Flexible Fred Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 No matter how many times I do my sums , even with funding I simply cannot afford the accommodation fees for upper schools, I'm totally gutted and feel like I've let my DD down. I fact I have not even told her yet and we have already sent some upper school application forms off and have audition dates. How on earth am I going to tell her ? I feel like I've just been swept away with it all and buried my head for the past couple of years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balletmadgirl Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 My daughter has a Student Finance loan (and some maintenance grant) that covers the cost of her accommodation fees at Upper School.She is classed as a student when doing an HND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Accommodation can range from pretty reasonable to budget busting, depending upon which school you're looking at and whereabouts in the country it is. Staying with a host family can be a good option if the school's boarding fees are too pricey. Would you be eligible for a maintenance grant if your dd was successful in getting a place on a degree course with student finance? Edited to add: posting at the same time as balletmadgirl. :-) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Circe Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Good that you have worked it out now FF so that you can decide what to do I think I had my head in the sand a bit over finance during year of applications which on balance we can manage but you do have to go into this with your eyes open! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 Some schools also offer bursaries which might help. At Elmhurst sixth formers eat in school which keeps living costs down. Depending on Saturday dance commitments some sixth formers have weekend or holiday jobs. But having said that sixth form is very expensive and all the extras add up too - theatre trips, books, tights, shoes, trips home, overnight stays to watch class ... Maybe time to raise the issue with you dd and suggest she also applies for some courses that are funded by student finance if she has not already done so - Central, Rambert, Scotland. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottie Posted October 27, 2015 Share Posted October 27, 2015 DS was at Central. We paid for his accommodation and he lived off his Student loan which he managed to pay for his food, travel, utility bills etc. His cheapest flat was approx £140 a week for him sharing with two others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dramascientist Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 My DD has a student loan and this just pays for accomodation though I might just have to top up. My thinking is that I would be paying if she went to uni or vocational dance school so its swings and roundabouts. I'm just glad there is 6 years between DD and DS (I can't believe I've just written that, yes my S is now a DS he just started dancing.....hmmm on second thoughts just thinking about money!) so I will have time to re-stock the coffers before he goes on to further education! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pups_mum Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 Yes, I have always said to my DD that she can only look at degree courses - partly because I want her to get a degree, but mainly so that she can access a student loan. I fully expect to have to provide additional financial support, but it will be do-able, whereas completely self funding a diploma course is out of the question. As dramascientist has said,if she is doing a degree in dance the financial situation is not really that different to if she was doing history,english etc. Do look into this option before you give up entirely flexiblefred. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invisiblecircus Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 No matter how many times I do my sums , even with funding I simply cannot afford the accommodation fees for upper schools, I'm totally gutted and feel like I've let my DD down. I fact I have not even told her yet and we have already sent some upper school application forms off and have audition dates. How on earth am I going to tell her ? I feel like I've just been swept away with it all and buried my head for the past couple of years. Which schools were you looking at? What would she do if not going to upper school and how would that be financed? As others have said, there might be another way to make it work. Yes, I have always said to my DD that she can only look at degree courses - partly because I want her to get a degree, but mainly so that she can access a student loan. I fully expect to have to provide additional financial support, but it will be do-able, whereas completely self funding a diploma course is out of the question. As dramascientist has said,if she is doing a degree in dance the financial situation is not really that different to if she was doing history,english etc. Do look into this option before you give up entirely flexiblefred. Which degree courses is your DD looking at? I'm sure you're already doing this but do think about what you're hoping to achieve at the end of the course and whether previous graduates of that course have been able to achieve that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted October 28, 2015 Share Posted October 28, 2015 So feeling for all parents finding it difficult to help fund their children's higher education Dance or otherwise. I do hope the original poster finds a way around it all things are very tough these days 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonrothbart Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 No matter how many times I do my sums , even with funding I simply cannot afford the accommodation fees for upper schools, I'm totally gutted and feel like I've let my DD down. I fact I have not even told her yet and we have already sent some upper school application forms off and have audition dates. How on earth am I going to tell her ? I feel like I've just been swept away with it all and buried my head for the past couple of years. There are a lot of people in the same boat as you Fred, with fantastically talented children. Unfortunately the well off do have a massive advantage in the dancing world, no matter what people might say. It's not just dancing, but it's the same in other sports such as tennis, etc. I suppose that's just the way it is in this country, and maybe always has been, but it's such a shame that so much talent is wasted due to lack of funds. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird22 Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 2 years ago our dance school had 4 children go off to vocational school either upper or lower. We did a fundraising show, with a raffle, guess the cake weight, auction etc I think the whole evening raised about £2000 which I know isn't loads but we adopted an every little helps approach. A few had just giving pages and raised a considerable amount that way. About 9 years ago a girl I danced with was sponsored by the co-op as her mum worked there. They covered the cost of her uniform and made a contribution towards living accommodation throughout her training. One girl who went away this September got a job at the weekends and went to work full time the minute she finished her GCSEs, by September she had saved enough to pay her first terms fees. Doesn't Wayne Sleep have a fund? Training is expensive and like vonrothbart said so many talented children must be cut off due to lack of funds. I teach in area that's not particularly affluent, we have our own charity which raises money so that if a family struggles they can apply to the fund to get help towards paying for exams, weekly classes, uniform etc the amount it raises is minimal but it ensures children can continue dancing. