The Assisted Purchase Scheme enables many pupils at Southend Borough Council Schools to purchase instruments free of VAT. This can mean dramatic savings. This procedure has the full approval of HM Customs & Excise. We have long experience of operating this scheme through schools. What is the choice of musical instruments? You have a huge choice of high-quality, workshop-tested instruments and, if you need help with your selection, experienced advice can be provided. A Summary of the Rules for music students: • The student must be in full-time education at a Local Education Authority School. • The student must be receiving tuition at the school as part of their curriculum or privately in support of curricular activities (e.g. GCSE Music) • The instrument must be appropriate to the students needs. (A novice player cannot acquire a Stradivarius violin!) • The instrument must be portable • The instrument must be charged to the student/parents at or below the schools cost (excluding VAT) Example Prices (These prices may vary according to make and model of instrument and an up to date quote must always be obtained before any purchase agreed upon): Clarinet - £220.00 Flute - £260.00 Guitar - £40.00 Alto Saxophone - £275.00 Trombone - £250.00 Trumpet - £175.00 Violin - £60.00 All prices quoted are estimates and should not be taken as approximate prices. Click here for Assisted Purchase Scheme form | 
