ABRSM

ABRSM

Please read all the information on this page before entering for your exam.

If you have any queries regarding exams at NMPAT, please contact the NMPAT Professional Services Hub: 01604 637117 / office@nmpat.co.uk

Exams are held at the Kettering Road Music and Arts Centre in Northampton. The dates below apply to candidates entered by NMPAT teachers only (in the Private Entry) and will differ from the publicised dates on the ABRSM website, for public centres.  These are exam periods – exams will not necessarily be available every day, depending on demand.

Spring term 2026:

  • Monday 9th – Thursday 12th March

Music exams are held between 9.00am and 4.00pm on weekdays.

Entries are closed for the Spring session.

Summer term 2026:

  • Monday 15th – Friday 19th June

Music exams are held between 9.00am and 4.00pm on weekdays.

Entries are due by Friday 24th April.

Your child’s teacher will give you a letter when your child is ready to take their exam.  Please refer to this when completing the exam entry form; you will need the information contained within the letter.

Payment for all exams is due on submission of the entry form.  You will be prompted to make your payment via the NMPAT Shop – the link will be on the confirmation message which will appear on your screen after you have pressed ‘submit’.

You will be met at the exam room by a steward who is responsible for the smooth running of the day.  Please aim to arrive at least 20 mins before your appointment.  There will be an opportunity for you to warm up before the exam, once the previous candidate has gone to the exam room.  This will also be your opportunity to meet your accompanist, if applicable.

The steward will take you to the exam room and introduce you to the examiner.  Each examiner will have a slightly different approach with their intention being to help you perform to the best of your ability.

Please allow plenty of time to arrive for your exam, this helps you to keep as calm as possible.  If you encounter unexpected delays, please do not panic – ring the NMPAT Office on 01604 637117 to let us know – we can liaise with the steward and the examiner, and adjust the timings wherever possible.

To avoid additional stress on the day, please be sure to bring everything you need.  This will probably include:

  • Your instrument (including keyboards)
  • All music including piano accompaniments
  • Essential maintenance equipment (valve oil, spare strings, etc.)
  • Photographic ID for grade 6 exams and over

Results will be distributed via your ABRSM account, usually the week after the exams.

Certificates will be emailed to you by ABRSM, to the email address supplied on your exam application form.

If illness or injury prevents you from taking the exam, please contact the NMPAT office as soon as possible: 01604 637117 / office@nmpat.co.uk

Is ABRSM the correct board for you?

If you’re not sure which exam board to enter with, please refer to the letter from your NMPAT teacher or ask them in your next lesson.

Coming Up

Big Band Night

March 1 @ 18:00

Orchestra Spectacular

March 8 @ 18:00

Big Sing

March 12 @ 18:30