Home > Education > Music & Dance Funding Schemes

Music & Dance Funding Schemes

By: Jennifer Lowe - Updated: 16 Jun 2023 | comments*Discuss
 
Music And Dance Scheme National Grant

The Arts have suffered at the hands of the national curriculum, with dance being incorporated in PE lessons and theatre trips almost none existent for today's school children.

Gone are the days when schools took children to the theatre for the experience, now they only go to the theatre if the production in question is directly related to what the class is studying and being tested on.

National Grants

This lack of attention to The Arts in schools has led to many talented children being overlooked and drastically reducing the countries talent pool.

Although this isn't the only attributing factor. Attending the best Arts schools that the UK has to offer can be very expensive for parents, but a necessity if they are to nurture their child's talent.

March 2004 saw the government announce plans for a new grant scheme to give talented children access to specialist training in music and dance.

These grants are intended for young musicians aged eight to 16 and young dancers aged 11 to 16 with exceptional potential and dedication, but don't necessarily have the financial means to access the best available training.

The grants are means-tested with the full amount totalling £3,375 a year from September 2008. This means that parents won't have to contribute to the fees if their total family income, before tax, is £27,500. If the family income is more then parents are expected to pay a contribution which is staged depending on the total income is.

This plan is part of a bigger picture. The Music and Ballet Schools Scheme launched following the Gulbenkian Report in 1978 which reviewed the state of specialist music education.

A total of five specialist schools were designated as part of the scheme and each were allocated government aided places.

The scheme became the Music and Dance Scheme in 2002 and has since broadened its remit to include Centres for Advanced Training for children to attend out of normal school hours and has expanded learning opportunities for a larger number of talented children.

When it comes to music and dance training, there is a need to nurture a child's talent from an early age. This scheme is open to children from the age of eight, through to 19 and not only offers them training in their particular talent, but also gives an academic background alongside.

There is now a total average of 800 government-aided pupils attending one of the eight MDS schools in England.

The basis of the scheme is to help parents with the school fees and costs of boarding for their child at one of the eight schools in England.

Aided Pupil Scheme

In order to qualify for the scheme, a child will have to meet the selection rules set by the school in question. Each school's criteria differ slightly, but children will usually have to take an entrance exam, looking at their academic skills, an audition so that the school can asses their talent level and an interview, either with a panel of judges or the school head.

When it comes to costs, parents who's family income before tax is below a predetermined level aren't expected to pay anything towards school fees. For the current school year, this level is £14,063 for an Aided Day Place or £11,312 for an Aided Boarding Place.

