THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE
ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
CHARITY NUMBER (EfiGIAND AND WALBS):
292182
CHARrrY NUMBER (SCOTIAfiD):
SC043343
COMPANY NUMBEIL.
01926395

THE ASSOCZATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
PATRON
HER MLTEsfY THE QUEEN
PRESIDErrr
H R H The Piince of Wales
GOVBRNING BODY
Tony HJJe8. Chair. CBE. &Sc
Frances Anderso￿ M.SOC.SqUPSI. BSC IECONI, FRSA
Abdul Bbanii OBE. FCA
B•rone8s Fke¢ CBE
Profeswr Jonathan Freeman.Attwood CBE, Bmus, MPhil, Hon RAM, FKC, FRNCM
IPn"ncipal. Royal Academy of Music}
Nicola Ir4ine
Leslie Kwan
Professor Colin Lawson CBE, MA {Oxonl, MA. PhD. D Mus, FRCM. FRNCM. FLCM
(Direetiw. Royal College of Music)
Profe8sor Linda Merrick GRSM. Mmus. Pl￿. FRAM, FRCM. FLCM, FRSi H¢)n VCM, FHEA
{Principal. Royal Northern College of Music)
Profe&sor Jeffrey Sharkey, MPhil (Cantabl
(Principal, Royal Conservatoire of Scotiandl
Bronw)m Syiek, MA Icantab)
Damian Wisniewski Bsc (Eng>. ACGI. BFP. FCA. UiAM
CHIEF EXEcvfivB
Cknis Cobb Bsc. FRSA
DEpirrY CHIEF EXEcirrivE
Penny Milsom BA
EXECUTIVE DIREcfoL. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMEFTr
Profe850r Lincoln Abiotts FRSA MBA, Advcert (PCS). Bmus LTCL
CHIBF OPERATING OFFICBR
Helen Coleman BA. MBA
CHIEF EXAMINER
Profes80r John Holmes ￿ LRAM. Cert E
CHIEF DIGrrAL OFFICER
James Halliweu BSC, Msc
SECRETARY TO THE GOVBRNING BODY
Rachael Casstles

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHAIUTY NUMBER (ENGLAND AND WALBS):
292182
CHARITY NUMBER (SCOTIAND):
SC043343
COMPANY NUMBEL"
01926395
TRADING NAME:
ABRSM
REGISTERED AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE:
4 L£Jndon Wall Place. LondotL EC2Y SAU
TELEPHONB:
+44(0) 20 7636 5400
BMAIL:
WEBSITE:
ADVISERS:
Crowe UK LLP
55 Ludgate Hill. London EC4M 7JW
Intwnal Audttor¥'.
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street, London WIU 7EU
BankeTh:
Bardlys Bank PLC
Level 27
i thurehffl Place, London E14 5HP
Santander UK PLC
3Yd Floor. Santander H¢)use
ILKI Ludgate Hlll, l￿d0ft EC3M 7R
Uoyds Bank PLC
25 Gre8ham Stree( London EC2V 7HN
Solldtors:
Farrer & Co
e6 Litico]n'$ Inn Flelds, London WC2A 3LH
Broadstone Pensions and Investments Limited
100 Wood Streei London EC2V 7AN
Pewlon Scheme Actuory and lttvertrnt AdTiSQrn: kn aaTk & Peacock LLP
95 Wi8more Street, London. WIU IDQ
Investment Managers (Prize Funds):
BlaCkRc￿k Investment Management IUKI Limited
12 ThroB￿rtOn Avenue, London EC2N 2DL

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
CONTENTS OF THE REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS
Page Number
Governing Botys Report IiThcoTporalin8 the Strategic Rep￿}
1-21
Governing Botys ReSpon￿￿￿1t1eS Statement
22
Independent Auditovs Report to thè Member8 and Govemor8
of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
23-26
CoMo]id4ted Statement of Financial Activitie8
27
Ba]ance Sheets
28
Consokndated Statement of Cash Flows
29
Note8 to the Account8
3M3
Pages 27- 63 comprise the financial 8tatements.

