Music Education - VAT Free Sales Within The UK - The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS)

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme enables many thousands of pupils at Local Education Authority Schools to purchase instruments free from VAT. In addition to our customary discounts, this can mean dramatic savings. This procedure has the full approval of H.M. Customs & Excise. We have long experience of operating this scheme on a nation-wide basis both through schools and education authorities.

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, all the advice you could need from our team of experienced players and technicians.

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)

Low cost instruments for music education!

Greater access to quality low cost instruments. The best way of supporting the progress of a young player.

How does the instrument scheme work?

  1. The pupil selects the instrument of their choice
  2. You place your order with the school and pay them the NON-VAT amount
  3. The school places an order with us for the required instrument
  4. We dispatch the instrument and VAT-INCLUDED invoice to the school
  5. The pupil collects their instrument from the school
  6. The school reclaims the VAT element in the usual way

In the majority of cases the school places the order direct. The process itself is simple.

Download our AIPS price lists. Prices effective as of February, 2013.

Music Education, Shows and Training

Learn more about how John Packer supports music education here »

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