Who is the scheme for?

The Music and Dance Scheme (formerly the Music and Ballet Scheme) is for boys and girls with outstanding talent in music and dance. The scheme helps parents pay the fees and boarding costs at eight specialist independent schools which are centres of excellence in their field. Children aged eight and over can join the four music schools. Entry into the four dance schools is normally at age 11.

Will my child have to take a test?

Your child will have to meet the school's selection rules. There is usually an entrance examination, an audition and an interview. Schools will look for a child with exceptional potential and there will be competition for the places available.

What about where I live?

A child can get a place if he or she has been living in the British Islands for at least two calendar years before taking up a place. Special rules apply if your child has been temporarily abroad, or is a refugee, or is the child of a worker from certain other European countries.

How much will it cost?

You will not have to pay anything towards school fees if your total family income before tax is below a certain level. For the school year 2010/11 the level is £15,468 (for an aided day place) or £12,250 (for an aided boarding place) in the tax year ended 5 April 2009. If your family income is more than those amounts you will have to pay an increasing share up to the full fee. Details should be obtained from the school concerned.

How do I apply for a place?

Schools' entry arrangements vary and you will need to get in touch with the school of your choice as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of a place for your child. The addresses, telephone numbers and websites of the schools in the scheme are listed on the 'Participating schools' page.

If you have more questions about the aided pupil scheme, please contact the school concerned or you can contact the Music and Dance Scheme.

Contact details

Music and Dance Scheme
Department for Education
Great Smith Street
London
SW1F 3BT
United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 7340 7046