Finding the funds to study on dance courses can be a long and difficult process. A year course at a CDET accredited vocational training school can cost between £7,000 and £11,000.This sheet provides information on organisations which may be able to offer funding for vocational courses.

The Dance and Drama Awards (D&DA) were introduced by the government in 1999 to increase access to vocational dance, drama and stage management training. They provide reduced fees for full-time vocational dance and drama students but are only available to those studying for the following qualifications – the National Diploma in Professional Dance, the National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and the National Certificate in Professional Classical Ballet. The qualifications are all awarded by Trinity College London (TCL) and are only available at one of the 21 providers TCL validates.

A limited number of D&DAs are awarded each year and they are allocated by the 21 schools to students showing most potential at audition. Students intending to apply for an award should contact a vocational school directly to enquire if it has D&DA funded places available.The 21 schools will make an award to a student regardless of his/her income but where students are judged to be equally talented their financial circumstances will be taken into consideration. To be eligible for an award a student must be an EU national at the start of the course and have been resident in the EU for at least 3 years before the course starts.

Students who are offered Awards will have to make a contribution to their fees. The rate for 2008-2009 has been set at £1,250 per year. Students who cannot afford the £1,250 or who need further financial assistance for living and learning costs may be eligible for additional funding from a means-tested FE fund. – for more information see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/DanceandDrama/DG_066991. Schools offering D&DAs will be able to provide additional information - their details and further information booklets are available on the CDET website. Contact also the Learning and Skills Council on 0845 019 4144 or http://danceanddrama.lsc.gov.uk/.

Higher Education courses lead to a degree, diploma or certificate validated or awarded by a university; a number are now also designated ‘vocational’. Students following HE dance courses do not qualify for D&DAs but are eligible for mandatory, Higher Education awards which cover the greater part of tuition fees. Like any UK (or EU) student entering Higher Education, students are eligible to apply for help with the student fee contribution (which is £3,070 in 2007/2008 and £3,145 from 2008/09) and have access to Student Loan for Fees (eligible students may receive the loan to cover the full amount of fees for a course starting in or after September 2006). As well as Student Loans, students may also be able to get a Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant to help with accommodation and other living costs. Grants of up to £2,765 are available for 2007/2008 - or up to £2,835 for 2008/2009. However if you have received government funding for a previous course it is unlikely you will be eligible. The government website http://www.direct.gov.uk has comprehensive information about student finance for students undertaking Higher Education courses.

For students wishing to train in Ballet the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) also funds the Music and Dance Scheme which provides children and young people between the ages of 8 (11 for dance) and 18 to receive an academic education alongside the best specialist dance training available. At present four dance schools (Arts Educational School Tring, Elmhurst School of Dance, The Hammond School and the Royal Ballet School) offer MDS places to ballet students at 11. In addition, the government has announced new national grants for exceptionally talented children allowing them to gain access to specialist dance training in other dance genres in the newly created Centres for Advanced Training (CAT). Contact the DCSF Music and Dance Scheme for more information – 01325 391150 www.dfes.gov.uk/mds/

Finally, some courses may not be funded by any awards. In these cases, students are responsible for the full cost of fees and may need to secure private funding via loans, scholarships and trusts.

The Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) provides a list of accredited vocational courses in both Further and Higher Education where funded places may be available. It is available for download at http://www.cdet.org.uk. The Council website also has information on other sources of funding advice.

Association of Charitable Foundations
Tel: 020 7255 4499
Central House
14 Upper Woburn Place
London  WC1H 0AE
www.acf.org.uk
The UK's support organisation for grant making trusts and foundations of all types.  Contains useful information on the website but cannot give advice about individual applications, nor help grant-seekers find suitable funders. Leaflets are available to download from the website for extra information.

The National Council for Drama Training (NCDT)
Tel: 020 7387 3650
1-7 Woburn Walk
London E1 6LS
www.ncdt.co.uk
NCDT offers advice to those embarking on courses in drama.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
Tel: 0870 000 2288
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT
www.dfes.gov.uk
The DCSF produces publications which gives details of grants available from LEAs to students who are taking first degrees and comparable courses; diploma of higher education courses, teacher training and HND courses.  Leaflets are free upon request.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
Tel: 0207 215 5555
Postal address:
Castle View House
East Lane
Runcorn
WA7 2GJ14
www.dius.gov.uk
The DIUS provides information on Vocational Qualifications, Apprenticeships and Education and Training Providers in Further Education. It offers guidelines on applying to University, recognised degrees in Higher Education (HE) as well as HE student loans, bursaries and scholarships.