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODYIS REPORT {INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
The rnembcTS of the Governing P￿Y {the 'Governots'}. who are also directors of the company. present their
annua] report lincorpordting the Strategic Report) for the year ended 31 January 2022. together with the
audited financial statements for the year in accordance with the (Jwities Act 1993 as amended by the
Charities Art 2011. They confjmi that these coJJJpty with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the
Compan￿8 Memorandum and Articles of Assoaation and Accounttng and Reporting by Ch￿lties.. Statement of
Recommended Pradice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accoutts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
STATUS AND ADMINISTRATION
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of m￿1¢ IABRSMI is a re￿ered cbarity, numbeT 292182 IChatSty
registered in Scotland number. SC0433431. and a company iimited by guarantee. registered number 1926395.
established by four Royal Schools of Music for the benefit of music educatioJL The company has no share
capitsl and the liabihty ofthe member8 in tbe event of vrinthn8 UP 18 limited to £1 per member. The member8
are the Royal College of Musie, the Royal Academy of Music. the Th￿teeS of the Royal Northern College of
Music Endowment Fund and the TnJ8tees ofthe Royal Conservatoire ofscotland Trust.
The charity h&8 a wholiy owned subsidiary company. The AsKriated BoArd of the Royal Schools of Musi¢
IPub]ishingl Limited IABPSM Publishing). the re$ult$ of ￿1¢h are cowoiidated in these fmancial statements.
GOVERNING BODY, CHIBF BXECUTIVB AND MANAGBMErTr STRucfuRE
For the pulposes of the Companles Act 21x16 the Governors are the direcwrn of ABRSM. They are also the
charity trustees under the Ch•itie8 Art 2011. The Governing Body is con8titvted under the Artides of
Association of the company as drawn up in 1985 and amended on 26 July 2011. The amendment allows for
three additional independent memben toioh) the GoveTnin8 Body.
Member8hip of the Governing Body eon5i3t8 oftwo person5 appointed by each ofthe Royal Academy of Mu8iC,
the Roya] Co]te8e of Music. the Royal Northern Co]]e8e of Music Endowment Pund and the Royal
COnse￿at0?re of Scot]and Trust. together with three independent Governor8 and a chair￿ who is
appointed by the memberB.
New Governor8 ore inviied to meet Governor& the Chief Eyecwtive and other Senior staff for their inductio
These meetings are taiiored to the nee¢ts of each Govemor depenthng on their back8round, experience and
experti8e. The Govemors irj office from l Febrpjary 2021 to the date of this report are listed below and. where
applScable, their alternate th're¢tor81'Alternate8').
Gov•rno
Tony Hales CBE, a
Frances Anderson
Abdul Bhanii OBEJ (appointed 24 November 2021)
Profe&8or Jonathan Freeman.Attwood CBE
Judith BarbeT (resigned 20 September 20211
Karen Di Lorenzo (appointed 5 November 2021)
Jeremy Heap, (re8igned 24 November 2021)
Nicola Irvine (appointed 18 Marth 2021)
Leslie Kwan (appointed 2 January 20221
Professor Colin tawson CBE
Professor Linda MeTtick
David Roper, Deputy Chair (resigned 24 November 2021}
ProfeBsor Jeffrey Shthey
BrOnW￿ Syiekl
Baroness Fleet CBE
Damian WisniewBki. Deputy Chair
Kevtn Porter
1France$ Anderson. Abdu] Bl]anii and Bronwyn Syiek are independent Governors. je￿MY Heap was an
independent Governor.

