Funding boost means no music tuition fees for Falkirk school pupils

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Children learning a musical instrument in Falkirk school will no longer be charged for tuition – and many more will get help with costs for subjects such as home economics.

The Scottish Government has promised councils £7 million funding this year and has promised to look at future years.

Falkirk Council will also receive its share of £6 million that will allow schools to waive some other charges, such as materials for home economics materials or theatre trips for pupils studying drama.

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Councillor Adanna McCue, the portfolio holder for education at Falkirk Council, said it was “fantastic news”.

Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education (Pic: John Devlin)Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education (Pic: John Devlin)
Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education (Pic: John Devlin)

She said: “I welcome any additional funding that helps children and young people achieve their full potential.

“No matter what their circumstances, they will be given a chance to potentially experience something new and exciting and it will bring so many other benefits to their education.”

At the moment, Falkirk district pupils from P4-S6 pay £160 every year for lessons, although those who are learning an instrument for an SQA qualification do not have to pay.

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Falkirk pupils who are entitled to free school meals or a school clothing grant also get lessons free of charge.

A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said that it was too early to say what its share of the funding would be.

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They added: “The additional funding is welcome to support more inclusive access to the curriculum for all of our young people.”

Making the announcement, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “All children should have the best start in life and the ability to take part in core elements of education should never be limited by a child’s ability to pay.

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“Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year.”

COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Councils recognise the importance of instrumental music tuition for the learning and development of our children and young people.

“Where fees were in place for tuition this is due to a range of local pressures on core council budgets.”

The Scottish Government has now pledged to work with COSLA and local authorities to make sure funding can continue in future years.

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