Instrumental Exams FAQ

Why are Initial to Grade 3 exams not subsidised for non-Music centre members?

SIPS Music and Arts are very proud to offer internal assessments for all instruments up to grade 3. These follow a similar structure and mark scheme to the Trinity College London external exams. We therefore encourage pupils at this level to take advantage of this offer and this is why there is no subsidy offered at this level (unless they attend music centre). In some circumstances teachers may recommend that a pupil takes an external exam at an earlier grade (e.g. when a pupil is moving to a school out of the borough).

Which category do you fall under?

Standard fee.

This applies to the following candidates:

• Candidates who are applying to the West Bromwich centre as a public centre (not taught through SIPS or involved with one of our Music Centres.)
• SIPS Music and Arts candidates taking initial to grade 3 who don’t attend a music centre (these pupils usually take internal exams)

Cost with SIPS Bursary

This 20% bursary applies to SIPS Music and Arts candidates taking grades 4-8 who do not attend a music centre group.

Cost with additional Friends of SIPS Music and Arts grant.

This £10 reduction applies to the following candidates:

• SIPS Music and Arts candidates who fall into the standard fee category (initial to grade 3) but who also attend a music centre.
• Candidates eligible for the SIPS bursary category (grades 4-8) who also attend a music centre.
• This includes pupils who may now have gone to a non-Sandwell secondary school but still attend a SIPS Music Centre group.

Cost to CIC and FSM pupils

This 50% bursary applies to the following candidates:

• Candidates who are in care.
• Candidates who receive free school meals.

Accompanist fee waiver

This applies to SIPS music and Arts candidates at any grade, who attend a SIPS Music Centre group.

If you have any queries, please email on music.arts@sips.co.uk or phone 01212963000

Why do we require gender and ethnicity on the entry form?

We must occasionally report this data to Arts Council England. No names are used when submitting this data. It is used to gauge our impact and uptake.