So, not strictly secondary education, but I know I'll get good advice here.
DD is in Y12, and the subject of post-18 is naturally coming up. She is hoping to take an acting degree at a university or college with great industry links.
I've just spent the afternoon trying to understand what financial help is available at 18+ for full-time Acting courses.
From what I can understand, some courses are run through universities and with them you get the full student loan for the tuition fees of >£9,250, plus a maintenance loan, the actual amount of which is dependent on family income, (Eg Guildford School of Acting)
But, if its a private provider, and if it's validated by a University, you can apply for a (reduced) student loan of £6,155 towards the (more expensive) tuition fees, then bank of mum and dad pay the rest. Can you still apply for a means tested maintenance loan?
And how is is that (eg) Mountview can only give access to the reduced loan, but (eg) Italia Conti students will be able to access the full loan?
And DaDa funding leaves a massive gap where part of the tuition fees are paid, but unless you're on a very low income, there's nothing available towards maintenance costs!
My head is spinning!
Please can someone tell me I've misunderstood and that DD will be able to access high quality professional training without us having to downsize to a tent in the park to pay for it!