Bursaries for low-income families
For low-income or those experiencing financial difficulties
What’s Included
As a recipient you are eligible to access:
- Free or discounted places in our ensembles, groups and choir
- Free places at our summer school, activity or workshop
Please note that discounted access to music lessons is NOT included
Who is this bursary for?
This bursary is for Primary and Secondary aged children from low-income families or those whose family financial circumstances present a barrier to accessing music education.
Bands for discount
- Combined household income of £30,000 or less – Free ensemble places
- Combined household income of £35,000 – 50% discount on lessons
- Combined household income of £40,000 – 25% discount on lessons
How to apply for the bursary
For ensembles, choirs or groups
- Apply for an ensemble, choir or group through Bristol Beacon on SpeedAdmin
- Read the terms and conditions and information under the ‘Ensembles Discount’ heading
- Complete the application questions and include your supporting evidence of income/benefits. Evidence might include:
- Photocopies of letters and statements from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) detailing the benefit awarded
- Photocopies of letters and statements from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) detailing the benefit awarded
- Proof of free school meals
- We will review your application and if successful your bursary will be applied to your SpeedAdmin account
Please note:
- Supporting evidence of income/benefits will be requested annually. Please see below for list of accepted evidence.
- Applications can be made at any point during the year.
- Bursaries and discounts are dependent on the availability of funds so apply early to avoid disappointment.
For a workshop
Free places are available on some workshops (eg Primary Orchestra Workshop).
Please contact us via bookings@bristolbeacon.org to find out more about applying for a free place.
Supporting evidence
Please note that the following evidence is required when applying for an EHCP means-tested bursary for music lessons, or for ensembles bursaries available to low-income families.
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit AND have a gross annual household income of no more than £25,000
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit (screenshot of all pages)
- Free School Meals (in the form of a letter or email from childs school – evidence of Pupil Premium will not be accepted)
- 3x monthly wage slips
- P60
- Tax letter from accountant if self-employed
Music lesson & Ensemble Fees
Music lesson & Ensemble Fees
View our standard fees for individual or group music lessons and ensembles, groups and choirs.
Contact us
Are you a parent, guardian or teacher looking to find out more about our music lessons, ensembles, bursaries and schools support packages?
Please get in touch with our Music Education team via bookings@bristolbeacon.org to find out more.
If you require assistance in completing a bursary or lesson/ensemble application, we are more than happy to help too.
Join an Ensemble
Join an Ensemble
Join one of our ensembles, groups or choirs for ages 7 – 18 and begin your musical journey with us today.
Instrument Hire
Instrument Hire
We offer a wide range of instruments for young musicians to hire with bursaries and financial support available.
Bursaries & Discounts
Bursaries & Discounts
financial support for individuals and schools, including bursaries, discounts and payment plans for those who are eligible.