This page details the entry and results details, the requirements of the qualifications we offer and their availability. Full details of our exams policy can be found here. If you would like any additional information, please contact us.
Entry
Where a student wishes to enter any examination, the teacher must agree that they are able to meet the requirements of the assessment. Where the teacher is in full agreement, the student (or their parent or guardian for under 18s) will be asked to complete an entry form and any additional documents which are required for examination entry. The full examination fee (indicated at the top of the entry forms) and all documents must be returned by the date printed on the entry form. Failure to do so may result in the examination entry being delayed until the following session.
Results & Certificates
It can take several weeks for results to be published, as the awarding organisations have an obligation to fully validate all of the results that they issue.
Certificates, for successful candidates, follow shortly after and are distributed by the teacher. If a qualification is completed in a school, certificates may be passed to the head teacher for distribution in achievement assemblies.
Graded Practical Exams (Grades 1 - 8) (ABRSM)
These exams are assessed externally at an ABRSM centre. Exams are available three times a year, in the Spring (March-April), Summer (June-July), and Winter (November-December). Each candidate is given an individual date and time (which could be during school hours). Exams last for between 12 and 30 minutes, depending on the grade and subject.
A graded practical exam is assessed by the performance of three pieces, each worth 20% of the final mark, Scales and sight reading, each worth 14% of the final mark, and finally Aural, worth 12% of the final mark.
The Pass mark is 66%, the Merit mark is 80%, and the Distinction Mark is 87%. Results are usually published within 2-4 weeks. We have delivered a 100% pass rate in graded Practical exams.
UCAS points are available when a candidate passes a grade 6 - 8 exam at the following tariff:
Grade 6: Pass - 6, Merit - 10, Distinction - 12
Grade 7: Pass - 10, Merit - 12, Distinction - 16
Grade 8: Pass - 18, Merit - 24, Distinction - 30
Graded Theory Exams (Grades 1 - 8) (ABRSM)
These exams are assessed externally at an ABRSM centre. Exams are available three times a year, in March, June and November. Exams are at one specified date and time, therefore, you should check the date before entry as this cannot be rearranged if you are not available. Exams last for between 90 and 180 minutes, depending on the grade and usually take place in an weekday evening or Saturday morning.
The theory exam comprises of one written paper. The Pass mark is 66%, the Merit mark is 80%, and the Distinction Mark is 90%. Results are usually published within 4-6 weeks. We have delivered a 99% pass rate in graded Theory exams.
UCAS points are available when a candidate passes a grade 6 - 8 exam at the following tariff:
Grade 6: Pass - 4, Merit - 5, Distinction - 6
Grade 7: Pass - 6, Merit - 7, Distinction - 8
Grade 8: Pass - 8, Merit - 9, Distinction - 10
Lynne is a qualified examiner, having had experience of marking UK and International ABRSM Theory Papers at Grades 1-8 since 2015.
Music Medals (Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) (ABRSM)
These assessments are assessed internally by Lynne, who is an approved Music Medals Teacher-Assessor. Music Medals are completed at a mutually agreed time and date. These assessments are video recorded and submitted to ABRSM, therefore, a video consent form (available here) must be completed prior to entry. A Music Medal should typically take 10 minutes to complete.
Candidates have to play an ensemble piece, a solo piece, and a musicianship test from a choice of four.
To achieve a Pass, the candidate must pass the ensemble element and one other element. To Pass with Excellence (not at Copper Level), the candidate must pass all three elements with excellence. UCAS points are not available with these qualifications. Results are usually published within 2-4 weeks. We have delivered a 100% pass rate in the Music Medal Assessments
Diploma Exams
If you are interested in working towards a Diploma exam in a subject we teach, please contact us to discuss your requirements.