The Education Grants Advisory Service
Student service line: 020 7254 6251 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm)
Family Welfare Association
501-505 Kingsland Road
London E8 4AU
www.egas-online.org.uk
Set up to help students and parents by putting them in touch with likely sources of financial aid, also offering information about welfare grants. The Service advises students and parents faced with difficulties in their negotiations with LEAs and provide liaison with educational charities. Offers guidance and advice on funding for those studying in post-16 education in the UK.

The Student Loans Company
Tel: 0141 306 2000
100 Bothwell Street
Glasgow  G2 7JD
www.slc.co.uk
Provides funding for United Kingdom residents who are studying in higher education in the United Kingdom. It is a non-departmental government body, and is the sole administrator of publicly financed loans for students. Site contains details of applying for loans, and terms and conditions.

The Foundation for Sport and the Arts
Tel: 0151 259 5505
Walton House
55 Charnock Road
Walton, Liverpool L67 1AA
www.thefsa.net
Occasionally makes awards for dance and drama studies.

The National Union of Students (NUS)
Tel: 0871 221 8221
2 nd Florr, Centro 3
Mandela Street
London  NW1 0DU
www.nusonline.co.uk
Produces the NUS Welfare Information Pack, which includes information on grants, awards and alternative financial assistance.

The University of London Careers Service
Stewart House, 32 Russell Square
London  WC1B 5DN
www.careers.lon.ac.uk
Maintains a reference library containing information from various educational trusts and foundations who may offer assistance to students, endowed scholarships and details and guidance on all grants available from LEAs.

Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Tel: 0845 111 1711
Gyleview House
3 Redheughs Rigg
Edinburgh  EH12 9HH
www.student-support-saas.gov.uk
This site contains a wide range of information for those studying in Scotland who need to obtain funding for their higher education course. The agency has extended the eligibility to the Young Students' Bursary to include single parents under 25, and married couples under 25 with a child.

Arts & Humanities Research Board (AHRB)
Tel: 0117 987 6544
Whitefriars, Lewins Mead
Bristol BS1 2AE
www.ahrb.ac.uk
Administers a scheme of postgraduate professional and vocational awards.

The Central Advisory for Trusts and Scholarships
7-11 Kensington High Street
London W8 5NP

Centre for Creative Communities
Tel: 0845 111 1711
Regent House Business Centre
24/25 Nutford Place, Marble Arch
London W1H 5YN
www.creativecommunities.org.uk
Please note that the Centre for Creative Communities is no longer in operation, however the content of the website will continue.

Below is a list of charitable trusts and Foundations that have awarded grants to students in the past:

The Altrusa Careers Trust
Tel: 0141 226 4898
Ms Grace Franklin
YAM Publications
Suite 9, 2nd Floor
73 Robertson Street
Glasgow  G2 8QD
The Trust was established to help women in the UK and Eire further their career prospects or to retrain after bringing up a family. Present loan / grant maximum is £500. The closing date for applications is 31 March each year.

The Ann Driver Trust
Tel: 020 8539 9096
The Secretary to the Trustees
PO Box 2761
London  W1A 5HD
To advance the education of youth in the arts and sciences. Application forms available from November. Closing date end March. No entry fee.

The Bestway Foundation
Tel: 0208 453 1234
The Bestway Foundation,
Bestway Cash & Carry Ltd
Abbey Road Park Royal
London  NW10 7BW
www.bestway.co.uk   
Contact Zulfikaur Wajid-Hasan at zulfikaur.wajid-hasan@bestway.co.uk Written applications from South Asian Students only. Brief letter. No application forms available. SAE required.

The Crescent Trust
Tel: 020 7730 5420
The Crescent Trust
27a Sloane Square
London  SW1W 8AB
Contact Ms C Akehurst

Equity Trust Fund
Tel: 020 7404 6041
222 Africa House
64 Kingsway
London  WC2B 6BD
Only able to help professional performers, but some students may be able to meet the criteria set by the trust.

Fame Academy Bursary to fund West End Dreams
Tel: 020 8576 8043
Email: miriam.okeeffe@bbc.co.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/fameacademybursary
Offering up to 20 awards worth a total of £150,000 to aspiring performers to kick start or continue their musical theatre studies.  Open for applications early spring.

The Fenton Arts Trust
PO Box 135
East Horsley,
Surrey  KT24 9AB
Assistance for people who are making or who aspire to make a worthwhile contribution to the artistic and cultural life of this country. Grants are made towards the creative arts, principally painting and drama.  Applications in writing to Ms Shelley Baxter.

The Follett Trust
Tel: 01934 838337
17 Chescombe Road
Yatton,
Bristol BS19 4EE
Single donations given in cases of social deprivation, education and to the Arts . Contact Mr M.D. Follett.

