Question reference: S6W-26481
- Date lodged: 27 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 15 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the purpose is of its policy to make music tuition free in schools, and what its response is to reports that the policy could lead to a ban on private tuition during school hours and require paid lessons to be arranged outwith the school day.
Answer
The purpose of the Scottish Government’s policy on free instrumental music tuition is ensure that fees and charges are not a barrier to learning an instrument at school.
The policy has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotland’s schools by funding all councils to eradicate unfair music tuition charges. The most recent Instrumental Music Survey published in December 2023 Instrumental Music Survey shows the number of pupils participating is at a record high.
The policy means that Local Authorities should not charge fees for instrumental music tuition at school.