Music Partnership North Charging/Remission of Fees Policy
Published: April 2024 Policy to be reviewed: April 2025
Music Partnership North (MPN) is funded by a DfE grant via Arts Council England.
Under the terms of the grant, students living or attending school in Northumberland or Newcastle, may be eligible for financial support of their instrumental and vocal lessons with Music Partnership North teachers.
Schools are advised that Pupil Premium can and should be used to ensure that children in receipt of this support are able to access music tuition. Parents are encouraged to enquire with their child’s school about this.
Who can apply?
A 50% remission of fees for instrumental / vocal lessons can be applied to applications that meet the following criteria: Applicants must satisfy both points 1 and 2 of the list below and at least one other:
Students must live in Northumberland/Newcastle or attend a Northumberland/Newcastle school.
Students must be in reception-year – year 13 and in full time education
Families are on Income Support
Families are in receipt of Job Seeker’s Allowance
Families are in receipt of State Pension Credit
Families are in receipt of Child Tax Credit but no element of Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues and Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
Families are in receipt of Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month).
Asylum Seekers with Leave to Remain status in the UK
A 100% remission of fees can be applied to applications that meet the following criteria:
Asylum Seekers with no recourse to public funds and Refugees.
Children in Care (LAC).
Who can’t apply? Remission of fees will not be applied:
If the student has instrumental and / or vocal lessons with an independent provider
If the student attends an independent school outside of Northumberland/Newcastle
If the student is younger than 5 years or over 18 years of age
On a second instrument / vocal lesson.
How to apply
Parents need to confirm they are entitled to Pupil Premium. MPN will either contact the school to verify the claim or we may ask for additional evidence.
Supporting evidence
You may be asked to provide evidence to support your application. The following are acceptable sources of evidence:
Employment and Support allowance
Free School Meals Award
HMRC Tax credits*
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Job Seekers Allowance
Self-Assessment Tax Calculation*
Universal Credit*
* These must include annual household income
Please provide the most recent evidence. Screen captures are accepted but evidence must be dated and include the name of the parent and guardian.
Evidence that is more than 12 months old must be supported by a recent bank statement confirming that you are still in receipt of the benefit.
Period of support
The remission of fees is reviewed annually. Parents must inform the school / Music Partnership North immediately if your entitlement to benefit changes.
Other Support
Support can also be sought through MPN Charity
Please contact SISMusicHubAdmin@newcastle.gov.uk for more details