The Music & Dance Scheme is a government-run scheme for talented children, with three different kinds of help –
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- Aided Places at nine participating boarding schools (see Aided places)
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- Choir School Scholarships for choristers (see Choir scholarships)
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- National Grants which give means-tested help (up to £3300 pa) to young musicians and dancers, so they can receive specialist out-of-school training locally. This is available at the junior departments of six music conservatoires or at a number of regional centres, some music, some dance.
Further information is on the website (www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds; tel 0870 900 6800). In all cases, you apply to the school or centre direct.