To apply for a place on either scheme parents should contact the school that they want their child to attend. A list of participating schools can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
[Add a Comment]
my son is 14 and has been offered a fulltime palce for year 10 at the hammond and has ben offered a 50% funding any ideas how to raise the rest?
shez - 16-Jun-23 @ 11:33 AM
Hello I'm lema Oscar Paise I have completed my P7 this year and my sister who pays for me school fees says thatshe nolonger has money pay for me my secondary level. Please if you have something please help me . I will be grateful please. Contact (07425836666
Ema O Oscar - 4-Feb-23 @ 9:40 PM
My son has just been offered a place at The Hammond school of dance to start in September this year. Unfortunately the funding has already been allocated for this year. does anyone know of any other funding or grants that could be available. Thank you for your help in advance
Kay - 28-Jul-22 @ 2:40 PM
My daugther have been offered a place in dance at specialist Perfomance school in London starting in September 2022, I’m looking for Charities that does help with tuition fees Could please help me by sending methe charities that apply in her criteria please. Thanks in advance.
Milleva - 23-Mar-22 @ 10:34 AM
Hello How do I apply for the grant please?
Rabs - 14-Sep-20 @ 10:34 AM
My daughter was awarded a place at KS Dance, but our current nationality status prevented her from qualifying for any funding assistance from the DaDA funds. We've been living in the UK for 3 years on an ancestral Visa.Where can I find funding please. She was awarded a place at Tring Park, but our move from South Africa to UK resulted in us not being able to afford and accept her place.
Ankia - 6-Jun-20 @ 11:10 AM
My daughter was awarded a place at KS Dance, but our current nationality status prevented her from qualifying for any funding assistance from the DaDA funds. We've been living in the UK for 3 years on an ancestral Visa.Where can I find funding please.
Ankia - 6-Jun-20 @ 11:08 AM
need to apply for music grant for my children.where do i get the application
Charmaine - 20-Oct-19 @ 9:36 PM
Hi I performed in the West End for the greatest showman, west end live etc but now I got a place at imd legion one of the best hip hop street dance groups in the world! I come from a low income single mother, just me and her with no siblings and I have United Dance Organisation’s Blackpool in August 2019 and Iam struggling to pay £400, it doesn’t sound like a lot but any donation would help. Thank you so much.
mus25 - 14-Jul-19 @ 12:01 AM
Hi there, my names Emelia Sleep, I’m 15 years old and I just got accepted into Bath Dance College, for this September, there’s a substantial amount of money to be paid and I didn’t know if you had any information or advice that could help me, possibly get a grant towards this money. Rather stuck with where to start. I look forward to your response. Many thanks Emelia
Emmie - 25-Jun-19 @ 3:24 PM
I have 3 daughters who attend a stage school. They performed at Disneyland Paris in 2016 & then at the Shaftesbury theatre in the west end in 2018. They take part in several shows a year as well as exams and competitions. In 2018 they were given the opportunity to perform in Disney Florida. We were due to go but I was recovering from cancer and a newborn and my husband was injured in the army which found him having 2 major spinal surgeries & now not working meant we had to drop out. It was something really hard for our girls to deal with as their friends all went and performed still. They have now been given the opportunity to tour LA in July 2020. Whilst touch wood health wise things are better financially we’re still trying to catch up. We’ve had estimated quotes and we’re looking at least about £11,500 to get us to California (there would be me my husband and our 5 kids going). We’ve worked out if we budget we can get £3,000 together but that still leaves about £8,500 to find and that’s before spending money. We’ve mentioned to our girls that we don’t think we’ll raise the money and our girls are devastated that they will be missing out again on such an amazing opportunity. It feels heart breaking at the moment. Does anybody know if there’s any grants that would cover something like this. We have the 2 girls performing so we’d be looking at trying to get a grant for each of them. Many thanks
Catie - 29-Apr-19 @ 8:31 PM
I have been offered a place at the Hammond in Chester , I have been offered 50% funding , we are struggling to get the other half ! I have worked extremely hard trying to email around , but I seem to be getting no where ? Any help at all will be appreciated ! X
Livs - 21-Apr-19 @ 5:12 PM
I have been offered a place in the Hammond school I have achieved 50% funding , and we are extremely struggling to get the other half . I have messaged around and I think this is our last hope to get any sort of funding !
Livs - 21-Apr-19 @ 5:07 PM
My daughter is going to dance college and I have to find this myself I am a single parent and need to find funding for her accommodation and uniform and possibly for the tuition too can you suggest where I can look for some help
Nik - 18-Feb-19 @ 8:42 PM
Can you please help me My son has been awarded a dada to attend a three year diploma course at urdang Can he apply for a student maintenance loan from student finance as the maintenance part of his award doesn't cover the cost of his rent never mind bills, food etc I can't fund because I'm on benefits and a single parent x
Kell - 18-Sep-18 @ 8:37 PM
Hi Im just wanting to know if students who are giving dada award can still apply for student finance maintenance loan as the dada does not cover his rent he's living in London away from home and I can't fund any maintenance as I'm on benefits and a single parent
Kell - 18-Sep-18 @ 8:33 PM
Hi, my daughter will be due to go to secondary school next September 2019. She is very keen to get into a performing arts school. Because of our situation at the moment we only receive benefits due to myself be registered disabled & my husband had to give up work to become my full time carer. Could you tell me how to apply for a scholarship for a performing arts school please? Many thanks Hannah
Hannah - 25-Aug-18 @ 9:25 AM
My son is 13 and he attends a stage school on Saturdays for 5 years already. I'm struggling to pay for his education (tuition fees, uniforms with special footwear, costumes, extra rehearsals, exam fees, etc. for 3 classes only (there are 6 classes altogether), and the teachers strongly recommend that if he is to become a professional actor/artist he has to attend all the classes. Otherwise he will not be ready for higher education courses. He is a talented boy (reference from school can be provided on request) who wants to be a stage performer. Please let me know which organizations/sponsors I could apply for individual grant for my son's future education at the school. Thank you.
Mum - 15-Jul-18 @ 5:04 PM
Hello. Is my daughter eligible for the Music and Dance scheme as a UK passport holder although she's not lived in the UKCAT for the last few years? With thanks.
CD - 12-Jul-18 @ 4:01 PM
Hey am Bahanda Elijah writting on behalf of sparkle dance crew uganda ,a group of motivated ,talented and passionate youth who are doing dance and dramma to senstize uganda as a country ,we have been struggling with issues of funding opportunities as we face difficulties of uniforms for practice, dancing costumes and music machines for practices.i can refer ant one intrested in geeting in touch with us can find us on instagram ,facebook by names SPARKLE DANCE CREW #SDC
BAHANDA ELIJAH - 26-May-18 @ 9:57 AM
Penny - Your Question:
My 16 yr old daughter has been given a place at Tring and was obviously over the moon. The worry of how we’re going to afford the fees has took the shine off it a bit to say the least. We’re fundraising by holding different events, raffles and now organising a dance show in July. My daughter has been on local radio and had an article in the local paper to try and get publicity in the hope of getting some sponsorship. She has a go fund me page.we’ve tried all sorts of grants and funds, written to celebrities, Wayne Sleep Foundation etc but just doesn’t seem to be any help available.Me and my husband work full time and earn average money but the fees for Tring are well beyond our means. It really does seem crazy that we’re having to struggle like this when she’s earnt a place. Tring used to have DADA but now only give out a couple of their own scholarships. I may not be a single parent or on a very low income and would not expect to get it all paid for but the fees are unrealistic even without living expenses etc just some help would make a difference.