The Lawrence Atwell Charity
Tel: 020 7213 0561
Skinner’s Hall
8 Dowgate Hill
London  EC4R 2SP
www.skinnershall.co.uk
The Charity assists young people who come from a low-income background to become qualified or equipped to work in their chosen career.  Will only consider applications for funding a full-time, vocational, CDET/NCDT accredited dance or drama course.  Application by form only (available on-line). British students only.

Mackintosh Foundation
Tel: 020 7637 8866
1 Bedford Square
London  WC1B 3RA
Awards scholarships to promote and develop theatre and the performing arts.

The Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust
Tel: 0117 917 3922
Osbourne Clarke
50 Queen Charlotte Street
Bristol  BS1 4HE
Contact J W Sharpe. Funding for performing arts in U.K

Sydney Dean Whitehead's Charitable Trust
Tel: 01225 486100
Moore Stephens
Chartered Accountants
30 Gay Street
Bath, Avon BA1 2PA
Apply to the Secretary, in writing (including SAE).  The trustees apply their funds towards supporting parents with the educational costs of their children and respond more readily to appeals relating to children with special talents, particularly in the artistic fields.  They also respond more readily to appeals which show that there is an element of self-help already in operation and where a lack of finance could preclude children from receiving the type of education their particular 'gift' merits.

The Sidney Perry Foundation
PO Box 2924
Faringdon SN7 7YJ
Assistance to those of great promise, under 35 at the start of their course, who would be unable to proceed with their studies through lack of means. Average grant in the region of £500. Application form available from Mrs L A Owens enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

The South Square Trust
Tel: 01435 830 778
PO Box 67
Heathfield
East Sussex TN21 9ZR
Assistance for students over 18 studying practical degree courses in the fine and applied arts in the UK. Preference given to nationals. Grants for assistance with fees or living expenses. Application forms available from Mrs Nicola Chrimes.  Applications should be submitted from January to April for consideration in May for courses starting in September. References are required for submission with the application form. Initial enquiries by telephone are welcomed.

The Talbot House Trust
White Horse Court
25c North Street
Bishop's Stortford
Herts CM23 2LD
Assistance for individuals undertaking courses in the performing arts. Grants are only made to residents for study in the UK. Grants to help with the cost of equipment/instruments, fees or maintenance/living expenses. No grants are made to Postgraduates.  Forms should be submited by March for consideration in May. Contact: Mrs Jane Day.

The Thomas Wall Trust
PO Box 52781
London WC2P 2UT
Contact W B Cook, MA Director. To make grants to students in need for educational, especially vocational, courses.  Applications from individuals may be made from January onwards preceding the start of the academic year for which the grant is sought, and will be considered for as long as the available funds allow. The maximum grant is £600 per year.

Winterbourne Charitable Trust
9 Wilton Row
London SW1X 7NR
Contact A S D Barrett.

Some of the books listed should be available in large public libraries, many of them can be purchased from the Directory of Social Change (DSC) including the Educational Grants Directory, A Guide to the Major Trusts, Grants for Individuals in Need and The Arts Funding Guide:

The Directory of Social Change (DSC)
Tel: 020 7391 4800
24 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2DP
www.dsc.org.uk

Sponsorship for Students
Published and distributed by Hobsons Publishing plc (in conjuction with COIC/CRAC).   This publication lists 2,500 scholarships and bursaries from 200 different organisations.  Copies available from:  Customer Services, Biblios PDS Ltd.  Star Road, Partridge Green, West Sussex RH13 8LD.

The Grants Register
Published yearly by Palgrave Macmillan Ltd.  This publication lists over 4,000 awards for students studying both in the UK and abroad.  Available from:  www.palgrave.com/reference/ or Palgrave Macmillan, Houndsmill, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XS

The Directory of Grant Making Trusts
Published by Charities Aid Foundation available at most public libraries and at: Kingshill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA.

A Guide to University Scholarships and Awards
By Brian Heap, published by Trotman Publishing.
Listing scholarships available to students from universities and other organisations.
Available from: www.trotman.co.uk or Trotman & Co., Ltd., 2 The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1PL.

Sponsorship and Funding Directory
Published annually by Hobsons.  Listing of employers and companies offering sponsorship and placement opportunities.  Available from:  Hobsons, Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LZ.

Scholarship Guide for Commonwealth Postgraduate Students
Available from: Association of Commonwealth Universities, John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1.

Employers and Professional Bodies offering Sponsorship & Supplementary Awards to Students following First Degree, BTEC or comparable courses
Published annually.  Available from: Careers and Occupational Information Centre, Pennie Centre, 20/22 Hawley Street, Sheffield S1 3GA.

The Education Yearbook
Published annually by the Financial Times. Available from www.pearsoned.ac.uk

Charities Digest
Contains a chapter on education which includes details of scholarships. Available from www.waterlow.com.

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