We want to make instruments accessible to children and young people in a way that supports their participation and progression.
Instruments can be hired to pupils and schools who are receiving tuition from an Associate Provider. The scheme is administered on behalf of Wiltshire Music Connect by The Learning Resources Hub (LRH) within Wiltshire Council. An Expert Group of stakeholders, supported by Wiltshire Music Connect, oversees its development and helps make decisions about the scheme.
Key points
- We can support pupils needing help with the cost of instrument hire.
- Instruments have to be requested by families. Guidance on how to do this can be found here.
- The instruments we can provide are serviceable and suitable for young musicians; they are not all brand new, shiny and pristine. There are other places you can hire brand new instruments, but they cost a lot more!
- We need those who use the scheme to support the ‘spirit’ in which it is being run and to try to help it run as smoothly as possible.
- Instrument Sets can also be hired by Primary Schools delivering First Access. These instruments cannot be taken home by pupils. Details are here.
Details for academic year 24-25
Having considered cost of living issues and their impact on families capacity to pay for lessons and instruments alongside our rising costs, our Expert Group for the scheme is capping the increase in hire costs for academic year 24-25 at 6%.
In preparation for the new academic year, and in order to boost take-up of tuition, we continue to accomodate early starters in terms 5/6 having up to 11 sessions – the process for this is the same as for new hire requests commencing in September.
For all new hires, a guidance document on how to make a new request can be found here.
For those who already hire an instrument, you will be contacted separately about how to pay for the new academic year. You do not need to submit a new request.
The scheme continues to concentrate on instruments for pupils of our Associates. Prices will remain highly competitive and remissions for those needing support will continue.
As an Associate Provider you must agree, and adhere, to the terms and conditions of using the Instrument Hire Scheme. This is non-negotiable and deadlines must be adhered to.
- 100% reduction for pupils eligible for Pupil Premium (inc. those entitled to Free School Meals)
- 100% reduction for pupils with Special Education Needs and/or a Disability.
- 100% reduction in fees for pupils who are Looked After/In Care (LAC).
- 50% reduction for pupils who schools classify as vulnerable for other reasons and who are unlikely to be able to take up (or continue) lessons as a result of economic or social circumstances. This is at the school’s discretion.
These subsidies will be applied automatically, providing the parent/carer indicates requirement when they request the instrument.
