Parents and teachers are being asked to look out for children with exceptional talent and the dedication required to become a top performer so that they can be given specialist tuition.

The Government's Music and Dance Scheme (MDS - previously the Music and Ballet Scheme) provides means-tested aided places for over 800 boys and girls with outstanding talent in music or dance. The scheme helps parents with the fees and boarding costs at eight specialist independent schools in England - four music schools and four ballet schools. Children aged 8 years old and over can join the scheme (11 for dance). They will receive specialist training alongside a good academic education.

A gifted or talented child with potential in either of these two performing arts will have to meet the individual school's selection rules. There is usually an entrance examination, an audition and an interview. Schools will look for a child with exceptional potential and ability and there will be competition for the places available.

A child can get a place if they have been living in the British Isles for at least two calendar years before taking up a place. Special rules apply if a child has been temporarily abroad, is a refugee or is the child of a worker from certain other European countries.

For further information visit: www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds/questions.shtml
or contact the DCSF, Music and Dance Scheme Team, on
Tel: 01325 391150
E-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Also see www.dcsf.gov.uk/mds/national_grants.shtml for details of the DCSF complementing Music and Dance National Grants.