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Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

What is the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme?

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is an arrangement in compliance with current VAT legislation and HM Customs & Excise guidance which allows the purchase of instruments for pupils receiving tuition through Southwark Music Service, without paying the current 20% VAT costs.

Any purchases are, however, subject to certain conditions.

View application form

YOU MUST use our online form above and choose your instrument on the website of our preferred retailer Normans Musical Instruments.

Normans Musical Instruments

What are the Conditions?

  • The pupil must be receiving regular tuition arranged through Southwark Music Service or their school Music department.
  • The pupil must attend a Southwark LEA school or a Southwark Music Service activity where they use the instrument.
  • The instrument must be portable.
  • The instrument may be new or second-hand and must be collected from the Music Service in person by the purchaser.
  • The instrument should be appropriate to the ability of the child.
  • Southwark Music Service will charge a £3.50 transportation fee on each order. This fee will be added at checkout.
  • The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is operated under current legislation, which may change at any time.

How does the scheme operate?

  • You should discuss with your child and your child’s instrumental teacher the type of instrument required.
  • YOU MUST use our online form and choose your instrument on the website of our preferred retailer Norman’s Music.
  • Southwark Music Service will charge a £3.50 transportation fee on each order. This fee will be added at checkout.
  • ​​The instrument has to be collected from the Music Service in person by the purchaser.
  • Complete the form then pay the NET VALUE (the £3.50 transportation fee will be added at checkout) for the instrument below. DO NOT PAY THROUGH THE NORMANS WEBSITE. On receipt of payment for the instrument, Southwark Music will order the instrument and contact you when it is ready to be collected.

Please note that the time taken for SMS to receive your instrument may vary due to conditions beyond our control.

Payment for Musical Instruments purchased through the SMS AIPS scheme

£

Frequently asked questions

If you would like to help us continue to provide high quality music education to all the young people of Southwark your donation is greatly appreciated.