Personally, I think it is best to audition for year 7 when looking for schools, purely because it is much easier and less competitive. There is also a much higher chance that you will get in and usually if you get in at year 7 you don't have to pay full fees.
At the Royal Ballet in England my fees were lowered because we couldn't afford the full price. It says on the website that if you can't afford to pay full price school fees can be lowered.