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
{corTriNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
GOVERNING BODY, CHIEF EXECiTfivE AND PaANAGEMEiif STRUCTURB (eontlnued)
nan￿ & Businoss D•velopment Committee Memben Audlt & Rl•k Comn)itte¢ Members
Damian Wi8niewaki, Chir (appointed 24 November 20211
David Roper, Chair ITesigned 24 November 20211
Tim Barton
Abdu] Bhanii. Chair (appointed 24 November 20211
Jeremy Heap, Chair ITe8iRned 24 November 2021)
Sue Baines
Alan Smith
Judith Barber (resigned 20 September 2021}
BronW￿l Syiek
Karen Di Loren20 (appointed 5 November 2021)
George Whalley
Eileen Maekay Iresigned 10 June 20211
John MaeLeod {appointed S November 20211
Rachel HarTiS
Pr￿CeS Andernon
mU￿e Educatlon Adviwry Commltte¢
Profe880r Jeffrey Sharkey. Chair
Tony Ha]es CBE
Natasha Baldwin
Carolyn Baxendale
Frances Cummings
Barry Farrimond
Mirander Francis
Laura Gardiner
Rylan Gleave
Paul Harris
Karen Humphreys
John Hutchins
Gabriel Lee
TIM Pl￿ing
Orphy Robinwn
Jimmy ROthert￿rn
Simon T0￿e
Matt Wingfield
R¢mun•ratlon cOmn￿tt•• M•mb•r
Bronwyn Syiek. Chair
Tony Hales CBE
Professor Jonathan Freeman.Attwood
Baroness Fleet CBE
NomludonB COmn￿rt••
Tony Hales CBE. Chair
Abdul BhanN OBE
Professor Colin Lawson
Professor linda Menlck
Alternate8 are apwiinted by the Governor for whorn they act. They are endtled to attend vote and generally
act on behalf of the appointing Governor at any Governin8 Body meeting where that Governor 18 not present.
Alternates are officer¥ of ABRSM. Tather than agents ofappointin8 GovernoT& They are therefore subject to all
tenns and conditions. other than remuneratiorn t￿$t]ng with reference to other GovernorA.
Key Personnel
The Govern(rs delegate the day-t￿aY management of ABRSM to the Chief Executive. and through him to his
team ofsenior execuuve staff. who compnse the key management peT8onneL'
Chtis Cobb, Chief Executive
Penny Milsom, Deputy Chief ExeC￿]Ye
Professor Linco]n Abbotts, Executive Director. Strategic Development
Sue Carnbridge, Executive D1￿CtOr. Finance & co￿Orate Services (Resigned 30 June 2021)
Helen Coleman, ChiefOperatin8 Officer
James Hailiwell. Chief Di&tal Officer (Appointed 6 Apnl 2021)
Professor John Holmes. Chief Examiner
D•cision ma￿￿8
ProposaL8 for developing ABRSM'S work are discussed and refined by this senior teAm. Where appropriate they
may be reviewed by one of the specialist comM￿eeS of the Governtng Body. which include the Music
Education Advisory Cornmittee. The Chief Executive presents key policy and strategic proposals to the
Finance & Business Development Committee. which reviews the financial irnplications of all proposals, and to
the Governing Body for consideratiofL If agree4 these wffl be inco00r￿ed into the planned activitie5 of
ABRSM.
Page 2

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOIS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
{CON￿NuED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
COVERNORS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND MANAGBMErrr STRUCTURE (continued)
D•ctslon Maklng [￿n￿med)
All aspects of ABRSM'S work in 8UPPOrt of its ch•itable obj'ective8 are bTW together in a Corporate Plan
which. together with financial projections. is monitored by the Senior Management Team and considered by
the Finance & Business Development Committee and then the Governing Boty. The Cory)orate P]&n sets out
the strategi¢ direction for ABRSM in the medium term which is then communicated to all staff.
