UK Theatre Awards 2026

We are thrilled that Talking Tales, our oracy and communication programme, has been nominated for Excellence in Arts Education at the UK Theatre Awards 2026!

Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Talking Tales pilot explored how drama and storytelling can be used in the classroom to support teachers and children to develop their oracy, communication and presentation skills.

Feedback from teachers and school leaders showed that Talking Tales has become much more than a programme of activities — acting as a catalyst for lasting change in teaching, learning and school culture.

“The structure of the training has been completely unique. In Talking Tales, we had CPD and then direct support to move that into the classroom… I don’t know of any other training like this.”

The need for programmes that support children’s oracy has never been greater. Research shows that 31% of children are now starting primary school without the expected communication skills for their age, rising to 47% among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Talking Tales so far. Following the successful completion of the pilot, thanks to the Garek Trust, Talking Tales will now roll out over the next three years. With oracy set to become part of the new National Curriculum from 2028, Polka’s work supporting schools to develop children’s confidence and communication skills is increasingly important.

As one school leader put it:

“Talking Tales is the kind of project I’d tell any school or senior leader to grab with both hands.”

A huge thank you to our brilliant practitioners, our partner schools, teachers and children, and all our supporters who have helped make this work possible.

The winners will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards on Monday 12 October in London.

Fingers crossed!