In the late 1940s, Kenyan Radio wrote to George Bernard Shaw, asking for his permission to broadcast some of his plays to schools.  Shaw's reply was brief and to the point:

"No, you may not broadcast my plays to schools.  They were not written as instruments of torture!"
Well said, GBS.

The same should apply to the study of Shakespeare's plays and poetry.  Millions of people in the UK see Shakespeare as an 'enemy', having endured tedious and often incomprehensible lessons on his plays.  If William could re-appear today, I can guarantee that he would not be flattered that his works are forcibly studied at school, but rightly horrified.

Of course 'Shakespeare' should be an optional subject, taught by enthusiasts, preferably actors, and the plays acted out by the students, with the gravity and joy they inspire.  The study of the plays should be done in such a way that the students can see parallels in their own lives and in modern society, and in doing so, understand how truly timeless the themes of Shakespeare's works are.

Enforcing 'culture' on the young is the surest way to breed a philistine society.

As a footnote, I recall that dear Colonel Gaddafi once claimed that William Shakespeare was, in fact, an Arab, his real name being Sheik Spear.  But then the Italians claim him as their own, as do quite a few nations.  That would flatter WS, if he were around.