Modern and contemporary
RSL
Performance-led and industry-focused: rock, pop and modern styles, played the way working musicians play them.
Exams
Progress you can prove
RSL, Trinity and ABRSM graded exams give every student clear milestones, an outside examiner’s view of their progress, and a qualification recognized worldwide.
The three boards
-
Rockschool
-
Trinity College London
-
ABRSM
Ofqual regulated
UCAS tariff points
Graded, externally examined. Trinity, ABRSM and RSL exams are Ofqual-regulated and recognized worldwide, and from Grade 6 they carry UCAS points.
Three boards
Which board suits your child?
One standard of rigor. The instructor recommends the board that fits your child’s instrument and style.
Flexible repertoire
Trinity College London
Performance-based, with a wide choice of pieces and styles, so the exam can follow the music your child enjoys.
Classical
ABRSM
Strict technical standards and deep theory, the traditional route for classical piano, singing and more.
Grades 1 to 8
What each grade is worth
Eight grades in three levels. Each graded exam is an Ofqual-regulated qualification with a set credit value, and Grades 6 to 8 also carry UCAS tariff points.
| Level | Grades | Credit value |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 · Beginner | Grades 1–3 | 6 · 9 · 12 |
| Level 2 · Intermediate | Grades 4–5 | 15 · 18 |
| Level 3 · Advanced | Grades 6–8 | 22 · 27 · 32 |
What is UCAS? UCAS is the UK’s university admissions service. Its tariff turns qualifications into points, and graded music exams from Grade 6 count towards them, at UK universities and many universities abroad.
Why grades matter
Clear milestones, outside feedback
- Clear milestones: grade by grade, with defined goals
- Expert feedback: a written examiner’s report after every exam
- University credit: higher grades count towards applications
- Recognized worldwide: by schools and universities in many countries
Results
Recent certificates
Start here
Working towards a grade? Start with one class.
The instructor will hear where your child is now and recommend a board and a starting grade in the written report.
Students in
- UK
- US
- Canada
- Australia
- UAE
- India
No payment details Nothing collected to book.
Not a sales call A real class, with a real assessment.
Written, same day Yours whether you enroll or not.
An honest answer “Not ready yet” if that’s the truth.
Questions
Exam questions, answered
Which exam board should we choose?
There’s no single right answer: it depends on the instrument, your child’s style and their goals. ABRSM suits classical music, Trinity is flexible and performance-based, and RSL is built for modern playing. The instructor will recommend a board once they know your child.
Do grades have to be taken in order?
No, but most students go through them in order, because each grade builds the foundation for the next. The instructor will recommend the right starting grade, and some students skip a grade when they’re clearly ready.
When do UCAS points start counting?
From Grade 6. Grades 6, 7 and 8 carry UCAS tariff points for UK university applications, and the exact points depend on the grade and the result. Check the current UCAS tariff for the latest figures.
Is exam preparation part of the normal lessons?
Yes. When your child is working towards an exam, the instructor builds the lessons around the pieces, technical work and theory the grade asks for, with mock exams as the date gets close.
How long does each grade take?
For most students, about a year per grade with regular lessons and practice. It can be faster with more practice or earlier experience.
Do we have to take exams at all?
No. Every student follows the graded pathway, but sitting the exam is your choice.