In April 2013 the Trustees of the Foundation awarded a grant over 3 years to the Royal Shakespeare Company's Learning Performance Network partnering primary and secondary schools in deprived areas of the UK with regional theatres and RSC practitioners aiming for young people to see and participate in live performances of Shakespeare. The programme includes workshops in schools and local theatres as well as residential courses at the RSC. Over 2,000 students will take part and all will be encouraged to take the RSC Shakespeare Challenge Arts Award. The RSC was the recipient of a grant from the Foundation in 2011. The Trustees noted that the RSC had previously demonstrated how high quality artistic provision can contribute to improved levels of academic ability and attitudes to school generally and they were delighted to extend their support for this project.