Changes to Our Exam Arrangements
We have recently changed our approach to Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London music examinations. Previously, ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Arts arranged special visits for the ABRSM exams and arranged for public exam entries to the Trinity College Woking Centre and Trinity College Leatherhead/Epsom Centre, but we have now moved to a system where parents will need to organise their child's examination directly through the relevant exam board. This change allows for greater flexibility in exam timing and venue selection.
Consulting with Your Child's Teacher
Before entering your child for an examination, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with their teacher. This is a crucial step that ensures the exam will be a positive and constructive experience. Your child's teacher can advise on:
- Which exam board to enter
- Whether your child is ready for the examination
- Which grade level would be most appropriate
- The best timing for the examination
- Specific pieces that would showcase your child's abilities
We believe that exams should be confidence-building milestones in your child's musical journey. If your child isn't quite ready, pushing ahead with an exam might create unnecessary pressure and potentially hinder their musical development and enjoyment. Your teacher's guidance here is invaluable.
How to Enter Your Child for an Exam
The process of entering for an ABRSM or Trinity College examination involves several straightforward steps:
For ABRSM Examinations
- Visit the
- Create a parent account if you don't already have one
- Select 'Enter a Candidate' from your account dashboard
- Choose the appropriate instrument and grade level (as discussed with your teacher)
- Select your preferred exam period and a convenient venue
- Complete the entry form with your child's details
- Pay the examination fee directly to ABRSM via their secure payment system
For Trinity College London Examinations
- Go to the
- Register for a parent account
- Click on 'Book an Exam'
- Select the appropriate discipline and grade
- Choose your preferred examination centre and available dates
- Enter your child's information as required
- Process payment to Trinity College London through their website
For information specific to Woking or Leatherhead/Epsom exam centres:
Trinity College Leatherhead/Epsom Exam Centre: Sue Chan – horshamtrinityexamcentre@yahoo.com
Trinity College Woking Exam Centre: Jayne Wallis: trinity@waterrat.co.uk
Please note that no exam fees should be paid to your child's teacher at ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Arts. All payments must be made directly to the examination board through their official websites.
Finding an Accompanist
For many instrumental exams, your child may need a piano accompanist more guidance can be found on the ABRSM web page.
As part of this change, parents will now need to arrange this independently. While ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Arts does not maintain an official list of recommended accompanists, there are several resources available to help you:
Many accompanists advertise their services online, and rates typically range from £30 to £60 per exam, often including a rehearsal session. We recommend booking an accompanist well in advance of the exam date, ideally allowing time for at least one rehearsal session before the examination.
Please note that while we're providing this information to assist you, ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Arts is not affiliated with any particular accompanist service or directory, and parents should conduct their own research to find a suitable accompanist for their child.
We're Here to Support You
We understand this represents a change from our previous arrangements, and we're committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Your child's teacher remains available to provide guidance on exam preparation, and our administrative team is happy to answer any questions about this new process.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us at sa.exams@surreycc.gov.uk
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes, and we remain dedicated to supporting your child's musical development and achievements.