Schools in Ipswich and the surrounding area can apply to join a local Cultural Champions cohort from September 2026.
Cultural Champions is the Royal Ballet & Opera’s leadership development programme, designed for teachers who lead or champion the arts, creativity and culture in schools.
This free, accredited programme supports middle leaders or ‘agents of change’ to develop their leadership skills and drive positive change within their setting. The enquiry-based programme focuses on both personal leadership development and how participants can advocate for arts and culture across their school.
Delivered across a year, the programme includes a series of modules (in-person and online), supporting participants to:
- develop an understanding of creative school practice
- explore leadership and collaboration
- build connections and networks
- plan for impact and change within their setting
Participants will also deliver a creative or cultural initiative in their school, aligned with their own priorities.
Cultural Champions has supported over 1,000 educators across England, with many schools reporting long-term structural change as a result of participation.
To find out more, join the online information session on Wednesday 6 May, 4–4:35pm.
Applications close on Friday 19 June 2026. Please find the form here.
Please note: due to funding criteria, this programme is only available to state-funded schools.
🎥 Watch a short overview of the programme: