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the quality assurance agency of the professional dance and musical theatre industries
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THE UK GUIDE TO TRAINING
The UK Guide to Accredited Education and Training in Dance and Musical Theatre.
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What does it cost to go to a Vocational Dance or Musical Theatre School?

Finding the funds to study on dance and musical theatre courses can be expensive. A course at a CDET accredited vocational training school can cost anything between £7,000 and £13,000 per year. Depending on where you study, different types of funding exist.

Music and Dance Scheme (MDS)

For students wishing to train in Ballet the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) funds the Music and Dance Scheme which provides approximately 300 children and young people between the ages of 8 (11 for ballet) and 18 to receive an academic education alongside the best specialist dance training available. At present four dance schools

  • Elmhurst School of Dance
  • The Hammond School
  • Royal Ballet School
  • Tring Park School for Performing Arts

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 or http://www.dfes.gov.uk/mds/.

Further Education (Dance and Drama Awards)

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

  • National Diploma in Professional Dance
  • National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre
  • National Certificate in Professional Classical Ballet.

The qualifications are all awarded by Trinity College London (TCL) and are only available at one of the 22 providers TCL validates.

A limited number of D&DAs are awarded each year and they are allocated by the 22 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 22 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 2009-2010 has been set at £1,275 per year. Students who cannot afford the £1,275 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:

Money To Learn, Education And Learning

CDET schools offering D&DAs are indicated on our website under Accredited Schools and they will be able to provide additional information. You can also contact the Learning and Skills Council on 0845 019 4144 or http://danceanddrama.lsc.gov.uk/ as they administer the awards.

Higher Education (HE)

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 £3,145 in 2008/2009 and £3,225 from 2009/10) and have access to Student Loan for Fees.

Student Loans — in 2009/10 eligible students may receive a loan to cover fees in full of up to £3,225 a year. You may also qualify for a student loan for maintenance of up to £4,950 if you live away from home or in London (however the maximum you can get is reduced if you get help though a maintenance grant, which is detailed below.
Grants — 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 £2,835 are available for 2008/2009 - or up to £2,906 for 2009/2010. 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.

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.

Other organisations offering advice on funding

    Arts & Humanities Research Board (AHRB)
    Arts & Humanities Research Board (AHRB) Whitefriars, Lewins Mead Bristol BS1 2AE 0117 987 6544 www.ahrb.ac.uk Administers a scheme of postgraduate professional and vocational awards.
    Association of Charitable Foundations
    Association of Charitable Foundations Central House,14 Upper Woburn Place London WC1H 0AE 020 7255 4499 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.
    Centre for Creative Communities
    Centre for Creative Communities Regent House Business Centre, 24/25 Nutford Place, Marble Arch London W1H 5YN 0845 111 1711 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.
    Educational Trusts Forum
    Educational Trusts Forum Educational Grants Advice, Independent Schools Council, c/o Joint Educational Trust, 6-8 Fenchurch Buildings London EC3M 5HT 05601 503 524 (answered between 9am to 11am) www.educational-grants.org
    Student Awards Agency for Scotland
    Student Awards Agency for Scotland Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg Edinburgh EH12 9HH 0845 111 1711 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.
    The Central Advisory for Trusts and Scholarships
    The Central Advisory for Trusts and Scholarships 7-11 Kensington High Street London W8 5NP
    The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
    The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street London SW1P 3BT 0870 000 2288 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.
    The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
    The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) 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
    The Education Grants Advisory Service Family Welfare Association, 501-505 Kingsland Road London E8 4AU 020 7254 6251 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm) 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 Foundation for Sport and the Arts
    The Foundation for Sport and the Arts Walton House, 55 Charnock Road, Walton Liverpool L67 1AA www.thefsa.net Occasionally makes awards for dance and drama studies.
    The National Council for Drama Training (NCDT)
    The National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) 1-7 Woburn Walk London E1 6LS 020 7387 3650 www.ncdt.co.uk NCDT offers advice to those embarking on courses in drama.
    The National Union of Students (NUS)
    The National Union of Students (NUS) 2nd 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 Student Loans Company
    The Student Loans Company 100 Bothwell Street Glasgow G2 7JD 0141 306 2000 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 University of London Careers Service
    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.

Charitable Trusts and Foundations

Below is a list of charitable trusts and Foundations that have awarded grants to students in the past
    Equity Trust Fund
    222 Africa House, 64 Kingsway London WC2B 6BD 020 7404 6041 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
    020 8576 8043 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.
    Mackintosh Foundation
    1 Bedford Square London WC1B 3RA 020 7637 8866 Awards scholarships to promote and develop theatre and the performing arts.
    Sydney Dean Whitehead's Charitable Trust
    Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants, 30 Gay Street Bath Avon BA1 2PA 01225 486100 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 Altrusa Careers Trust
    P O Box 6160 Orkney KW16 3WY 0141 226 4898 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
    The Secretary to the Trustees, PO Box 2761 London W1A 5HD 020 8539 9096 This Organisation ONLY gives funding to Music students and no longer has funds for Dance students. Application forms available from November. Closing date end March. No entry fee.
    The Bestway Foundation
    The Bestway Foundation, Bestway Cash & Carry Ltd, Abbey Road, Park Royal London NW10 7BW 0208 453 1234 www.bestway.co.uk Contact Zulfikaur Wajid-Hasan at {MAILTO:zulfikaur.wajid-hasan@bestway.co.uk}. Written applications from South Asian Students only. Brief letter. No application forms available. SAE required.
    The Crescent Trust
    The Crescent Trust, 27a Sloane Square London SW1W 8AB 020 7730 5420 Contact Ms C Akehurst
    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
    17 Chescombe Road, Yatton Bristol BS19 4EE 01934 838337 Single donations given in cases of social deprivation, education and to the Arts. Contact Mr M.D. Follett.
    The Rosemary Bugden Charitable Trust
    Osbourne Clarke, 50 Queen Charlotte Street Bristol BS1 4HE 0117 917 3922 Contact J W Sharpe. Funding for performing arts in U.K.
    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
    The Clerk to the Trustees, P.O. Box 169 Lewes East Sussex BN7 9FB 01825 872264 www.southsquaretrust.org.uk 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.

Helpful Books

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 conjunction 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