Government funds for music or dance pupils, under the Music & Dance Scheme, are known as Aided Places. They are available at nine participating boarding schools and you apply directly to the school.

Pupils with an Aided Place have a proportion of the fees paid, the amount being linked to family income, which can cover boarding fees as well as tuition, travel etc. The nine boarding schools in the scheme are Chetham’s, Elmhurst, Hammond, Purcell, Royal Ballet, Tring Park, Wells Cathedral and Yehudi Menuhin in England; and St Mary’s Music School (which is covered by the Scottish Executive Education Department).