Forest Hill School offers students a wide range of opportunities to learn, play, and enjoy music — from one-to-one instrumental lessons to group ensembles and after-school clubs.
Instruments Taught
We offer lessons in:
- Strings: Cello, Violin, Double Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar
- Brass: Trumpet, Trombone
- Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
- Percussion & Vocals: Drum Kit, Vocals
- Keyboard: Piano
Lesson Length & Timetable
- Individual lessons are 25 minutes long and scheduled during the school day on a rotation basis.
- Timetables are posted in the music department each half term, and students receive a timetable card.
- Lessons are available for all KS3 students, KS4 music students, and KS5 music students, where timetabling permits.
- Extra lessons are built into the timetable to ensure all students receive their full allocation.
Lesson Costs
- Individual lessons: £137 per term (minimum 10 lessons per term)
- Music clubs & ensembles: Free of charge, including Guitar Clubs, Woodwind Group, Jazz Collective, Choirs, and Electric Ensemble
- Subsidised lessons: Students receiving Pupil Premium or Free School Meals can access lessons free of charge
Note: Students awarded subsidised lessons commit to regular attendance and to practising between lessons. Places may be withdrawn if these commitments are not met.
Signing Up
- You must be a student at Forest Hill School to apply for instrument lessons.
- Individual lessons can be booked via ParentPay on a termly basis.
- Students may sign up for one instrumental lesson per term, subject to availability.
- After-school and lunchtime music clubs are open to all students and can be joined in addition to lessons.
Waiting List
If you would like your child to be considered for a specific instrument but no place is currently available, please let us know. We can add them to the waiting list and will contact you if a space becomes available.
Borrowing & Buying Instruments
- A limited number of instruments (woodwind, brass, violin, cello) are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Parents may need to buy or rent instruments if none are available.
- Support is available for families looking to purchase instruments. See recommended options and rental schemes:
Key Stage 4 Students
Students who do not choose Music as a GCSE option cannot continue timetabled one-to-one lessons but are still welcome to join ensembles and after-school activities.
Lesson Conflicts
Occasionally, lessons may clash with assessments, PE, or off-site activities. If a clash occurs, please notify your instrumental tutor or Mr Coggle (c.coggle@foresthillschool.co.uk) so we can arrange an alternative time.