Music exams in London: Trinity & Rockschool
We're Trinity College London's main Rock & Pop exam centre, and a registered Rockschool centre. Prep with our tutors and sit the exam in the same studio.
If you want a recognised qualification in your instrument, the two main pathways in the UK are Trinity College London and Rockschool (RSL Awards). Planet drum is an official centre for both, across a wide range of instruments, meaning your tutor can prepare you to the exact syllabus, and you can sit the exam in the same studio you've been rehearsing in. No travelling to a strange building on the day, no examiner-induced terror. Just walk in, play, walk out.
Why take a graded music exam?
You absolutely don't have to. Plenty of our students never sit an exam and become great players. But for some students, exams give:
A clear, motivating progression
Each grade is a milestone you can aim for, giving clear direction to your practice.
A nationally recognised qualification
Grades 6, 7 and 8 count towards UCAS points for university applications.
Repertoire structure
Instead of bouncing between random songs, the syllabus gives you a structured, curated list.
Confidence under pressure
Highly valuable experience for any musician who'll ever play in front of an audience.
Trinity College London exams
Planet drum is Trinity College London's main Rock & Pop exam centre
Our official Trinity venue code is 57263
Trinity Rock & Pop
The most popular contemporary music exam in the UK. Uses real rock and pop songs as repertoire (such as Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Foo Fighters, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars and many more) and assesses musicianship, technique and stagecraft, not just technique in isolation.
Trinity Classical Drumkit
Trinity's classical and jazz stream for drum kit: a more technique-focused syllabus alongside the Rock & Pop pathway. Same instrument, different framework.
How to book a Trinity exam
For all Trinity exam bookings at Planet drum, email office@jsmusicservices.com. They handle Trinity exam administration for our venue. Planet drum doesn't process exam bookings ourselves: we're the room and the prep, JS Music Services handles the paperwork.
Alternatively, you can book directly through Trinity's own portals:
If you're not sure which path is right for you, email JS Music Services first and they'll guide you through it.
Upcoming exam dates at Planet drum are on our What's On calendar.
Rockschool (RSL Awards) exams
Planet drum is a registered Rockschool exam centre. Rockschool's syllabus is tailor-made for contemporary musicians, with grades from introductory through advanced.
How to book a Rockschool exam
Enter directly through the Rockschool website:
Enter Online at RockschoolSame logic as Trinity: Planet drum is the venue, while the booking happens with Rockschool.
How exam preparation works at Planet drum
Our tutors are experienced with both syllabuses and have prepared hundreds of students for grade exams across drums, guitar, bass, keys, vocals and more.
Tell your tutor you're aiming for an exam
On your taster lesson or in an early session, mention you'd like to work towards a grade. They'll help you decide which syllabus (Trinity Rock & Pop vs Classical, or Rockschool) and which grade level suits your starting point.
Work to the syllabus
Your weekly lessons will incorporate the exam repertoire alongside whatever else you're learning. Tutors know exactly what's required (pieces, technical work, supporting tests, the lot).
Book your exam
When you and your tutor agree you're ready, you book directly through Trinity or Rockschool (links below). Pick a date that suits you.
Sit the exam at Planet drum
Same studio, often the same room you've been having lessons in. Familiar surroundings = better nerves on the day.
Get your result and certificate
Both Trinity and Rockschool send marks, comments and a certificate. Grades 6+ also earn you UCAS points.
Get your exam books
Purchase original graded books to unlock the complete audio tracks, sheet music, assessments and performance tips. Your tutor will tell you which book you need.
Trinity College
Exam books for Trinity Rock & Pop drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, singing, and Classical Drumkit.
Rockschool (RSL)
Official RSL syllabus books for drums, guitar, bass, piano, keys, and vocals graded exams.
Important info
We're a venue, not a booking office
Planet drum doesn't handle exam bookings: Trinity exam bookings are managed by JS Music Services (email office@jsmusicservices.com) and Rockschool bookings happen directly with Rockschool. We're here to prepare you and provide the room on the day.
Watch for Arsenal matches
Please check whether there's an Arsenal home game on the day of your exam. Highbury & Islington station gets very busy on match days and your journey time may be longer than usual.
Address
The Crypt, St Mary Magdalene Church, Holloway Road, London N7 8LT, which is 4 minutes' walk from Highbury & Islington station.