There are two schemes to help with the costs associated with learning to play an instrument. The Assisted Tuition Scheme helps with the costs of lessons, instrument hire and ensemble membership. The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) provides help when the time comes for your to purchase your own musical instrument.
What is the Assisted Tuition Scheme?
The Assisted Tuition Scheme (ATS) was introduced in 2012 to support families who may not have the means to fully afford their child’s instrumental tuition. The funding for this scheme comes from anonymous donors and is managed by Wigan Council music service. The scheme is our response to the government’s National Plan for Music Education. This plan advocates for affordable progression pathways for all pupils.
This scheme only supports instrumental music provision provided by Wigan Music Service. You cannot use it to apply for support for private tuition or activities run by other providers, even if this provision takes place in your child’s school.
How to apply
You need to complete a paper application form. To receive a form please phone the Music Service on 01942 776169 or email the Wigan music service.
Your form will need to be signed by your child’s current Headteacher who will verify that to their knowledge, the information you have provided is correct. If you are uncomfortable with sharing your application with your child’s headteacher, please contact us.
Completed forms will be sent to the Music Service by Headteachers in an envelope marked ‘Private and Confidential’ or scanned and sent via secure email.
For information about the application process and to request an application pack, please contact us by phone or email.
Please note: The ATS panel meets once per term to review applications. Any applications, received after a panel meeting has taken place, will only be considered the following term.
- Applications for support starting in Spring Term 2025 - Deadline: Friday 15th November 2024
- Applications for support starting in Summer Term 2025 - Deadline: Friday 7th March 2025
- Applications for support starting in Autumn Term 2025 - Deadline: Friday 6th June 2025.
Amount of support available
The amount of support available will vary depending on the funds available in the scheme, the help that is requested, and the circumstances described in the application.
The scheme acknowledges that the cost of supporting a child’s music education can increase as they progress and may require additional tuition.
Please note: This Scheme can only support one course of instrumental study per child. (A child learning piano and violin cannot apply for support on both of these instruments).
Music exams
Assistance with graded music examination fees is available through an alternative scheme. Please contact us on 01942 776169 for more information.
Application decision
The ATS panel will decide whether your application can be supported. The panel is made up of music service managers. It is important that the limited funding goes to those families who will make the most of the opportunities that come from the scheme. The panel will refer to the details you provide in your application form and the reference from your child’s Headteacher. They may also speak to your child’s instrumental teacher and will consider your child’s engagement with ensembles and other music service activities.
Retrospective support
The scheme can only support future engagement with the service and cannot be used to clear arrears with the service.
Receiving the financial support
Parents will not receive any money. If your application for help with instrumental music lessons in schools is successful we will let your child's school know the funding that will be applied. Your payment amounts will then be reduced accordingly by the school.
If you are applying for support towards instrumental lessons delivered at our evening music centres (Music Lessons Direct) the funding will be applied to the termly bill you receive directly from Wigan Music Service.
If you are applying for support for ensemble fees, or for instrument hire costs you will not be charged by the music service for the duration of your support.
Duration of support
Regardless of when support begins, it will normally be agreed until the end of the current academic year. If you do not reapply, charges will default back to normal. We will write to you in the Summer term to remind you about this. The amount of available funding for this scheme and your personal circumstances may change in future years. Therefore, there is no guarantee that future applications for the same support will be successful.
Notification of application decision
We will write to you with the outcome of your application after the meeting of the ATS decision panel.
Further information
If you have any questions you can speak to the music service admin team or the service management team on 01942 776169.
Confidentiality
The information you provide will be viewed only by the ATS panel, the scheme administrator and your child’s headteacher. Application forms will be retained by the Music Service and dealt with according to the Wigan Council data protection policy.
For more information, read our music service privacy notice.
Assisted instrument purchase scheme (AIPS)
This helps pupils at local authority schools to buy instruments without paying the VAT which can amount to significant savings on high street prices.
This scheme is approved by HMRC - Learn more about HMRC assisted purchase scheme (external link).
You can get professional advice from Music Service staff who will help you to purchase the most suitable instrument at the best price.
Contact Wigan music service for more information.