The Finance & Buslnes5 Development Committee is also regponsible for the review of the forecast. budget and
management accoun￿ It meets four time6 a year and nx•nitOT8 the thwiees of ABRSM ¢)n behalf of the
Governing Body. It exercises oversight of the ffijndmg strategy and re]ated policies. The Committee will
evaluate bLLsiness c￿8 for itivestmeni and monitor their benefft8 and Rol. The ￿e & Business
Development Committee comprise8 UP to six mernbeTS.' The Chair who shall be an ABRSM Tn18tee: one
independent Governor. up to two membeT8 CO•ted by the rnember8 of the committee with relevant 8kllls and
experience 10 5UPPOrt the ABRSM Btrategy and two Royal School8 of Music Directors of Flnance. One of the
)5ts on the Finance & BuBine68 Development Cornmittee is cunentty vacanL
The Audit & Risk Commlttee oversees risk management behalf of the Governing Boty and meets three
tsmes a year. It provides assurance to the Governing Body on the effe￿iVenesS of risk rnanagement. control
and governance arrangements. It a]so meets with b)th the external and internal audhoT8 to discuss the flndin88
and recommendations from the audit reports. The Audh & Ri&k Committee compri8e8 six member8.' two
Independent Governorn. two ABRSM GovemorB from two of the Royal Sth￿Is and two Dlrector8 of Finance
frorn the other two Royal Schcrf)Is of Music. The Audii & Rtsk Comnuttee require8 tha¢ at least one member
should have rece￿ audfii andlor finartd￿ acLvJntlng experience.
ABRSM procure8 its Internal Audh seTvlee from BDO LLP. The work of the Internal Autht 8eNrfee Is Inforn]ed
by an analysi5 of tisk8 to which ABRSM 16 expoBed and an annual iniernal audit plan is based on thi8 analy8i8.
The Audit & Risk Committee approveg the internal audit plaTh BDO LLP 8ubJnit regu]ar reportB to the Audit &
IIiBk Committee on audits conducted. risks identified and management's re5pon8e to their finding8. as well 48
their independent opinion on Internal c¢)ntroL
The Nomination8 Committee ts respOn￿￿e for advtsin8 the Governing Wy on the ap￿Ints￿ent of its
member8 and Its committee&
The Music Education Advisory Committee is Te4)ortsJThle for advising the Senior Management Team and
Governing Body on the direeti¢)n ofABRSM's educationa] programme8 ond tmpaet and for assisting ABRSM in
eftsuring the musical tntegrity, qua]ity and relevance of ABRSM'¥ offer in the context of a contemporary global
landscape.
The Remuneration Committee 18 re8poD•Ne for deterniiw in)plementing the remuneration policy ofthe
senior personnel. In doing so ti cowiders remuneration trend8 across ttJmp8Table in8titution8 a8 well a8
The remunerntion of the senior execLrtive 8taff 18 detennined through the completion of
perfornjance related assessments in line with company policy. The level is determined by evaluattng
coMbinat￿n of performance and maTket Tate.
ABRSM'S Bovernance is structUTed around the principles of the Chatity Govemance Code. The Governing
Body is committed to reviewing its governa￿e a8aiDSt the Code's piinciple8 on a regular ba￿ to ensure the
highest Stand￿d$ of governance.
Governon, and Offlcers. Llablllty
Governors. liabi]ity is induded in the combined b￿lTresS insurance policy and 18 purchased by authority
contained within the Memorandum and Artides of A&8ociation. as pernlftted by Section 23212) of the
Companies Act 2006 and with the agreement of the Ch￿lty commi￿1X￿ The total c05t of Governor8. and
Officer8, liabllity insurance was £2.10012021: £2.100).
Page 3

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(COWllNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
CHARITABLE OBJECnVES
ABRSM has the fol]owing aims and objectives 8et out in its MemoTandum and Articles ofAssociatlo
to advance the wts, 8eience and skll]8 of music. speech and drnm) throughout the UK and
overseas: and
to promote the education and instruthon I￿ the study and appreciation of music, speech and
During 2021. ABRSM developed and irylemented a new 5-year eoTPOfate strategy centred around our
ongoing mission to enrich lives by inspiring musica] achievement around the world. A focus on the needs of
our Customers is at the core of our strate￿. wh.ch is a]so guided by five key themes.. edUCatior￿1 excellence:
collaboration: leadership and advocacy. equaliry. diversity and inciusion.. and. 8UStainability.
