Pilot scheme offers children free travel to theatre

Schoolchildren in the West Midlands will benefit from a new pilot scheme promising free travel for theatre visits.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is offering the scheme, estimated to be available to more than 300 pupils in Dudley.

Any school in Brierley Hill, Dudley that receives a minimum 25% pupil premium will qualify for transport when booking tickets to a Grand Theatre production.

The Richardson Brothers Foundation has funded the project, which is also supported by Prospect Coaches. Grand Theatre has indicated it is seeking additional funding to expand the offer to other parts of the Black Country.

Alex Rawlings, Head Teacher of Quarry Bank Primary School, which has used the scheme, said: "For [pupils] to see a live production of a book they are studying massively supports their learning, whilst also exposing them to the magic of theatre."