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Exam board choices

The switch
It's some time since I made the switch from using ABRSM to Trinity College London for most of my theory and practical exams. I have to say that I have been impressed and pleased with both the process and the musical aspects of the Trinity exams. Pupils that I have entered have told me that they found their exams to be a positive experience.

The reasons
The reasons for making the switch have already been written about elsewhere, but basically I lost confidence in ABRSM's ability to deliver an acceptable level of service both to me and my pupils.

I was not alone, and a significant number of ABRSM's own examiners put their name to an open letter declaring that they had no confidence in the board's IT infrastructure. In addition, 153 other examiners were said to support the letter but wished to remain anonymous.

In their (ABRSM's) quest to go digital in all respects, in part accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic but giving the distinct impression of pushing technology for technology's sake, they appeared to lose sight of what was really important.

I've no wish to dwell on issues that arose in 2022 or earlier, but there were many, and there have been many more since. It's interesting to note that ABRSM is still having issues with its processes and technology. As notified only days ago, "We are currently dealing with some problems related to printed certificate orders, including delivery delays...".

My policy
Despite all the problems and remaining reservations, I always said that my final decision in each and every exam would be based on the musical factors rather than my opinion of the board in question. This means that, for my pupil who has just started working towards a Grade 6 exam, I have decided to go with ABRSM once again. They have the best offering. The syllabus seems to cover a wider selection of pieces that appeal more and in my view, will better suit my candidate. I will let you know how this goes in due course.

Open letter
If you are interested to read the open letter to Chris Cobb at ABRSM, then it is reproduced here:
Open letter to ABRSM


Last Updated: 19th June 2026

Back

Exam board choices

The switch
It's some time since I made the switch from using ABRSM to Trinity College London for most of my theory and practical exams. I have to say that I have been impressed and pleased with both the process and the musical aspects of the Trinity exams. Pupils that I have entered have told me that they found their exams to be a positive experience.

The reasons
The reasons for making the switch have already been written about elsewhere, but basically I lost confidence in ABRSM's ability to deliver an acceptable level of service both to me and my pupils.

I was not alone, and a significant number of ABRSM's own examiners put their name to an open letter declaring that they had no confidence in the board's IT infrastructure. In addition, 153 other examiners were said to support the letter but wished to remain anonymous.

In their (ABRSM's) quest to go digital in all respects, in part accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic but giving the distinct impression of pushing technology for technology's sake, they appeared to lose sight of what was really important.

I've no wish to dwell on issues that arose in 2022 or earlier, but there were many, and there have been many more since. It's interesting to note that ABRSM is still having issues with its processes and technology. As notified only days ago, "We are currently dealing with some problems related to printed certificate orders, including delivery delays...".

My policy
Despite all the problems and remaining reservations, I always said that my final decision in each and every exam would be based on the musical factors rather than my opinion of the board in question. This means that, for my pupil who has just started working towards a Grade 6 exam, I have decided to go with ABRSM once again. They have the best offering. The syllabus seems to cover a wider selection of pieces that appeal more and in my view, will better suit my candidate. I will let you know how this goes in due course.

Open letter
If you are interested to read the open letter to Chris Cobb at ABRSM, then it is reproduced here:
Open letter to ABRSM


Last Updated: 19th June 2026

Back

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Copyright © 2020-2026 Robin Padgham.

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E&OE.
Copyright © 2020-2026 Robin Padgham.
Terms of use