriculum.
For secondary schools
New Views
Our nationwide playwriting programme, for young writers aged 14–19, with CPD for teachers.
More for secondary schools
Student conferences
Help your students prepare for their exams with our student conferences.
National Theatre Collection
Stream 70 titles direct to your classroom. Free for UK state schools.
Young People's programme
Find opportunities for your students to get involved with theatre-making.
Creativity Collaboratives
We’re a proud partner on the Arts Council England’s Creativity Collaboratives programme.
For primary schools
National Theatre Primary Collection
Stream primary age-appropriate productions direct to your classroom. Free for UK state schools.
Professional development (CPD)
Drama Teacher Conference
Our annual two-day conference for Drama teachers.
Teacher CPD events
Join one of our training events to boost your professional performance.
Online resources
Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is our new free, online library of National Theatre resources.
Find teaching tools for curriculum set texts or explore creativity, literacy and oracy using theatre and drama skills.
Visit the National Theatre
School tickets
Inspiring theatre for your students
Want to bring your students to our South Bank home? We can help with group concession rates, ring-fenced allocations, schools matinees and more.
School tours
Take a guided tour of the National Theatre with your class and discover the secrets of one of the most iconic buildings on London’s South Bank.
Our School tours (recommended for Year 7-10) offer an inspiring journey through iconic theatres, backstage workshops, and the rich history of this cultural landmark.
The recently launched Careers in Action tours (recommended for Year 10-12) will allow you to learn about the roles, careers and departments it takes to create world-class theatre.
Preferential rates available for UK state schools.
Speak Up: Arts Everywhere Symposium
The first ever Speak Up Symposium is a chance to hear from the Speak Up Council, who represent young people across England.
Experience inspiring artwork created by talented young artists, engage in impactful discussions on topics and themes chosen by our Council and participate in practical workshops that empower and spark creativity.
Tickets are free, but limited.
For SEND & SEMH schools
We believe in theatre for everyone
Find out how we adapt our opportunities to give your students the best possible experience.
Explore support for SEND & SEMH schools
Strategic partnerships
Find out more about our strategic partnerships with schools and theatres across 13 priority areas in England with Theatre Nation Partnerships.
Speak Up
Our secondary programme inspiring young people to speak about the issues that matter to them.
Schools touring
Helping students to see a professional production performed just for them.
Our funders
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
The Hearn Foundation is the Principal Funder of the Primary Schools Programme.
Nationwide Learning is also supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tina Alexandrou, Crevan O’Grady & Jane McClenahan, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, The Kartik Foundation, The Alchemy Foundation, and Behrens Foundation, Marlow Trust, Cleopatra Trust, and The Andor Charitable Trust.
