Junior Academy Financial Support

We want everyone who is successful at audition to be able to attend Junior Academy, so do not let finances stop you from accepting your place.

Bursaries are available each year in cases of financial need, subject to means-testing based on HM Government Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) household income criteria.

Applying for a Bursary

  • How to Apply: Applications for 2026 have now closed. If you need to apply after this deadline, please contact us using the form below.
  • Outcome: Decisions will be sent by email in the middle of June 2026.
  • Duration: Bursaries cover the forthcoming academic year. You must complete a new form for each subsequent year.

Funding and Invoices

  • Full Bursaries: Cover basic fees and the core timetable only. You will not receive a termly invoice. Additional individual lessons on a second instrument or extended lessons are considered additional costs and are not covered.
  • Partial Bursaries: The awarded amount is deducted from your termly invoice; you pay the remaining balance.
  • MDS Support: Students selected for MDS support will be sent a more detailed MDS-specific form for auditing purposes. This is not an additional application.

Parental Details

  • Parents at the same address: Complete one online application form.
  • Separated or divorced parents: Each parent must complete an individual form. Single parents must provide evidence that the absent parent has no financial responsibility for the child.

Required Supporting Documents

Please photograph or scan legible copies to upload with your application. A copy of the child’s passport photo page is also required. Assessment is based on gross income for the previous financial year (April 2025 to April 2026):

  • Earned Income (Salary/Wages): P60 and your final pay advice/payslip. Salaried directors must also supply a self-assessment tax return (supplementary employment pages) and HMRC verification (SA302 or online SA110).
  • Self-Employed: Provide an accurate estimate, followed by written confirmation (SA302, online SA110, or audited accounts) once received.
  • Benefits in Kind: Declare the annual value agreed for tax purposes (e.g. subsidised housing, cars, mobile phones).
  • Profit-Related Pay: Verified via a letter from the employer.
  • Social Security Benefits: Include any annual taxable benefits.
  • Property Income: Declare the net profit agreed with HMRC, providing the HMRC agreement as evidence.
  • Child Support / Maintenance: Enter the annual amount required to be paid (including recovered tax) with court or CSA/CMS documentation. If you are making these payments, declare the gross amount as a minus figure to deduct it from your total income.

Get in Touch

If you require any further information or assistance, please use the contact form below.