Dance School Bursary

Find out more about our bursary below.

Dance School Bursary

The Dance School Bursary is generously supported by The Royal Academy of Dance Patrons’ Circle.

A bursary scheme is available to financially support young dancers who are Wandsworth residents for RAD Dance School classes.

An application submitted as an email attachment via danceschool@rad.org.uk will be considered for the following bursary:

  • One Academic Year of Dance School fees for one RAD Dance School class

We encourage applications for the upcoming academic year (2024-25) to be made by 7 August 2024.

Dance School Bursary Application Pack

Dance School Bursary Selection criteria

Each bursary will be awarded based on the selection panel’s judgement. Selections will be based solely on the evidence presented in the letter. Applications can be made at any time, but will be reviewed and awarded at the start of each academic year.

The total number of bursaries is subject to change on an annual basis and is dependent on available spaces in each of the respective classes.

In the application letter, applicants should be able to demonstrate that their young dancer is:

  • Under the age of 18 and in full time education.
  • Are enthusiastic, energetic and determined to participate in dance
  • Have a strong commitment to self-development
  • Possess good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Take a proactive and committed approach to their dancing
  • Are highly motivated
  • Are keen to succeed

In the application letter, applicants should explain how receiving a bursary would support their child in attending dance classes at RAD Dance School. You should disclose personal financial circumstances if you or your child represents a barrier to participation in dance classes. In addition to financial barriers, you should also disclose any cultural, physical or other needs that might preclude your child from participating in dance. We wish to open up opportunities to dance – therefore we would like to know what obstacles you face that do not allow your child to participate in dance classes.

Dance School Bursary Application process

The bursary selection process will be administered within the Dance School prior to the start of each academic year.

It will not be possible to defer this bursary, although applicants are welcome to apply again in the future, regardless of the outcome of previous applications.

Bursaries will only be awarded to young dancers under the age of 18, applications for anyone over the age of 18 will not be considered.

You must submit your application in English, however, in making its decisions, the selection panel will take into account that English may not be your first language (please ensure this is communicated within your application).

Decisions are made at the discretion of the Dance School at the RAD. The RAD’s choice of bursary recipient/s is final. No feedback will be provided.

Bursary application letters should be submitted by email to danceschool@rad.org.uk

  • Please save each file in the following format before submission: <<nameapplication.doc>>
    e.g. if your name is John Smith, save your file as: John_Smith_application.doc
  • Please include <<RAD Dance School Bursary Scheme>> in the email subject heading.

This bursary scheme is open on a rolling basis for the upcoming academic year of RAD Dance School dance classes. Applications are not carried over from previous entries; a new application must be submitted for each year of the bursary.

For successful bursary recipients, in order to maintain eligibility for the next academic year, applicants must continue to demonstrate financial need, maintain an impeccable attendance record and demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to their work.

We prefer to receive application letters by email, however, if you would prefer to send a paper copy of your application, please send it to the address below:

RAD Dance School
RAD Dance School Bursary Scheme Application,
Royal Academy of Dance,
188 York Road,
London SW11 3JZ.
United Kingdom

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