Over the next five years. ABRSM afin￿ to be seen by our #akeholders t
Va]ue and support our learners aod teathers
Be an innovator in music teachi￿ learnlng and as8esment
Support and promote music education giobally
By January 2026 we ￿11 have grrni:
The number ofleamers engagin8 with us
Our charitable donations
The breadth ofour 4Ctivitie8
The foJ]owing report explains in more detail how our objectivt8 are achieved. Our main measurements of
8ucces8 continue to be the level of candidate numbers and turnover, the delivery of key tArgets for the launch
of new product8 and services. dI￿allY and in person. and reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, the
impaet of the global pandemic in 2020 resulted in an incre48ed focus on re8toriDg the company'8 ca8h Te8erve8
and strengthenln8 its resilience.
STRATEGIC REPORT
PRINCIPAL AcfivETIES
ABRSM SUPFQrts the teaching and learning of music. in pwtneT8hip with four Royal Schools of Music and aims
to insptre aehlevement in music.
The strategles adopted by ABRSM to meet its charitable objectives and thereby provide public benefit focus on
four main areas of activfity are:
To support and recognise excellence in musie teaehing:
2. To expand and enhance the w&ys we support and assess mudea] progression.,
3. To partner strategically to support. deliveT and advocate for excellence and participation In musi¢
education,.
4. To protect the planet for future generdtions.
The Governors believe that the8e activitie8 continue to meet ABRSM'8 chariLgbJe objectives both in the year
under review and Into the ￿ture.
ABRSM'8 8ub8idiJry, The A￿cIated Board of the Roya] Schools of Music tPublishlng) LimiteLt is engaged In
the production and sale of mLL8iC publications. recorthngs and digital resources in support of the charitable
aetivities of ABRSM. both of exam related publications. and wider repertoire music and text-Lx)oks supportiti8
music education.
Page 4

THE ASSOaATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
(coriTtNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
STRATEGIC REPORT (conthiued)
ACHIEVEMBwfs AND PERFORMANCE
ABRSM uupports teacheT8 worfdwide by developing piinted and diwl resources that eomplement our exam
fo¢u88ed books. recorthngs. apps and video& and thr￿ a ran8e of online and face-to-face events and
quaNfi¢atio
A calendar of webinar activity was delivered throu8knut the year. reaching over 10.000 people. focussin8 on
Introduclng the Perfornjance Grade5 and ARSM in 18 webinars. Another 25 bespoke presentations and INS
e85iOTLW weTe curated and de]ivered for partner OTg8nisations, scbools and m￿le service5 around the world.
Since Identi￿ng teacher development a8 a priority are&. the Academic Director and Teacher Development
Executive have collaborated to establish an ABRSM-cl￿oMIsed M(x)dle site. with a virtual café and gallery
space designed to foster a sense of ¢ommurrity acting as a notional entry 8pace to the learning area. where a
variety of CPD cour8e8 wal be available. Further development plans in 2022-23 are currendy underway in
COllabor￿)0n with Commercial Team collea8ue8 to brin8 the Moodle site to a wider audienee.
This year 8180 Saw the de8i8n and build of a xcond Future Le4rn couY•e ba8ed around POBt.pandemic
reflection, to provide PTO8ression for the 28.Crf)O learners from over 170 markets who engaged with the first
Future Learn course. and potentially a bridge to our own Teacher Development Programme in the fijture. A
pilot of a modu]e in reflective practice was developed on our Sandbox Mcrtxlle site, with partner Titus Leaming.
Th18 wa¥ wcce8shJi. with content bwlt. delivered and evaluated and Mryth good feedback.
The core activity of ABRSM. de]iverln8 llML81c exams of a con8i6tentty high quAlity t￿h in the UK and
internatlonal]y, contSnued to be affected due to re8tTlctions pirt in place a8 a rewlt of Covid-19. Durlng the year
we continued to expand our offer of alternative and new fonnat on]ine exAminations appToved by Ofqual to
meet our le8rner8' needs both in the UK and intemAtionally. There weTe 425.000 {2021.. 218.000) ABRSM
&￿eSsments In 2021-22. an in(yease of95.(Ph on the Prior year.
