Wow @horseymum I didn't realise that kids moved up in June - though I knew holidays were different in Scotland (DH is from Edinburgh originally). Very busy here in England too, though only another full week before half term.
DS submitted his NYO form this week, and is working on the video audition still. I think he's much more likely to get offered Inspire, but his teacher is keen that he tries for NYO as well.
His school doesn't have any music groups meeting after Easter as they need the big spaces for exam venues so the orchestra, wind band etc don't have anywhere to rehearse. There is a school music competition, so he's entering that on both bassoon and violin. There's also a county competition that he's going in for, through our local Music Trust, and he's in Young Sinfonia which has some concerts at our local concert hall in the summer. He's in county orchestra and windband too, so plenty of music going on one way or another. He has his final NCO residential in the summer holidays and is sad that he won't see those friends again as they all seem to be from London-ish.
Thankfully no music exams being taken this term, but he is doing his D of E bronze expedition next week. I am trying to take a hard line on him being responsible for his own packing and making a list of what he needs. I'm taking him to the shops tonight to buy what's needed, so hopefully he's made a good list!
D of E seems to be at least as much work for parents as for the kids, at least at DS's school. We've had to help him figure out what will work for the different categories of requirements, then take him to the right places for the different weekly things and help him sort out getting the forms signed etc. I'm keen that he does something extracurricular that's not music, but am secretly hoping he doesn't want to go on to do Silver next year!
Good luck to all those with exams and with applications pending!