Wells Cathedral School Specialist Music Scholarships
Wells Cathedral School
Apply NowReady to lift your music career? Audition for Wells Cathedral School’s Specialist Music Scholarships to train with top tutors, gain performance experience, and boost uni or conservatoire prospects - plus possible DfE-funded MDS support or school awards.
Wells Cathedral School runs a Specialist Music Scholarships scheme offering two main awards: the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) grant (DfE-funded) and the schools own Music Scholarships. Talented young musicians are encouraged to audition for the specialist music scheme; successful applicants may be offered a specialist place and, depending on eligibility and means-testing, an MDS grant or a school scholarship.
Music Scholarships are discretionary awards and in some cases can be combined with means-tested bursaries. MDS grants are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of tuition, boarding and music tuition fees; parental contributions are calculated using DfE income scales and an annual grant application (normally completed in May or June) determines the level of support.
MDS eligibility requires applicants to be awarded a Specialist music place and to meet residence requirements (typically two years UK residence preceding 1 January of the year the place is taken up), with specific rules for UK citizens living abroad. The number of grants and scholarships is limited and some applicants awarded specialist places may not receive financial awards.
For details about auditions and the application process, applicants should visit the school's Music page and contact Admissions for further information.
Open Morning (7 March 2026)
Academic year 2025/26 (MDS Grant recipients / fee table)
Location
- Applicants must be awarded a Specialist music place to be eligible for MDS grants.
- Music Scholarships are for candidates awarded the status of Specialist or Special Provision Musician who are ineligible for or not awarded an MDS grant.
- Pupils must be aged between 8 and 18 years to be eligible for the MDS grant.
- Pupils must have been resident in the UK for at least two calendar years (January to December) preceding 1 January of the year in which the place is taken up; special rules apply to UK citizens living abroad.
- MDS grants are means-tested; parental contributions are calculated according to DfE income scales.
- MDS grants are limited in number and are not available to those applying for a place as a chorister with the Wells Cathedral Choir.
Music Scholarships: typically a 10% reduction of tuition fees (awarded at the school's discretion; in certain circumstances these can be combined with means-tested bursaries). Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) grants: means-tested grants worth up to 100% of tuition, boarding and music tuition fees (parental contribution varies by relevant income according to DfE scales).
Comments
Loading comments...