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ABRSM Exams Discount Scheme

SoundStorm are excited to announce that we are trialling the ABRSM Exam Discount Scheme for the academic year 2026-7. SoundStorm does not run as a traditional music service, offering peripatetic lessons for example, which would make this process very simple, however, we have been in discussion with ABRSM over summer 2026 and have devised a way to be able to access this grant, through our member schools. For the Autumn and Spring term 2026-7, we are initially going to be trialling this via one of our joint Lead Schools, Twynham School, who are experienced at running ABRSM exams on a Private Visit basis.  

The ABRSM Exam Discount Scheme is designed to ease some of the financial barriers that families can face in accessing exams. If students have reached the standard required to take ABRSM exams but have been put off by the cost of exam fees, this scheme will enable music hubs and services to set a discount of up to 95% that enables them to access exams and receive a recognised qualification.

The ABRSM Exam Discount Scheme can only be used by music hubs or services and the ABRSM’s selected partners. The scheme is not available to private tutors or individual entrants.

As with all SoundStorm activities, it is open to learners living in BCP, 18 years old or under, in full time education. 

It forms part of ABRSM’s work to become an increasingly open, accessible and inclusive organisation and is a key element of their Diversity & Inclusion Plan.

The scheme is administered on behalf of ABRSM by Music Mark, the UK’s subject association for music education. 

Music services can use the discounts to support learners in cases where the cost of exams represents a significant financial barrier. They can use the discounts for the following assessments:

  • Prep Test
  • Practical and Performance Grades (Initial to Grade 8)
  • Practical Musicianship (Grades 1 to 8)
  • ARSM Music Performance diploma
  • Open Music Assessment
  • Creative Musicianship – Introducing and Beginner levels in Composing, Music Production and Songwriting 
  • Music Theory Grades 1 to 5 (online) and Grades 6 to 8 (paper-based)

Music services have discretion as to the reasons for offering discounts. The following are pre-approved:

  • Service’s remissions scheme
  • Other bursary e.g. AYM
  • Qualifies for Free School Meals
  • Pupil Premium
  • Looked After Child
  • Low exam uptake (targeted area or targeted school)
  • Loss of work
  • Bereavement
  • Financial hardship (other)
  • SEND with financial hardship
  • Multiple reasons

Other reasons may be supported but you should check these with us, and we will enquire with Music Mark and ABRSM.

To enquire whether your student is able to apply for this scheme, please email us, including what school your learner goes to, their instrument, the grade they want to take and their instrumental tutor’s name to info@soundstorm-music.org.uk