Although we were able to offer face to face prnctic418nd in person theory exams in the UK. we were unable to
offer a $ignificAnt number of these Internationauy due to soveTnrnent reBtrictions. However. we were able to
offer our new suite of regulated exAmiDatton¥. the Perf0M￿Ce Grades, launched in 2020. and available for all
exS8ting Subjects from Grades 1-8. For these examinations learners make a video recordin8 of themselves
playlng, which 18 then upl(Aded to * Secure website and marked remotely by an ABRSM examiner.
Performance Grades are equivulent in level of rigour and difficulty to Practical Grades and learners can switch
between the two to progress throuth 8Tade3. In addition to this. a baIly 'On Demand. rnodel for candidate5
taking their Grades 1-5 Music Theory la￿ched successffijlly in August 2021. on Schedule and within bud8et. A5
an agreed stTate8ic priority for 2021. the Theory On Demand rroD} project, was mobi]ised to deliver a
scalable On Dernand solution for UK and Inten]ationaJ candidates a8 well as to provide a core platform to
de]iver fijture on demand products.
M¢)8t of ABRSM'S qualificatioro are forn]olly recogwsed by the UK ¢walifications Tegulators: in England by the
Office of Quaiifi¢ati¢)ns and Exatranation¥ Regulation (Ofqu8Jl" in Wales by Quaiificats"ons W8le$' and in
Northern Ireland by Councfi for the Curricu]um. E%amin8tion8 and Asse5srnent ICCEA Regulation). All ow
regu]ated qua]Jfication8 are li#ed on Ofqual's Re￿eT of (J4lifieati¢)ns. The Governing Body is re￿OnSIble for
overneeing ABRSM'S compRiawe with the conditio￿9 of recw)itk)n as set by the three regkn.
Page 5

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODYS REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(coTrrJNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
ACHIBVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Uxand Ir¢land examinallo
During 2021-22 8 total of 204.000 12021". I28.0￿) assessments were Completed for ABRSM'S Practical.
Perfornwiee Grade, Diploma. Theory and Music Medals qualifications in the UK and ITeland, an increase of
59.4*A on the prlor yeaT.
Due to Covid-19 restslctlons the UK 20218e88ion for face-tLFface Practical grades between January and March
2021 was ¢8ncelled. and hivate Visits were redueed Session8 later in the year were able to go ahead. albeit
with a ￿igh￿Y reduced number of Pub]ic Venues. Online Theory Grades 1-5 wett avallable to candidates on
thTee selected dates in March 2021 and then an On Demand exam window opened succe8sfully on 26 May and
ran until 23 Jwie. Paper-based Grade &8 Theory exanu were dejivered on selected dates in 2021. On 2 August
2021 a fr￿ly 'On Demand, model for Candid￿e9 taking their Grades 1-5 Music Theory lauttehed and is now the
maln route for these exams.
A88essments completed in Scotland make up 2.￿ of the total12021'. 4.49hl.
We alm to retain and attract candidates through a variety cl corporate 8tratewe8 inc]uding the release of
and refreshed qua]ificatOons and increasing customer engagement capaaty along with new publicatlons and
digital learnin8 &PP8.
We are assi8ted In delSverin8 our examinauon8 by voiwiteer Honorary Local Repre8entative8 IHLR81 who give
their valuable tlme io help atran8e and ensure the ￿T￿0th numing of exams in the UK. At the end of the year
we had 194 HLR8 assisting ￿ In these Tole8. Durin8 the year 59 HLRS stepped do￿1 and 17 HLRS were newly
reuuited.
IAternatloft#l *x#mlndllons
During the year a tot8] of 221.000 12021.. 90.0001 international assessments were eompleted for ABRSM,
Prartical, Performanee Grade. Diploma and Theory qu8Jification8. an increa8e of 145.6% on prior year.
