Grants & Bursaries
We are here to help
We work with families to ensure the right fit for ability, age, interests, and budget. Whether you are looking to sign up for a full year of activities or a single consultancy-mentoring session, or workshop, we are here to help.
Click on the button below and get in touch today to find out about costs and grant eligibility.
Accessibility and Grant Opportunities
South West Music School is a nominated Centre for Advanced Training (CAT), offering high-quality music opportunities to young musicians.
Our goal is to ensure that children with outstanding potential—regardless of their background—receive world-class specialist training in the form of extra-curricular activities. This support empowers them to pursue self-sustaining careers in music and dance, should they choose to do so.
Thanks to the DfE Music and Dance Scheme, financial support is available for those from lower-income backgrounds, ensuring accessibility for all.
The Music & Dance Scheme is a national government grant programme supporting young musicians and dancers with exceptional potential and dedication. Funded by the Department for Education under Section 14 of the Education Act 2002, the scheme provides grants to a select number of specialist music and dance schools, as well as Centres for Advanced Training (CATs).
The grants are means-tested, based on a student’s family’s annual gross household income, and deductions and allowances made for dependents. For those eligible for Free School Meals and/or Pupil Premium, you will automatically qualify for a full grant. However, even if you don’t qualify for FSM or PP, you may still be eligible for a full or partial grant. Grant eligibility is based on a means-tested sliding scale, assessed and adjusted each year.
Other grants and bursaries may be available on a localised basis. For example, we are proud to be working with the Exeter and District Classical Music Trust and the Radford Charitable Trust, based in Cornwall.
How much does it cost?
Many of our students are not eligible for funding support. We are happy to discuss a bespoke programme of support to suit the budget available. Whether you are looking to sign up for a full year of activities or a single consultancy mentoring session or workshop, please refer to the programme overviews for costs.
Payments can be paid by instalments on a weekly, monthly, or termly basis. We are here to help.
