Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme
What is the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme?
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme allows our pupils to get 20% off the price of instruments (tax free).
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is an arrangement in compliance with current VAT legislation and HM Customs & Excise guidance which allows the purchase of instruments for pupils receiving tuition through Southwark Music Service, without paying the current 20% VAT costs.
Any purchases are, however, subject to certain conditions.
YOU MUST use our online form above and choose your instrument on the website of our preferred retailer Normans Musical Instruments.
What are the Conditions?
- The pupil must be receiving regular tuition arranged through Southwark Music Service or their school Music department.
- The pupil must attend a Southwark LEA school or a Southwark Music Service activity where they use the instrument.
- The instrument must be portable.
- The instrument may be new or second-hand and must be collected from the Music Service in person by the purchaser.
- The instrument should be appropriate to the ability of the child.
- Southwark Music Service will charge a £3.50 transportation fee on each order. This fee will be added at checkout.
- The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is operated under current legislation, which may change at any time.
How does the scheme operate?
- You should discuss with your child and your child’s instrumental teacher the type of instrument required.
- YOU MUST use our online form and choose your instrument on the website of our preferred retailer Norman’s Music.
- Southwark Music Service will charge a £3.50 transportation fee on each order. This fee will be added at checkout.
- The instrument has to be collected from the Music Service in person by the purchaser.
- Complete the form then pay the NET VALUE (the £3.50 transportation fee will be added at checkout) for the instrument below. DO NOT PAY THROUGH THE NORMANS WEBSITE. On receipt of payment for the instrument, Southwark Music will order the instrument and contact you when it is ready to be collected.
Please note that the time taken for SMS to receive your instrument may vary due to conditions beyond our control.
Payment for Musical Instruments purchased through the SMS AIPS scheme
Frequently asked questions
Must the instrument be new?
No, it can be second-hand.
Can I buy more than one instrument under the scheme?
Yes, provided the qualifying conditions are met.
Is there an upper limit on how much I can spend?
No, but the rules of the scheme require that any instrument must be appropriate for the proficiency and ability of the child.
My child has private instrumental lessons. Can we participate in the scheme?
You may participate in the scheme if your child uses their instrument in music lessons at a Southwark school or in activities run by Southwark Music Service.
Can I buy a piano through this scheme?
Sorry, HM Customs & Excise consider pianos to be non-portable. Regulations have recently been relaxed and you are now permitted to buy an electronic keyboard through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.
Are there any other costs involved?
Yes, Southwark Music Service will charge a £3.50 transportation fee on each order. This fee will be added at checkout.