Do Trinity Music exams earn UCAS and Progress 8 points?

Modified on Mon, 3 Nov at 1:08 PM

Trinity College London’s Level 3 qualifications (Grades 6–8) in music performance and music theory are recognised within the UCAS Tariff and attract UCAS points that can contribute towards university and higher education entry requirements in the UK.


In addition, Trinity’s music graded exams at Grades 6–8 carry Progress 8 points, which contribute towards school accountability measures in England.


UCAS Tariff Points


UCAS introduced a revised tariff system for courses starting from September 2017 onwards. The following points apply under the current tariff:


Practical Music Exams


GradePassMeritDistinction
Grade 681012
Grade 7121416
Grade 8182430


Music Theory Exams


GradePassMeritDistinction
Grade 6456
Grade 7678
Grade 88910


These UCAS Tariff points apply to all courses beginning September 2017 or later.


Important Notes

  1. Revised UCAS Tariff
    The number of UCAS points awarded to all qualifications changed under the revised tariff, including A levels, AS levels and Trinity qualifications.

    • For example, an A* at A level was previously worth 140 points but now carries 56 points under the new system.

  2. Exam Timing for UCAS Submission
    To ensure your results are submitted to UCAS in time:

    • Face-to-face or online (video conference) exams must take place no later than the second Friday in June.

    • Digital Grades & Diplomas submissions must be uploaded at least three weeks before this date (mid to late May) to allow for marking.

    • If your assessment qualifies for UCAS points, Trinity will automatically send your results to UCAS — you do not need to request this.

  3. Referred Exams
    Please note that referred exams may not be resolved in time for UCAS reporting. While every effort is made to process these quickly, candidates are advised to avoid referral situations where possible.


Progress 8 Points


Performance tables are a key accountability measure for state-funded schools in England. Trinity’s music graded exams at Grades 6–8 carry Progress 8 points, which contribute towards these measures.

Schools wishing to collect Progress 8 points for pupils taking a Trinity Grade 6, 7 or 8 music exam should ensure they follow these steps:

  1. Registered Exam Centres

    • If you are a Trinity Registered Exam Centre, ensure your National Centre Number (NCN) is recorded against your centre.

    • Provide your NCN to your usual Trinity contact, who will update our records.

  2. Candidate Information
    When submitting candidate details, please include one or both of the following:

  3. Progress 8 Matching
    Progress 8 points are matched using the ‘best institution’ principle. Schools will still receive credit for points relating to candidates who sit exams at Trinity public centres, provided that their date of birth and/or ULN have been registered with Trinity.


Further Information


For full details on:

  • UCAS Tariff points and university applications — visit the UCAS website

  • Department for Education Progress 8 measures — visit www.gov.uk


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