There are two parental contribution scales currently in operation, one for aided boarding pupils (accounting for over 80% of all aided pupils) and another for aided day pupils.
The scales are uprated annually in line with inflation. The level of contribution towards fees is assessed solely by reference to pre-tax family income from all sources.
No deductions are made in respect of allowances for tax purposes, specifically, those for personal allowances, pension contributions, donations direct to charities or covenants and no allowance is made for outgoings such as mortgage payments and every day cost of living expenses.
An allowance is made against income for each dependent child - other than the aided pupil - or other dependent relative in the household. The thresholds below which fees are fully remitted are set deliberately low so that the least well-off families will benefit the most.
Details of the scales are set down in the Music and Dance Scheme Administrative Arrangements and Financial Memorandum document made pursuant to sections 14 to 17 of the Education Act 2002 (previously the arrangements were made under the Education (Grants) (Music, Ballet and Choir Schools) Regulations 2001).
For aided boarding pupils, any pupil whose parents have a relevant income of around £12,620 (2012/13) or less is entitled to a free place. For aided day pupils, the threshold is around £15,965, below which the pupil will receive a free place.
There is a sliding scale above the thresholds which determines the size of the parental contribution towards the fees charged. Parental contributions are determined only by reference to gross family income and not by reference to the fees charged at the school attended.
The higher the parental income, the greater the contribution that is required. The DfE meets the balance of the approved fees for Aided Pupils after any parental contribution. Means-testing for choir school scholarships mirrors that for MDS schools but is not prescribed in detail by the DfE.
