Budget Payment Scheme

Spread the cost of your lessons!

As of September 2025, we’re pleased to be able to offer a way of spreading the cost of your music lessons over the year by Direct Debit. It's really simple to set up. Here's how it works:

  1. The first instalment is payable in September, and is 14.5% of the year's fees. This is followed by 9 monthly instalments of 9.5% each. You can also start the scheme after September – see FAQs below.
  2. The first step is to complete a Direct Debit mandate by clicking the button below. You'll be asked for your bank and a few other details, and our partner GoCardless will sent your instruction to your bank automatically.
  3. As soon as your bank has approved the mandate we'll get an email. We'll calculate the payment details, and let you know by email.
  4. The initial payment will be taken by Direct Debit in a few days, and the monthly instalments will be taken monthly from 20th October to 20th June. You'll get an email from GoCardless every time, so you won't be caught unawares!
  5. Any questions? Please read the FAQs below.

Apply now!


FAQs

What does it cost?Nothing! The Budget Payment Scheme is totally free to you – there is no interest, nor any administration fee.
How are the instalments paid?By Direct Debit. Please click the link above to set up your Direct Debit mandate. Sorry, other payment methods are not accepted.
What if I start after September?You can join later, but any missed instalments will be added to the initial payment. After October the first term's fees will be payable in full, but you can start the Budget Payment Scheme in January for the remainder of the academic year.
Why only 9 monthly payments?The total is payable over 10 months, not a whole year. This is because we need to have been paid in full by the end of the Summer term, so we can pay your teacher!
What if I change my mind?You can cancel your Direct Debit at any time, in which case the fees for the current term will become due immediately and we will send you a statement to show the balance on your account.
Can I add exam fees and other extras?No, sorry, the Budget Payment Scheme is designed to allow you to spread the cost of your lessons, but exam fees, band/orchestra fees, sheet music and other extras must be paid for when invoiced. If your invoice for this term's fees includes extras from last term, they will be added to the initial payment, not to the monthly instalments.
What about extra or missed lessons?If during the year you have extra lessons or credits for missed lessons, we will send you an invoice or credit note to advise you. If a payment is due we will take it via Direct Debit, and if a credit is due to you we will normally apply it against the following term's lessons.
Can I have the debit on a date other than 20th?Sorry but the payment date is fixed as 20th of the month. This is to minimise our administrative costs, since we are providing this service free of charge. We may review this option later if there is a demand for other payment dates.
I have another question about Direct DebitsIf you have any questions about Direct Debits in general, please see the help page here.

For more information please email us, or phone (01428) 604941.