The Music & Dance Scheme is a government-run scheme for talented children, with three different kinds of help –

• • Aided Places at nine participating boarding schools (see Aided places)

• • Choir School Scholarships for choristers (see Choir scholarships)

• • 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.