Ottobotto

Sadly not. You can only have it done if your circumstances change and they are completely out of your control i.e death of a spouse, illness etc. I'll email again once term starts and ask what other possible options there might be - hoping a rebate or something but who knows!

Many thanks for your reply. I'll definitely look into the local grants as I've just discovered the next town do indeed offer this as a one off! We are in the unfortunate position of being judged on last year's earnings yet knowing I'll earn a lot less this year due to a change in jobs. I requested a current year assessment but they wouldn't so it. Hopefully next year will be a bit easier but who knows! Although I'm incredibly grateful to have the MDS funding, I do find it incredible how much the contribution is. We are by now means high earners, but we earn too much to still not have to make a (what I would consider) a huge contribution. Some creative accounting will be needed for sure 🙂

Thank you for the info. I'll keep doing the lottery 🙂

I was wondering if any parents out there have been successful at gaining any financial assistance (alongside MDS funding) to help them manage the cost of vocational school fees? Just trying to access anything that might be available to cushion the blow somewhat now that we have committed and the cost of living is rocketing! Local MPs, town councils, national funds or sponsorships that might be available - I'd be very grateful to hear your ideas. Many thanks 😊

I really don't envy you potentially embarking on this journey! We were in exactly this position last year and and ended up going through the process with the promise that at any time if he wanted to pull out, however late, he could! He is off to VS in Sept so I'll see what happens 🤷!! The only thing I would say is do not underestimate how incredibly stressful it is! And expensive! I know lots of people comment on all the lovely hotel stays and road trips etc but if you apply to all the schools, it's a lot of trips! And a lot of petrol and accommodation money and a lot of time!! I cannot stress this enough if you are working parents as it's exhausting!!!I know people told me it was a rollercoaster ride, but honestly, it was much more stressful than I anticipated! Keeping up with the admin alone required a PA 🤣!!! And although they all say it's pure potential , I don't truly believe that either having heard how much training, private coaching, experience lots of kids have had so be prepared for that too! I would say he hugely grew as a person throughout and his resilience is much better. But knock backs are hard, especially when you have to pick yourself back up and go again ! I think if you're totally into ballet and have a background in it it's probably easier. If you don't, it's a big ask for any parents and it's all-consuming so just be warned. And whatever anyone says, it is a hugely privileged industry and this definitely becomes more obvious as you go along. Even though you tell them from the start that they can only go if they have funding and they seemingly understand , it's awful to have to tell them that they didn't get funding so even though they've been given a place, they still cannot go! It's tough for certain. Am I glad we did it? I honestly won't know until he goes and I don't really think he will either. All I know is I hope from what we've been told that he can still be a normal 'kid' who is allowed to be just that when not in school. As a teacher I'd say the academic opportunities are much more narrow but I guess that's the trade off you have to make. I think what's really hard is they get a feel for the school they like but you do too and it's not always the same one! And ultimately, I think you have to feel certain that it's right for them and how you'd like them to be living, which isn't necessarily the school they'd initially thought they wanted! Or get offered! Good luck!

I would just give them a call and ask them. I did that with Tring and found out that we were not hear the 'top' of the wait list so was able to move on. I genuinely don't think these places mind as they know how much you've invested in the auditions and how important it is to you and your child!

I'd give them a call 👍

What did the wording actually say?? Ours states MDS award and details to complete will follow?? Was this what yours said??

Thank you! Which school is this for? Sounds ideal 😊

Thank you! So is there any consideration for the funding if you know your salary will be decreasing??Or will that not be considered until the following year?? How soon can you get access to the information about travel groups?? This could have an impact on our decision as like you, Fridays for collection aren't that possible!

Can I ask about bursary funding for Moorland? Does anyone know if this is guaranteed if you gain it the first year? Or if you could suddenly be told you can't have it any longer so are the liable for full fees? Does anyone also have any experience of MDS funding when your current years salary will be great than your next year's salary? Can allowances be made for this or is it purely based on the previous years finances??

Happy news here too !

same for us - just relived to know and move on 😀. Good luck all on your on you onward journey!

The wait is painful I agree. But always best not to overthink or try to second guess these things! What will be will be so today, all the mum's enjoy your well- earned non-ballet-focussed mother's day! It's been a stressful year ☺️x

This is fab news 🌟! Was it his first choice? And will he take it? Happy weekend!