Covid-19 continued to impact ¢)n the delivery of face•tOvface exam8 in inte)n&tional markets. We were able to
Practical Grades in a limited number of markets induding Spain and Italy in November and December
2021.
A sma]I cohort of candidate8 tcok Practical exams in Malaysia in January 2022 using a newty developed
Facilitated Examiner rnodel. Six iDe4lTry Trained examineT8 In H¢)ng Kong and Slngapore exarnined 415
candidates in December 2021 and January 2022.
Performance Grade exams ftyst offered to our internationa] markets in January 2021, have proved to be
particu]arty popular dwing the year, as an ahernattve to the face to face exams.
o￿tne Theory Grades 1.5 wtTe available for the same window as for UK candidateB between 26 May and ran
until 23 June. This offer was for all territ¢xies except China and there were some capacity lirnit5. From August
2021. in line with the UK, Intemats'onal Candidates now access the 'On Demand, model for candidate8 taking
their Grades 1-5 Music Theory.
Paper-ba8ed Grade 6-8 Theory exanu were delivered to most tenitorles on Selected dates in 2021.
At year end we had 12912021: 117) international representatives. coverAll8 76 countrles.
Page 6

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODVS REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
ACHIEVBMEiifs AND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Supportfv learn•rA olmwk
This year saw the release of a new Woodwind published ia July 2021 for use from January 2022. The
Syllabus contains more pieces by comp08ers from underrepresented groups. duets. removal of solo
requirement and rea]]￿Ing of li#&
Our Singing for Mulical Theatre suite was completed in January 2022. wlth aural tests and 8ight-singi
8pe¢ifical]y designed for Mu8ical Theatre singers completiti8 the sulte of both Perforniance and Praetle8]
Grades up to Grade 8. The repertoire lists have once again been extended this time with a Speciflc focus on
diversity in both composer background and onthge personae.
Dev•lopment olpubltshed and dI81t￿r•s¢41r
Following the introdU￿10n of Online Theory in August 2020. we began to offer these exanu partially on
demand in May 2021, and then fuity on dernaTJd from August 2021. This included translation of papeTh into 6
lang(￿se8. devi8ing a new bulk upload process to 8UPPOrt thii functior4 and developing new conteni wlth
amended que8tior
Publi8hlng turnover for the yeor (including intra-8roup charges) was £6.833.000 {2021.' £7,618,000). The
decrease in turnover compared with the prior year related to the new piano syllabu8 released in 2020. The
Publishing Company resu]ts (including irATa-￿Oup char8e51 PToduced a aid payment of £755,00012021'.
EI.309.0(K)I to ABRSM
Th18 year saw the continued development and inWroveme￿ ofow ran8e ofapps itieluding..
An Awal Trainer App update to top UP Lxjntent at GTade8 1-5..
New syllabus repertoire added to our Flute. aazinet. and Saxophone Practice Partner Apps,,
Viohn Sca]es Trainer App redesi8ned to match our Piano Scales Trainer App
Are￿11b￿lty and Onlln• Re¥ourc
In addltion to our examination related on4ine too18. we continue to develop cwr suite of re80wces for teachers
via the website along with f&Ce-t￿fa¢e internctio
ABRSM'S website features loca]i8ed eontent for every county in wkllch we operate •nd respond8 autornatica]ty
to each vi8itoV8 1(xation in order to provide local exam enty. contact •nd event Inforn￿ti0￿ Dwing the year
to 31 January 2022 we had over 8.687.000 {2021: 6,716,0¢)O} visits from over 4.269.000 {2021.' 3.100.000)
uniqje vigitot8.
ABRSM, workin8 dose]y with Pwc. continues to develop and its￿ement the organi￿tion'S ambitlous digital
trankntion PTO8Tarnme.
The next phase of deveIt)ptY￿I and cO￿lnuoUS ImprOve￿￿t WLrk. including planned CRM developmenL
together with improvements to website content and design, were injplemented to improve the customer
expeTience ag weu as reduce the volume of cu8torner enquiiies.
