Mae989

Hi, we have just had information sent for vocational school to start in September. Whilst looking through the home agreement I notice that it states in there the children shouldn't be taught anywhere else, do not like them to do the intensives and are not to apply for other schools or this could affect the MDS. I'm sure lots of you have had experience of this, so is this the case or are there ways round it?! I would hate to think my DD couldn't do any intensives or ever apply for another school until 16.

Flora- can I ask what age group your DD is?

Thankyou all! Its all so confusing right now

Thankyou! I have roughly worked out the contribution it was the 'extras' really. I don't want to stat buying things if they are covered by the MDS and I was getting worried we hadn't heard anything yet

Hi I was just wondering if anyone had received any paperwork yet for the MDS and how does it actually work/ what are you entitled to?

Ballet queen- my daughter auditioned for Hammond this year and was dreading the singing solo. We were told she didn't need to do a solo but could just be part of a group so didn't even prepare anything! She cannot sing a note!!! On the day they asked her to sing happy birthday, she had them in fits of laughter and they awarded her the MDS. So singing is definitely NOT a pre-requisite

DD has a place on CAT so will automatically come off associates when we reply. Think everyone has to decide by May 11th. Good luck!

It's a yes for my DD for CAT programme! Now its decision time

The CAT results should be out this week so it will still be dependent on that. Hope you get good feedback hans11, that's really good of them as normally you don't get anything! Fingers crossed

Forgot to say she doesn't know anyone either! I'm sure they will all be BFF's within the first hour

My DD will be 11 and going on week 2. Very excited and hopefully will give a little insight into being away from home too????

Does anyone know if we will be invited to the school before september?

Fantastic news! Congratulations and we will see you there in September!

I would be interested to hear people's thoughts on that kat09

Thankyou Eowyn. I did think that when you posted. When I looked at the sliding scale we will have a significant contribution to make also, which is why I worry. I worry about so much at the minute, I'm sure I have aged at least 20 years these past few months! My biggest concern is I try to get this right so that my DD can go to the school, be able to join in all the activities and my other children don't have to suffer too many sacrifices because of it.

Thankyou hfbrew and picturesinthefirelight, looks like I need to do some questioning after the holidays and get to grips with it all. I am now worried that we have accepted our MDS place but someone who didn't get MDS has a high bursary/scholarship that works out better financially for them. I didn't even realise that this could be a better option! I'm wondering if I should really contact the school and find out exactly what would be the best way and if we have any other options available to us. It's a minefield!!!

Wow this is all so confusing! We are totally new to all this and completely clueless!!! So, can people tell me what does MDS actually cover? I also hear there's lots of other resources and help, what is that help and resources??? I didn't think we would even get to this point so now we have I would appreciate all the advise I can get.

Wow Hans11 she did so well to get reserve list on first ever audition! Fingers crossed she gets a place

Is that for inter foundation? I know that DD has been offered a place this week but we have CAT coming up next weekend. If DD is lucky enough to be accepted on that then we obviously will turn the associates down. I expect there will be others like us too

Snape I have PM'd you. Congratulations!

The reality is suddenly starting to hit! DD still has a smile from ear to ear but both my husband and I are in pieces! It's just so daunting. You are right Karen I have a million questions to ask. I will PM you if that's ok? My biggest worry is losing my little girl and missing so much of her growing up. The thought of not seeing her every day is just too much to even comprehend right now. Oh gosh this is hard!!! I'm so glad I've found this forum though so I can listen to all your experiences and hopefully get through this with some sanity????

The reality is suddenly starting to hit! DD still has a smile from ear to ear but both my husband and I are in pieces! It's just so daunting. You are right Karen I have a million questions to ask. I will PM you if that's ok? My biggest worry is losing my little girl and missing so much of her growing up. The thought of not seeing her every day is just too much to even comprehend right now. Oh gosh this is hard!!! I'm so glad I've found this forum though so I can listen to all your experiences and hopefully get through this with some sanity????

DD has an MDS award!!! One very happy girl tonight!