Norfolk County Youth Orchestra – Spring residential 2026

Applicants should have reached at least Grade 6 on their instrument, which should be demonstrated via the answers on their application form and at audition. 

Membership of NCYO will be subject to a successful audition. Details on application.

NCYO bursaries are means tested and open to students who can demonstrate real financial need.

Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student living in a household with a residual income of less that £47,000 may apply. The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £2,355 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.

To apply for a bursary for NCYO, simply fill out our application form and tick the relevant box in the finance and fees section.

1. What grades are required to join?
NCYO Rise: Grades 1–3, any instrument
NCYO Springboard: Grades 4–6
Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO): Advanced players (around Grade 7+); an audition may be required

2. Is there an option for NCYO Rise students to stay as residential?
NCYO Rise students in Year 6 and above may attend as residential students. The fee for this option is £575. All other NCYO Rise students will attend as day students only.

3. What are the rehearsal times for NCYO Rise students?
NCYO Rise students rehearse from 10am–3pm, Monday to Wednesday, at City of Norwich School. On Thursday (concert day), rehearsals take place at St Peter Mancroft from 10am–3pm. Parents who have not booked wraparound care will be required to collect their child at 3pm and return at 5.30pm, ready for the pre-concert performance at 6pm, followed by the main concert at 7pm.

4. What if my child hasn’t officially taken the grade required?
That’s absolutely fine. Placement is based on playing ability rather than exam certificates. Please indicate your child’s approximate level on the application form.

5. Does my child need to audition?
No formal audition is required for this course. We use the information provided on the application form to place students in the most suitable group. New students wishing to join the senior NCYO group may be asked to attend an informal audition before or at the start of the course.

6. How will I know which group my child is in?
Groups (NCYO, Springboard, or Rise) are confirmed before the course begins, based on playing level.

7. Can my child attend as a day student rather than residential?
Yes. A day rate is available for students who do not wish to attend as residential. Please contact lynne.wright@gsmd.ac.uk to enquire.

8. How many students share a dormitory at Eaton Vale?
Dormitories in Iceni House typically accommodate 6–10 students in bunk beds, grouped by age and gender.

9. What about food — are meals provided?
Yes. All meals are included and freshly prepared for students on the residential option. We cater for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly diets. NCYO Rise day students may either bring a packed lunch or pay a small additional charge for a simple packed lunch.

10. My child is a fussy eater — what happens?
Please let us know in advance, with as much detail as possible, and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate preferences. Staff support students at mealtimes, and we stay in close contact with families if any concerns arise.

11. How do you handle allergies?
All dietary requirements are collected in advance, and the catering team follows strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

12. What if my child becomes upset or homesick?
Our experienced pastoral team is available 24/7 to support students. We’ll contact you if needed and work closely with you to reassure your child.

13. Can my child bring a mobile phone?
Yes, but phone use is limited. NCYO Rise students should keep phones in their bags at all times, except for Year 6+ residential students, who may use phones at the residential centre. Students may ask a tutor for permission to contact home if needed. While phones can be reassuring, we encourage students to focus on music-making, socialising, and enjoying the course.

14. How is travel arranged?
Coach transport is provided between rehearsal venues and Eaton Vale for all residential students and is fully supervised by staff.

15. Where will instruments be stored, and are they secure?
Large instruments will be stored either at City of Norwich School or at the residential centre. Small instruments and valuables remain the student’s responsibility at all times. At the concert venue, a locked and supervised room will be available during breaks.

16. Can students leave the centre during breaks?
Students must remain on site at all times, except on concert day when students with written parental permission may go into the city under agreed arrangements. Students aged 18 must also remain on site unless arrangements have been agreed in advance.

17. How do we pay the fees?
We aim to be as flexible as possible. Fees can be paid in full or in instalments, If you would like to arrange a payment plan, please let us know, the final payment would be due by 13 March.

18. Are bursaries available?

Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student living in a household with a residual income* of less that £47,000 may apply.

*The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £2,355 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.

19. What is your cancellation policy?

• A full refund is available if you cancel more than 14 days before the course begins.
• A 50% refund is available if you cancel less than 14 days but more than 7 days before the start of the course.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds with less than 7 days’ notice, unless there are exceptional circumstances and this is agreed at the discretion of the Head of Centre.

20. When is the closing date?
The closing date for applications is 21 February 2026