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The audition stage

Once you've decided on a course, contact the school to ask for an audition and tell them that you want to apply for an award. The school may send you an application form to complete and return.

Since demand for this type of training is high, it's best to get in touch well with the school well in advance.

Dance and Drama Awards are given to the students who show the most talent at the audition stage, regardless of their financial circumstances.

If you've applied before

Once you've accepted a Dance and Drama Award, you won't be able to apply again except in very rare circumstances - so it’s important to make sure you've chosen the right school and course before accepting.

If you've received an Award before and you're applying again, you must inform the school you're applying to and tell them why. A second Award is only given in exceptional cases, so it's unlikely that your application will be successful unless you were forced to stop your previous training through no fault of your own - for example, through illness or injury.

You won't be able to apply for a second Award if you’ve completed the course for which you got your first Award, or if the first and second Awards combined would last for more than four years.

You can still apply for a Dance and Drama Award if you've already had a different form of financial help to do a further or higher education course.

Applying for help with fees and living costs

When you apply to one of the schools for a Dance and Drama Award, they should also send you an application form for help with living costs.

You'll have to apply every year for this additional help. If you do receive extra money, it will be split into three payments. You'll get these at the start of each term.

If you disagree with a decision

If your application for an Award is unsuccessful, you may want to appeal. You'll need to write to the school you applied to for an explanation.

Even if you don't receive a Dance or Drama Award, you may still be allowed to study at the school or college of your choice - but you'll have to pay the tuition fees yourself. However, if you're over 18 you may be able to take out a Professional and Career Development Loan.

Claims for help with living costs are assessed by the Learner Support service. If you receive an Award but think you're getting less help with living costs than you're entitled to, contact the helpline to find out how to appeal.

• Professional and Career Development Loans

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

Not satisfied with how your application was handled?

If you're not completely satisfied with how your application was handled, contact the Learner Support helpline. It's staffed by advisers who will be happy to help solve your problem.

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

If you're disabled

If you're disabled, you may be entitled to extra financial help.

• More on education and learning (disabled people section)

Further information

If you have any questions about the scheme, contact the Learner Support helpline.

• Contact the Learner Support helpline

Useful contacts

• Careers Helpline for Young People

• Dance and Drama contacts

• 14 to 19 contacts