Kenton Youth FAQs
Does my child have to audition for Kenton Youth?
No. Kenton Youth is open to young people in Years 5 to 11 from all backgrounds and experience levels.
No auditions. No experience needed.
My child has been ill, can I get a refund for the session they missed?
As fees are charged per term rather than per session, we are unable to offer refunds for individual missed sessions.
For longer absences or exceptional circumstances, please contact the Education Team at education@thekenton.org.uk.
Can my child start halfway through a term?
Young people can usually join Kenton Youth up to the third week of each term, subject to availability. After this point, we normally recommend joining at the beginning of the following term.
Please contact the Education Team at education@thekenton.org.uk to discuss availability.
What is the latest date I can sign my child up for the Arts Award?
Young people taking part in Kenton Youth can choose to work towards an Arts Award qualification alongside their weekly sessions.
Children in Years 5 and 6 can work towards Arts Award Explore, while young people aged 11 plus can work towards Bronze Arts Award.
As Arts Award requires a set number of guided learning hours, the registration deadline for the 2026/27 academic year is Monday 26 October 2026.
Find out more about Arts Award at Kenton Youth here.
How do I book Arts Award?
Arts Award is an optional part of the Kenton Youth programme.
Young people in Years 5 and 6 can work towards Arts Award Explore, while young people aged 11 plus can work towards Bronze Arts Award.
If your child is already registered for Kenton Youth and would like to take part in Arts Award, please contact the Education Team at education@thekenton.org.uk, who will arrange the booking and payment.
You can find out more about Arts Award at Kenton Youth on our Arts Award page.
Can I sit in on a session with my child?
Parents and carers are not able to stay during sessions. We find that young people settle more quickly, engage more fully and build confidence more easily when taking part independently.
What if my child has additional needs or needs extra support?
Kenton Youth is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all young people.
When registering, please share any additional needs, medical information or support requirements that may help us understand how best to support your child.
Our team will work with families wherever possible to make reasonable adjustments and help young people take part safely, confidently and fully in the programme.
If you would like to discuss your child’s needs before joining, please contact the Education Team at education@thekenton.org.uk.
Is there financial support available for this programme?
Yes. Every young person deserves somewhere to belong, and we never want financial circumstances to prevent someone from taking part.
Thanks to support from South Oxfordshire District Council, up to eight fully funded bursary places are available for the first year of Kenton Youth.
Bursaries are available to support families and young people who may otherwise face financial barriers to taking part. Every application will be considered with care, sensitivity and discretion against the bursary criteria.
If you would like to apply for a bursary place for your child, please complete our Bursary Form here.
Where do sessions take place?
Kenton Youth is based at The Kenton Theatre.
As The Kenton is a working professional theatre, some sessions may take place at an alternative venue in Henley town centre when the theatre is being used for a performance or event.
Families will receive full details of session dates and venues before the start of each term
What is your notice and cancellation policy?
Parents and carers should provide half a term’s written notice if a participant wishes to leave Kenton Youth.
Written notice should be sent to the Programme Administrator at education@thekenton.org.uk.
Fees already paid are generally non-refundable unless exceptional circumstances apply. Kenton Youth may waive the notice requirement in circumstances involving safeguarding, medical or family circumstances.
Arts Award fees are non-refundable.
If a participant withdraws during a rehearsal or performance period, costume or production costs may still apply where these costs have already been committed.
What should my child wear and bring to sessions?
Young people should wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear that allows them to move freely and take part safely in practical activities.
They should also bring a named water bottle to each session.
Please avoid open-toed shoes, restrictive clothing or anything that may be unsafe during movement-based activities.
If you have any further questions please email education@thekenton.org.uk
