Support to match your circumstances
We have learned that in practice equal access does not lead to equal opportunities. We want to facilitate equitable access across our work, reflecting individual circumstances and providing support proportionally, so everyone gets the right support for them and fair access to opportunity.
Our means-tested tiered bursary system is designed to match support for families with their circumstances. This is part of NPC’s wider Access Scheme which supports discounted and free places as well as more proactive solutions like travel bursaries and additional support. NPC also launched our Instrument Loan Scheme to provide young people with equitable access to pipes and drums.
Keep reading to find out more about the support available, our criteria, and how to apply.
Find out more about why we’re moving from free-for-all to fair-for-all.
Ensembles Fees 2025-6
Fees can be paid either in a single payment or in five equal monthly instalments over the course. Please read on to see if you qualify for reduced fees.
Thanks to funding from Creative Scotland, every place in NYPBS is already subsidised. This means all participants benefit from reduced costs, and we’re able to offer real value through high-quality tuition, creative workshops, and major performance opportunities.
Free Places
You may be eligible for a fully funded place if your total household income before tax is £25,000 or less, or if you are:
In foster care or under the care of a local authority
Receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, or Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
Receiving Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
Supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A recipient of the Young Carer Grant
Receiving Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) with a household income below £16,105
Receiving both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, with a household income up to £7,500
Reduced Fees
If your total household income before tax is £55,000 or less, you may qualify for a reduced fee:
£25,000–£35,000: 80% bursary
£35,000–£45,000: 60% bursary
£45,000–£55,000: 30% bursary
Family Discounts
Families with at least two children participating in NYPBS Ensembles will receive those two places for £585. This discount is limited to two places, however we hope that if you have more than two children participating that this will still be helpful.
This discount is distinct from our bursary system, but rather a discounted payment option outwith our Access Scheme and can be accessed by any elligible families as part of the mainstream payment mechanism.
Discretionary Bursaries
If you do not meet the criteria as outlined above but are facing different financial barriers, or you wish to apply for additional support, please apply using the form below and provide as much detail about your circumstances. For example, you may be a young musician who is self-funding the fees without the support of your family.
Other Support
We know fees are not the only potential barrier to accessing NYPBS. If you’re facing unaffordable travel costs, or are worried about something like the costs of additional time with a carer please apply for support using the form below and provide as much detail about your circumstances as possible and what support you feel would be most helpful for you.
Ready to Apply ?
Applications for support, including reduced fees and free places, are made through NPC’s Access Scheme via the form below.
Applications must be submitted before DATE in order to be eligible for reduced fees and free places. Other support, like travel bursaries may be implemented at any time throughout the programme.
Find out more about the NPC Access Scheme here.