The Dance CAT’s are funded by the Department for Education’s (DfE) Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). This scheme currently enables around 2,000 exceptionally talented children to have access to the best specialist music and dance training available alongside a good academic education.
The DfE offer grants which are means-tested based on family’s annual earnings per tax year, with deductions and allowances made for dependents in accordance with their guidelines.
Families’ financial circumstances are reviewed annually and support is available to families whose income falls below £72,003 per annum. Students who are eligible and who make sufficient progress will be entitled to receive financial assistance until they graduate or exit from the programme.
To qualify for a MDS national grant the applicant must have been resident in the British Islands for three years prior, be a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland or be a refugee of the child of a refugee (conditions apply).
| Relevant Income* | Maximum amount of grant |
Parental Contribution |
| Up to £32,728 | £4,032.00 | £0.00 |
| £32,729 to £37,093 | £3,646.00 | £386.00 |
| £37,094 to £41,457 | £3,262.00 | £770.00 |
| £41,458 to £45,877 | £2,853.00 | £1,179.00 |
| £45,878 to £50,185 | £2,479.00 | £1,553.00 |
| £50,186 to £54,548 | £2,101.00 | £1,931.00 |
| £54,549 to £59,386 | £1,729.00 | £2,303.00 |
| £59,387 to £63,278 | £1,344.00 | £2,688.00 |
| £63,279 to £67,642 | £961.00 | £3,071.00 |
| £67,643 to £72,003 | £577.00 | £3,455.00 |
| £72,004 or more | £0.00 | £4,032.00 |
*After deducting £2,264 per dependent including the grant holder
For more information about the scheme visit the Department for Education.