We want all children and young people to be able to experience, enjoy and learn music.

Children and young people who live in the London Borough of Camden or attend a Camden state school may be eligible for financial support with Camden Music fees.

This policy explains the financial assistance available and how families can apply. It aims to make access to music education as fair as possible while recognising that the support we can provide is limited by the funding available.

Camden Music offers financial support to eligible children and young people from low-income families, subject to available funding.

Eligibility for this support is based on receipt of Targeted Free School Meals (Targeted FSM).

From September 2026, Free School Meal eligibility is expanding nationally. Camden Music remissions will continue to be based on eligibility for Targeted Free School Meals (Targeted FSM).

Please note that Universal Infant Free School Meals, available to children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, are separate from Targeted FSM and do not automatically qualify a child for Camden Music fee remissions.

Secondary schools may operate their own discount schemes for pupils receiving Free School Meals.

To check whether your child is eligible for Targeted Free School Meals and to apply, please visit:

https://www.camden.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Parents and carers must indicate on their Camden Music application if their child receives Targeted FSM. Camden Music will verify eligibility through Camden Council.

If your child becomes eligible for Targeted FSM after joining Camden Music, please contact us to discuss available support.

Parents and carers must inform Camden Music if their child is no longer eligible for Targeted FSM.

A Targeted FSM bursary can cover up to:

• One instrumental lesson
• One group membership
• One instrument hire

Targeted FSM support cannot normally be combined with other Camden Music bursaries. However, where a student already receives a bursary for individual lessons, Targeted FSM support may be offered for one group membership, subject to available funding. This support is not guaranteed.

The number and value of awards depend on the funding available each year. Eligibility does not guarantee that support will be offered.

Your child’s school may also be able to provide additional assistance towards lesson costs.

Children Looked After by a local authority are eligible for a 100% bursary covering:

• One instrumental lesson
• One group membership
• One instrument hire

Other Bursaries and Subsidies

From time to time, additional bursaries or fee discounts may become available through external funding.

Details of any additional support will be publicised when it becomes available.

Help with Payment

Termly invoices can be paid in instalments.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Camden Music as early as possible. We will discuss the support available and any payment arrangements that may be appropriate.

Discretionary Funding

We are committed to ensuring that all children and young people can access high-quality music education.

Discretionary Funding is available for students who do not qualify for support through Targeted FSM but who face financial circumstances that create a significant barrier to participation.

To apply, students must:

• Have been a member of Camden Music for at least one academic year.
• Provide evidence of a specific and demonstrable financial need.

Applications are considered using the following criteria:

• Financial need
• Commitment to Camden Music activities
• Musical progress and potential
• Attendance and participation
• Ability to benefit from and contribute positively to Camden Music activities

• Awards are normally granted for one term at a time.
• Funding is reviewed at the end of each term.
• Awards are not automatically renewed.

Any further funding will depend on:

• Continued financial need
• Ongoing commitment to Camden Music activities
• Demonstrated musical progress and potential
• Regular and punctual attendance at rehearsals, courses and performances
• Positive behaviour and attitude
• Positive behaviour and attitude

All information provided as part of an application will be treated as confidential and used only to assess eligibility for financial support.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your circumstances, please contact Camden Music:

• Email: camdenmusic@camdenlearning.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7974 1234