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleep123 Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Sorry Vonrothbart I have to totally disagree with you the only individuals who are able to send their children to vocational schools are families on limited incomes who are then entitled to funded places, self-employed individuals who can manipulate their take home pay figures or those earning so much that the fees are insignificant and funding is not required. It may be cynical but it is true. There is no hope for working middle class individuals with mortgages and other family members to support. Training should be offered to all on merit and not on the perceived ability of the family to cover the fees. Sadly I have had to resign my Dd to the fact that my income will never support vocational fees. I know it is all relative but certainly being in some individuals minds being well off has not given my Dd any advantages in the dancing world. Yes I am being a grump and overly-cynical tonight! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vonrothbart Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 I suppose it boils down to what you would consider being well off. To suggest the lower classes have more chance to send their children to vocational school is a crazy statement in my opinion. There's many who would struggle to even afford their children to attend local dance classes when you add up the cost. It costs a lot for a child to be part of an associate scheme, with the travelling, clothing etc etc. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harwel Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Sorry Vonrothbart I have to totally disagree with you the only individuals who are able to send their children to vocational schools are families on limited incomes who are then entitled to funded places, self-employed individuals who can manipulate their take home pay figures or those earning so much that the fees are insignificant and funding is not required. It may be cynical but it is true. ! Well I take complete exception to that comment!! As a self employed family, I would love to know how it is possible to manipulate our figures so that we qualify for funding - or more funding! I am a qualified tax accountant (and totally honest to boot!) and they ask for everything including your knicker size it seems to me. We have a large mortgage and another child (£1,900 does not cover his costs as a talented singer and actor) with heavy outgoings, which aren't considered at all in the MDS. It is financially very tough to give our child the chance to dance - a car that is on its last legs with no chance of changing, house repairs which are mounting up which will have to wait at least another 3/4 years. And many, many sleepless nights worrying that, as self employed people, the businesses keep going at the rate they are so we don't have to drag our child out of school, stop his training and send him back to the local comp - I'm sure that would go down really well on all fronts!!! We all do what we can, sometimes it enables our children to do what they want, sometimes it doesn't. That's life! Some people would never put themselves in the financial position that we are in, and have no way of knowing what we do or go through to send our child to dance school. I feel for any parent that is struggling financially to help with their child's dreams. Lots of children are talented, lots of children deserve a chance - some children would even like the chance to be able to attend a dance class, for all the wonderful benefits it can give but their family won't/can't pay, take them or support them in any way. Rant over! 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 I recently stopped being self employed after 12 years due to some of the concerns Harwel outlined above. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 We've had this discussion previously. Not only is there a very high risk of making people cross, the consensus was that everyone - perhaps with the exception of millionaires - has their own problems when it comes to putting a child through full-time training. So I don't think it is constructive to let this escalate into a competition about who has more financial difficulty. 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Fred, which schools are you looking at, out of interest? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexible Fred Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share Posted October 31, 2015 Hi Anna Dd has applied for RBS, Elmhurst, Northern, Tring, BTUK, Central and Kate Simmonds Very worried about the schools she has applied for that does not have on site accommodation so to speak as I'm not sure how she would cope, which is another worry. She is my little girl after all and the thought of her leaving home and living in a shared flat and looking after herself fills me with dread ! The financial side of things are tough, we are middle class earners with 3 other children to consider, we would fit into the DaDa scale if she was lucky enough to get one but still have to find over 5000 pound a year which in itself would be just about doable now I've added up actually how much a year we spend already on classes, associates EYB etc, but it's the accommodation costs, I think Tring seems to be the most expensive but wherever she goes it has got to be at least a further 500 a month right ?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleep123 Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Well I take complete exception to that .... Rant over! I am sorry Harwel I did tell you I was in a grumpy cynical mood when I posted! I am not questioning your integrity but as a tax accountant you would be aware that paye income is as stated whereas there can be element of manipulation for those running their own business. I suppose the point I was attempting to make before offending you was that in an ideal world it would be nice if training was offered to those based on their ability but sadly we do not live in that world! I agree Anna C it is a struggle regardless of who or what you are unless you happen to have won the lottery...here's hoping! I take off my hat to those of you who follow this route and allow their DC to pursue their dreams. I will go back to the sidelines and remember not to post late on a Friday night having had too much wine following a day with my nagging Dd asking me why she can't go to a vocational school!