MERCURY THEATRE, COLCHESTER AWARDED £187,000 GRANT FROM PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE THEATRE’S FUTURE FOUNDATIONS PROJECT
THE PROJECT AIMS TO EMPOWER ESSEX’S PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH THEATRE
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester has been awarded a grant of £187,000 over three years as part of Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Arts-based Learning Fund. The grant is to support Mercury Theatre’s ambitious Future Foundations project.
This grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation will support Future Foundations to embed arts-based learning within the curriculum and educational practice.
Future Foundations is a three-year, in-school theatre programme designed to support Key Stage 2 pupils (Years 4–6) across seven Essex schools who are experiencing or at risk of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), have SEND, or face potential exclusion. Delivered during the school day in small, focused groups, the project offers two key strands: Literacy Through Drama, which creatively supports curriculum-based English learning, and Verbatim Theatre, a more exploratory, therapeutic-informed process that helps pupils express their lived experience through original performance. Aligned with the academic calendar, this targeted, high-impact intervention places creative learning at the heart of school inclusion strategies.
Future Foundations aims to reduce Emotionally Based School Avoidance by using drama to build pupils’ confidence, wellbeing, and classroom engagement. The project supports academic progress—particularly in literacy and communication—while helping at-risk students navigate the transition into secondary school. Alongside pupil impact, Future Foundations will invest in the professional development of Teaching and Learning Assistants, equipping them to lead drama-led learning and embed inclusive practices across school communities. The programme champions the arts as a powerful tool for equity, engagement and long-term educational change.
Catherine Sutton, Head of Programme – Education at Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said:
“The arts can play a vital role in engaging children in education and helping them overcome barriers to learning. Future Foundations has the potential to transform how children feel about school, boost their confidence and wellbeing and help them to learn and thrive in primary school and beyond. We’re delighted to support the Mercury Theatre and their school partners to build equity in education and make meaningful and lasting change – we look forward to learning alongside them.”
Forest Morgan, Head of Creative Engagement of Mercury Theatre, said:
“This programme is rooted in our belief that theatre has the power to transform learning, strengthen confidence, and amplify voices that too often go unheard. This grant enables us to embed creative, inclusive practice within schools, equipping staff and pupils alike to see drama as a vital tool for equity, learning and lasting educational change.”
Steve Mannix, Chief Executive of Mercury Theatre, said:
“We are thrilled that Paul Hamlyn Foundation has chosen to support us with such significant investment. This support will further complement our extensive Creative Engagement work in schools and community settings. It will build on our close working relationship with Essex County Council and Essex Education Authority ensuring that everyone can access the arts.”
More information can be found at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk.