*
banner

Major blow to tuition fee challenge in Scotland

The Scottish Government has rejected the complaint against local authorities charging for musical instrument tuition.

Change the tune
  The campaign has gained widespread support

The campaign to try and ensure that musical instrument tuition in Scotland is provided free of charge to pupils has been dealt a severe blow following a formal response from the Scottish Government.

Campaigner Ralph Riddiough was informed that his Section 70 complaint under the Education Act has not been upheld and that local education authorities had an "express power"to charge fees.

It means that to proceed further the campaign must raise around £30,000 — something which may be made even more difficult given the current Coronavirus pandemic and the fact that many of campaign backer were self employed musicians.

3 month limit

In a letter sent to supporters Ralph Riddiough said: "I remain of the view, supported by the legal advice I have received and by the "Note of Concern" report from the Education and Skills Committee of the Scottish Parliament, that musical instrument tuition is part of the curriculum, and therefore "school education" that may not be charged for unless adequate free provision is also made available to all children who wish it."

The campaign now has a 3 month time limit to take further action.

Ralph added: "To run the proceedings with the top class team that has advised me so far will require considerable additional funds.

I am conscious that there are issues facing us all right now that are of far deeper consequence than charges for a small but important part of school education. Public health and the resilience of our economy are absolutely top priorities."

So the question of what steps to take now is a question of timing, and if the decision is to pause at this juncture, this would not be a reflection on the importance of the principle at stake."

To run the proceedings with the top class team that has advised me so far will require considerable additional fundsRalph Riddiough

£30,000

He added: "To take this forward, I need to draft a writ, serve it, and gain permission from the court to proceed. If there is enough interest, I will set up a new fundraiser that requires the new target to be met before any pledges are debited.

At the moment I think that target will be £30k but I am developing this with advice. I'd need to be hopeful we'd get there in 2 months. At the moment, to be honest, I am not confident."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd