How To Apply

Join the English Schools' Orchestra

Admission is by online application and teacher recommendation. You need to be aged 13-18, Grade 8 standard or above. Applications for 2026 are open now. To apply please complete the online application form.

The ESO Experience

Our annual orchestra course takes place during the October half-term and centres around a five-day residential course, culminating in a public concert on the final afternoon. During the week, students rehearse a carefully selected programme of challenging orchestral repertoire, supported by sectional coaching and full rehearsals led by a team of experienced professional tutors.

The course concludes with a performance in a leading national venue. Recent concerts have taken place at St John’s Smith Square, the Southbank Centre, and Cadogan Hall, giving students the opportunity to perform in inspiring professional settings.

Music for the annual concert is always chosen to stretch and inspire young musicians. The rehearsal process is carefully structured to ensure that ambitious repertoire is approached with confidence, supported by expert tuition and a strong sense of ensemble teamwork.

Why Apply?

Taking part in the English Schools’ Orchestra is about far more than a single performance. Students develop their orchestral technique, musical understanding, and independence, while forming friendships with like-minded musicians from across the country. Many participants describe the course as a highlight of their musical education.

You can explore examples of recent concerts and repertoire on our website to gain a sense of the breadth and ambition of ESO programmes.

Bursaries

We are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent talented young musicians from taking part in the English Schools’ Orchestra. A range of bursaries is available, including support for Surrey-based students and assistance through our charitable partners. Please visit our Bursaries page for full details and application guidance.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for 2026 are open now. To apply please complete the online application form. If you have any questions about the application process, the course, or suitability, please contact us using the details on our contact page, or submit an online enquiry.

Further information, including FAQs, can be found below.

Further Information

  • Deadlines for Applications for the 2026 Course

    Once the application process opens, applications can be made at any time. All applications must be completed online via the English Schools’ Orchestra (ESO) website. No audition is required; however, students must be of at least Grade 8 standard (Grade 7 Strings) and we reserve the right to request a teacher recommendation.

    Current ESO players will be given priority acceptance until 12th April 2026 (the end of the Easter holidays). Applications will then remain open to everyone until 30th June 2026, after which any remaining places will be offered to fill outstanding gaps where necessary. A £150 deposit is required within 14 days of being offered a place, and the remaining balance must be paid by 1st September 2026, although it may be settled at any time before then.

  • Fees for the 2026 Course

    Fees for the 2026 course: Residential Course Fee £620, Non-residential £410.

    The residential course fees are inclusive of all tuition, full board, accommodation and the use of social and sporting facilities at the school, as per the schedule for the course.

    Non-residential course fees are inclusive of all tuition, full cooked lunch and refreshments.

    While non-residential options are available for local students, we strongly encourage full participation in the residential programme to make the most of this immersive experience.

    A deposit of £150 is payable within 14 days of acceptance to the course.

    The balance of all fees (less any bursary award) is due by 01 Sept 2026. If the balance remains unpaid after that date, we reserve the right to offer your placement to another student, unless a prior agreement has been made with the ESO accounts team regarding your final payment.

    Once paid, all fees are non-refundable save at the absolute discretion of the ESO. It is advisable to take out your own personal insurance to cover this eventuality. Please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy for further details.

    The ESO reserves the right to cancel the course in the event of unforeseen circumstances, in which case all money will be refunded.

  • Bursaries

    We're thrilled to have received a grant from the Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust to support Surrey young musicians attending this year’s English Schools’ Orchestra course.

    We also have other opportunities for bursaries - please contact us for full details.

  • Programme

    Whilst the programme details are published in good faith, the ESO reserves the right to make any necessary changes to repertoire and artists if circumstances require. Such changes shall not be deemed as sufficient reason for any player to withdraw from the course. Refunds of fees are only made if the course does not run.

  • Insurance

    The insurance of personal possessions, including musical instruments, is a parental responsibility. The ESO and members of staff cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage and parents are advised to ensure that their insurance cover is adequate.

    All personal items should be clearly marked with the owner’s name.

    Personal accident insurance is recommended as extracurricular activities, however well supervised, inevitably carry a small risk of accidental injury.

  • Concert Dress

    Please make sure you dress carefully and appropriately for concerts, taking care to look neat, tidy and professional. Concert day dress code is all black with the following guidelines;

    Option 1:

    Black blouse or dress (no bare shoulders)
    Ankle length black skirt or loose black trousers
    Black shoes and black tights or black socks (no bare feet)

    Option 2:

    Black long-sleeved shirt
    Black trousers
    Black shoes and black socks (no bare feet)

  • Transport

    Transport to the rehearsal venue in time for the start of the course is a parental responsibility, as is the collection of participants at the end of the concert on Sunday 1 November 2026.

    Travel for all students (residential and non-residential) from Woldingham School to Milton Court, London on Sunday 1 November 2026 is included in the course fee.

    Seatbelts, where fitted in any vehicle, must be worn as a condition of travel.

  • Medical Matters

    There is first aid trained staff on site and available at all times during the course.

    It is essential that we are fully informed in advance of the course, on the Personal Information Form, of any medical requirements, medication etc and of any other issues in general which might affect the well-being of the student. Failure to do so, and which in the opinion of the pastoral staff is prejudicial to the welfare of the child or of other course members, may result in the child being asked to leave the course. In such cases no refund of fees will be made.

    Our pastoral staff are able to look after and dispense medication if required and parents will also be asked in advance of the course for permission to dispense common household medication e.g. painkillers.

  • Expectations

    There will be a small number of house rules which must be observed to ensure the smooth running of the course and the well-being of all participants.

    It is important that all students enjoy the course and are able to give of their best.

    Possession or use of any form of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances is not permitted and infringement will inevitably lead to exclusion from the course, without any refund of fees.

    The ESO reserves the right to exclude any student whose behaviour is unacceptable or disruptive or who is unable to comply with instructions given by staff. In such circumstances, no refund will be available and any associated costs, such as transport home, will be a parental responsibility.

    Deliberate or reckless damage of ESO/venue's property will be charged to parents.

    In order to ensure continuity and to maintain the high standards of the Orchestra, students are expected to attend the entire course. Absence from rehearsals will not be permitted unless requested upon acceptance of your placement on the course. Any absence on the course will be granted at the absolute discretion of the ESO.

  • Communication During the Course

    Contact telephone numbers for pastoral staff will be issued at the start of the course.

    Mobile phones are permitted but they must be switched off during rehearsals and between 10:00pm and 7:00am. Misuse will result in confiscation.

  • Residential Matters

    Accommodation for our residential students is in purpose-built boarding houses, generally in multi-bedded dormitories. Wherever possible we try to meet requests for room sharing. Pastoral staff stay onsite during the course and all have DBS clearance.

    Evening meals are taken together, and food is provided by the catering team, who are well used to catering for special dietary requirements. We can only cater for dietary requirements if we know about them so please ensure details are completed on the Personal Information Form for each child.

  • Publicity

    Photographs are taken and video/audio recordings made during the course.

    These are used only for archive and publicity purposes. Individual players are never identified. However, we recognise that, for a variety of reasons, it may not be appropriate for some children to feature in such photos or recordings and there is an opportunity to opt out on the Personal Information Form.

    Please contact us if you have any concerns.

For more questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.