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Hi Anna Dd has applied for RBS, Elmhurst, Northern, Tring, BTUK, Central and Kate Simmonds Very worried about the schools she has applied for that does not have on site accommodation so to speak as I'm not sure how she would cope, which is another worry. She is my little girl after all and the thought of her leaving home and living in a shared flat and looking after herself fills me with dread ! The financial side of things are tough, we are middle class earners with 3 other children to consider, we would fit into the DaDa scale if she was lucky enough to get one but still have to find over 5000 pound a year which in itself would be just about doable now I've added up actually how much a year we spend already on classes, associates EYB etc, but it's the accommodation costs, I think Tring seems to be the most expensive but wherever she goes it has got to be at least a further 500 a month right ?. No, I think you'd be looking at minimum 385-400 going by the BTUK website which has a section on accommodation. When dd was auditioning we ruled out boarding at Tring and would probably have looked at finding a host family there. For Central we could never have afforded Student Castle etc so considered commuting from home. Elmhurst accommodation is lovely but I couldn't get any info at the time about how much they charge for The Elms? RBS has Wolf House at the moment and I think Northern has student accommodation. It would definitely be worth investigating host families. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harwel Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 No offence taken sleep123. Comments just a little sweeping I thought. So few dance students will actually make a career of it and in all honesty, talent isn't the highest factor on the list! Flexible Fred, have you considered RCS? Degree course with student finance, accommodation seems much cheaper and connected to a company. It would certainly be on my list if DS wasn't holding onto his MDS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingDays Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 I am sorry Harwel I did tell you I was in a grumpy cynical mood when I posted! I am not questioning your integrity but as a tax accountant you would be aware that paye income is as stated whereas there can be element of manipulation for those running their own business. I suppose the point I was attempting to make before offending you was that in an ideal world it would be nice if training was offered to those based on their ability but sadly we do not live in that world! I agree Anna C it is a struggle regardless of who or what you are unless you happen to have won the lottery...here's hoping! I take off my hat to those of you who follow this route and allow their DC to pursue their dreams. I will go back to the sidelines and remember not to post late on a Friday night having had too much wine following a day with my nagging Dd asking me why she can't go to a vocational school!! Wow! And yet even in your apology you continue to suggest that the "self-employed" manipulate their income!! I am another extremely hard working parent who took the decision to give up self-employment for the security of employed income to ensure my DD's school fees can be paid and I completely resent both your posts. Anna C, I wholeheartedly endorse your comment that posts relating to income often make others cross.... Sleep123 - No-one has the super-natural power to know another person's circumstances, financial or otherwise and to make sweeping generalisations with regard to "it would be nice if training was offered to those based on their ability" once again makes me mad enough to post! The insinuation that children who can pay are not talented is not acceptable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Autumn days Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Training IS offered based on their ability. With dadas the applicants are ranked in 'ability' order, a place is then offered and it is up to the individual family to decide if they can afford it or not. If not, the place is then offered to the next person on the list and so on. If you do not qualify you are still ranked in the same way. For schools that offer student loans then it is assumed that everyone from the UK qualifies for them and places a awarded on merit. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 I agree, muminaspin. Folks, I don't want to have to lock the thread, but can we please stick to discussing accommodation costs and options. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 My heart really does go out to everyone who has to struggle with this whole finance thing. One of my children is at uni (not dancing) and he has a part time job which just about covers his rent and bus pass (he's not entitled to maintenance loan/grant) we help out where we can, but there is no way we'd be able to cover everything. As another poster has said, do enquire about bursaries, even if they are small - every little helps. I would also suggest checking out the European options if you'd feel ok with your child living and training abroad. Good Luck and if it's any comfort - you're not alone. X 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleep123 Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 Wow! And yet even in your apology you continue to suggest that the "self-employed" manipulate their income!! I am another extremely hard working parent who took the decision to give up self-employment for the security of employed income to ensure my DD's school fees can be paid and I completely resent both your posts. Anna C, I wholeheartedly endorse your comment that posts relating to income often make others cross.... Sleep123 - No-one has the super-natural power to know another person's circumstances, financial or otherwise and to make sweeping generalisations with regard to "it would be nice if training was offered to those based on their ability" once again makes me mad enough to post! The insinuation that children who can pay are not talented is not acceptable! Last post I am done - you are totally incorrect that I had made that insinuation. All places are offered entirely on merit I think you would agree with that I was just saying it would then be great for all them to be able to take up those places regardless of family income and the gov subsidies made more accessible to all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 (edited) I think the difference between day and boarding at sixth form at Elmhurst is roughly £2000 per term. Edited to add so the fees for The Elms are approx £2000 per term, including meals in school, laundry facilities but still no wifi! Edited October 31, 2015 by Jane 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 No WiFi? Good grief!!! Incidentally, both DH and I are self-employed and we would like to reassure everyone that neither of us has yet resorted to committing fraud!!!!! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 There is no wifi at all at Hammond either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Autumn days Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Has anyone ever stopped to think how incredibly lucky "we" are that any government funding is available at all? Apart from professions supported by MDS and Dadas can anyone think of a single other career where the government pays for people to train form the age of 11? 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piccolo Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Well the government pays for a comprehensive education, Why shouldn't the arts be included in that too? In other countries a dance education and a music education is as accessible as any other education and to everyone, whatever their financial circumstances. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Autumn days Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 And what about those that want to be footballers, swimmers, gymnasts, cricketers, sailors, artists...........the list is endless. where is the government support for them at age 11 and in specialist institutions? I think the point I am making is that people are cross that isn't available rather than grateful that it is available to anyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now