Introduction
We aim to help young people experience, enjoy, and learn music.
Children and young people who live in the London Borough of Camden or attend one of the borough’s state schools may be able to get financial support with Camden Music fees.
This policy aims to show how Camden Music can support children and young people in accessing our musical activities where finance is a barrier.
This remission policy has been compiled, recognising the difficulties we face balancing access to music education and available budgets. It is fair and just and sets out a clear procedure for families.
Free School Meal (FSM) Remissions
In-school Lessons, Music Centres, Instrument Hire, and Music Groups
We may be able to offer financial help to children and young people who receive FSM at a Camden Music primary school. Infant children (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils) are entitled to a Universal Infant Free School Meal. This is not the same as free school meals from the Local Authority. Secondary schools may offer their own discounts for Free School Meals.
FSM Eligibility
To check if your child is eligible for FSM and to apply, please visit Free school meals – Camden Council
Parents and guardians must indicate on the application form when applying for lessons that their child receives Free School Meals, which Camden Music will confirm by contacting the Camden Council Benefits Team.
Parents/guardians should contact Camden Music to discuss children already active in Camden Music activities who become eligible for FSM due to a change in circumstances. Parents/guardians must inform Camden Music if their child is no longer eligible for FSM
A FSM bursary will cover a maximum of one instrument lesson, one group membership, and one instrument hire..
The number and value of FSM remissions depend on the available budget. Please note that remission is not guaranteed.
Your child’s school may be able to further subsidise the cost of lessons.
Children Looked After
We provide Looked After Children with a 100% bursary for one instrument lesson, one group membership, and one instrument hire.
Other Bursaries & Subsidies
Occasionally, we can find funding for other bursaries and fee discounts. These will be publicised when they become available.
Other Support with Fees
You can pay your termly invoices in two instalments. If parents or guardians struggle to pay their invoices, they must contact Camden Music to see what other support may be available.
Discretionary Funding
We are committed to ensuring all children and young people in the borough can access high-quality music education. To support this, we offer Discretionary Funding awards to students who may not qualify for Free School Meals (FSM) but have a specific and demonstrable financial need that creates a barrier to participation.
Eligibility and Application Process:
- Discretionary funding is available to children who have been members of Camden Music for at least one academic year.
- Applicants must provide clear evidence of a specific and demonstrable financial need.
Assessment Criteria: We consider the following factors when making discretionary funding decisions:
- Financial need
- Commitment to Camden Music activities
- Musical potential and progress
- Previous commitment and attendance at Camden Music activities
- Ability to contribute positively to and benefit fully from Camden Music activities
Award Details:
- Awards are time-limited and initially granted for one term.
- At the end of each term, the application will be reviewed to determine if further funding can be offered. Awards are not automatically renewed.
- Further funding will be subject to the following criteria:
- Continued financial need
- Ongoing commitment to all Camden Music activities
- Demonstrated musical progress and potential
- Regular and punctual attendance at all rehearsals, courses, and performances
- Positive behaviour and attitude
Confidentiality
We keep all information provided in the application process confidential and use it only to assess eligibility for fee assistance.
Contact Information
For further inquiries or assistance, please contact Camden Music at:
- Email: camdenmusic@camdenlearning.org.uk
- Phone: 020 7974 1234