Our Response:
We don't know of any help for parents wanting to privately educate their children other than the scholarships offered by the institutions themselves.
GrantsExpert - 23-May-18 @ 2:30 PM
My 16 yr old daughter has been given a place at Tring and was obviously over the moon. The worry of how we’re going to afford the fees has took the shine off it a bit to say the least. We’re fundraising by holding different events, raffles and now organising a dance show in July.My daughter has been on local radio and had an article in the local paper to try and get publicity in the hope of getting some sponsorship. She has a go fund me page ...we’ve tried all sorts of grants and funds, written to celebrities, Wayne Sleep Foundation etc but just doesn’t seem to be any help available. Me and my husband work full time and earn average money but the fees for Tring are well beyond our means. It really does seem crazy that we’re having to struggle like this when she’s earnt a place. Tring used to have DADA but now only give out a couple of their own scholarships. I may not be a single parent or on a very low income and would not expect to get it all paid for but the fees are unrealistic even without living expenses etc just some help would make a difference.
Penny - 21-May-18 @ 11:04 PM
Hi there my daughter is 13 and looking for a dance collage to attend full time ? If you know of any for her to audition pls let me know
Che - 15-May-18 @ 12:41 PM
Hi my daughter, has got into masters dance college, of which she was given a funded place, is there anymore help, I could receive as I'm single parent and on a low income
Sammy - 22-Apr-18 @ 4:24 PM
Liz - Your Question:
Hi my daughter is 16 and has been offered a 3 year degree course at Ballet Theatre UK. They do not accept Dada's and have offered to pay 20% of her tuition fees, Obviously I am very grateful for this but sadly as a single parent I am unable to pay the additional cost on my low income. Are there any Grants, Bursarys or other ways to get any financial help. I am heart broken and don't want to tell her she can not attend, after working so hard, they only take 10 - 15 students on anually and she is so thrilled to have been offered a place.

Our Response:
Is she entitled to a student loan?This is how most students fund their courses. It looks as though students at private colleges (which we think Ballet theatre UK might be) can take a loan of up to £6,165 and public universities/college students can borrow up to £9,250 for tuition fees. Maintenance loans are available up to £11,354, depending on where the student is living. Please take a look at the government website for more information. Double check the status of the qualification that your daughter has been offered (i.e if it's definitely a degree course etc)
GrantsExpert - 10-Apr-18 @ 2:42 PM
Hi my daughter is 16 and has been offered a 3 year degree course at Ballet Theatre UK. They do not accept Dada's and have offeredto pay 20% of hertuition fees, Obviously I am very grateful for this but sadly as a single parent I am unable to pay the additional cost on my low income. Are there any Grants, Bursarys or other ways to get any financial help. I am heart broken and don't want to tell her she can not attend, after working so hard, they only take 10 - 15 students on anually and she is so thrilled to have been offered a place.
Liz - 9-Apr-18 @ 7:44 PM
My granddaughter has won a 50% scholarship to the Italia Conti academy. Can we get help with the other 50% fees as my son in law is disabled and my daughter is his carer. Any advice
Scarr - 31-Mar-18 @ 12:14 PM
Hi there. A friend of mine is opening a new school for cheerleading and dance and wondering if you can point me in the right direction for funding for specialist equipment like floors etc. or anything you can reccomend to help. TIA
Nic - 8-Mar-18 @ 12:24 PM
Lippy - Your Question:
Hi, my daughter is attending an audition for the English Youth Ballet and if successful, gets the chance to perform in the premiere of EYB’s newest full length ballet.The cost, if successful will be £480.Can you point me in the right direction of where I maybe able to obtain some funding towards this please. Many thanks

Our Response:
Are you lookingfor funding to attend the audition? Sorry it's not clear but the above article and the responses to comments below may help.
GrantsExpert - 2-Mar-18 @ 2:59 PM
Hi, my daughter is attending an audition for the English Youth Ballet and if successful, gets the chance to perform in the premiere of EYB’s newest full length ballet. The cost, if successful will be £480. Can you point me in the right direction of where I maybe able to obtain some funding towards this please. Many thanks
Lippy - 28-Feb-18 @ 5:13 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments