This scheme helps especially gifted children and young people to develop their talents in music, sport and the performing arts.

Grants may be awarded to assist with ongoing costs such as sports coaching, advanced music lessons and school or college fees, or one-off items, for example to purchase a musical instrument or sports equipment. All grants are income-assessed and candidates are expected to apply for all other sources of funding available such as grants, scholarships and sponsorship.

Support is agreed for a set period of time, subject to an annual review of the family’s income and confirmation that the candidate’s talent continues to develop. School or college fees will only be considered for specialist institutions, such as the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the Royal Academy of Dance, or for Public Schools that have a national reputation in a particular field, such as Millfield for sport or Wells Cathedral School for music. In most cases, parents/guardians will be expected to make a contribution towards their child’s fees.

Recommended Deadline

Following receipt of your application, the candidate may be asked to complete a personal statement explaining their career aspirations, and to obtain a reference from their coach or tutor. You may also be visited at your home by one of the Trust’s Welfare Advisers. Although all applications are dealt with as soon as possible, the application process can sometimes be lengthy. All decisions on applications are made by the Trust’s Petitions Committee which meets four times a year.

If you are applying for assistance with the cost of school or university fees, or require a decision before the start of the academic year in September, please submit your application form to the Trust as soon as possible, preferably by the end of April of the year in which the course starts. If your form is received later, your application may not be considered before the beginning of the academic year.

Download a TalentAid information sheet

For further information email petitions@rmtgb.org

Download a TalentAid application form