ABRSM Exams in Windsor
Windsor Piano School is an official ABRSM Private Visit Centre. Instead of travelling to an unfamiliar public centre, our students take their practical exams here at 203 Clarence Road, in a room they know and on a piano they have played before. Grades 1–8 are examined here as ABRSM Private Visit examinations, and preparation is built into ordinary weekly lessons from the very first term.
Familiar room, familiar piano.
The ABRSM examiner comes to us, so students play where they feel at home.
Autumn 2026 ABRSM practical exams
Exam day: Thursday 10 December 2026
Practical exams are held at the school on the day, with each candidate given a time slot in advance. Your teacher will confirm when your child is ready to enter.
Registration closes Thursday 12 November 2026. Entries after the deadline roll over to the next session.
How to enter
- Talk to your teacher about the right grade and timing.
- Complete the practical exam entry form before the deadline.
- ABRSM exam fees are set by ABRSM and paid at entry.
- You receive your time slot before the exam day.
Every ABRSM route, entered through the school
Practical grades 1–8
Pieces, scales, sight-reading and aural tests, examined in person at our centre as ABRSM Private Visit examinations.
Diplomas
For advanced students continuing beyond Grade 8, with preparation led by conservatoire-trained teachers. Diploma examinations follow ABRSM’s current arrangements for each level, which may be digital or face-to-face where Private Visits are available. See advanced piano lessons.
Performance grades
ABRSM's performance-only route, assessed by video. Current students can submit through our performance exam form.
Music theory
Theory is taught alongside lessons, and students can book their ABRSM theory exam through the school.
Preparation built into every lesson
Exam preparation is not crammed into the final few weeks. Scales, sight-reading, aural and theory are part of ordinary weekly lessons, so by the time a student enters, the exam is a chance to show what they already do well.
Exams are optional. Many students take them for structure and motivation; others follow the same standard of teaching without ever entering. Either way, the teaching is the same.
Where the exams lead
Former student Harvey Lin reached the BBC Young Musician keyboard finals in both 2016 and 2020. See piano exam results and student achievements for sources.
Exams are taught across our departments: piano lessons, violin lessons, guitar lessons and singing lessons in Windsor.
ABRSM exams in Windsor — FAQs
Can anyone take an ABRSM exam at your centre?
Exams at our Private Visit Centre are for Windsor Piano School students. Many families join us with an exam in mind — lessons start with a 20-minute £18 taster, and your teacher will advise on the right grade and timing.
When is the next ABRSM exam session?
The next practical exam day is Thursday 10 December 2026. Registration closes on Thursday 12 November 2026.
How are exam sessions scheduled?
Session dates are arranged with ABRSM for each exam period and published on our ABRSM practical exams page.
How much does an ABRSM exam cost?
Exam fees are set by ABRSM for each grade and paid when you enter. Weekly one-to-one lessons are £31 for 30 minutes, £43 for 45 minutes or £61 for 60 minutes; see our fees for 2026/27.
Does my child need a theory exam before Grade 6?
ABRSM asks candidates for Grade 6, 7 or 8 practical exams to have passed Grade 5 Music Theory (or an accepted alternative such as Grade 5 Practical Musicianship). We plan theory alongside practical lessons so it is in place when needed.
Can adults take ABRSM exams?
Yes. Grades are open to any age, and our adult students can enter whenever they want the structure of an exam.
Start lessons with ABRSM exams on site
Book a 20-minute taster lesson for £18 and meet the teacher who will guide your first grade.