Page 7

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRAfdGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PBRFORMANCE {eonthiued>
Partnering strategically to Suppo￿ deliver and advocate for excellence and partldpatlon
in music edtteatlon
Due to its finanei818ltuation, ABRSM was not able to make substantia] charitable contributions ￿ $UPPOrt the
work of four Royal Schools of Music as it had done in prior years. Nevertheless, ABRSM maintained
schola￿lp8 for UK-based and international students of the Royal Academy of Music. the Roya] College of
Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal Conserwatoire of Scotland, the Royal Welsh College of
Music and Drama and the Hong Kong Academy of Perfonning Arts. A total of 8912021.. 911 scholars benefited
from ABRSM fvnding during the year. Sponsorship and donations lor the benefit of music education arising in
the yeaT to 31 January 2022 were £201.00012021'. E244,0001. SCI￿1a[Ships awarded totalled £1.086.000 {2021'.
£1,048,000) and induded..
Roy•lA¢ttdemy afmuslc
Supported by an ABRSM Scholarshlp. Annemarle Federte studles the French Hom at the Royal Academy of
Music with Rj'ehard Watkins, David Pyatt and Martth Owen. At the age of 17. AnnemaTie won the Brass
Category Final of the BBC Young Mu8ician competition. In 2021. she won joint fiT5t prize at the Gianni
Bergamo Classic Music Award and was a 8emi-finalist ai the ARD International Music Cornpetition in Munic14
perfoniiing Mozart Hom Concerto No. 4 with the Munich Chamber Orchestr& Other recent highlight6 include
perfOrn￿nCeS ai Lichfield Festival and as 8010i8t with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain at Royal
Festival Hal], as well a8 recording chamber music with Three World Records. Throughout 2021, Annerrwie
perfornied recitals across the UK a5 well a8 concertos with European Unlon Chamber Orchestra. London
Repertolre Orehestra. amn8 others. Annemarie is gratefijl for ABRSM'S Benerous support and says. '1 have
had an incredible time at the Academy so far and l am really looking forward to the rest of my years here. The
Academy has really helped me to impTove as a player. leading to opportunities such as playing In a patch wlth
the Aurora Orchestra on PrlncApal Horn In Beethoven 7. or playing Third Horn with the London S￿TrphonY
Orchestra in December 2021. 1 would ]ike to thank ABRSM for supporting the Academy and individuals like
myself and enabling ow generation to continue the music industy..
Royal College ofmuslc
Alim Beisembayev is a Master of Perfornwnce piano oiudent currentty in hi8 second year at the Royal College
of Music IRCMI. In September 2021. A]im won the First Prize at the prestigious Leeds Internation8] Piano
Competition. In Aiim's words. A]though many star5 had to be ￿Igned to reach thls success, I believe my
Significant ABRSM funding played a big role in my achievernent. ABRSM'8 financial help enabled rne to support
myself in London, which allowed me to completely focus on my studies. and l strongiy believe this contributed
to my 8ucceBS.' Since his competition success. Alim has had an exciting time being taken on by management
company Askona5 Holt, and an EP with Warner Classics was released soon after. Following hi8 8ucce88. Aiim
played concertos with the Royal Liverpool Philhannonic. BBC s￿PhonY Orchestra and rn08t recently SWR
Symphony Orchestra in Stuttgart. Alim also took on other engagements such as Mozart's C minor piano
concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra with a week's nofice. as well as stepping in to perform a lunchtime
recital at the Wi8more Hall in December. In January ZOZZ. Aiim perfomied with Sir Antonio Pappano and the
RCM Symphony Orche8lra Ravel's piano concerto in G major. Aiim has been able to rise to the challenges of
combining a full perfonnanee schedu]e with fiffl-tllne sbjdies with supw)rt from the ABRSM and RCM. Mthich he
feels lucky to have at this important stage in his professionai developmenL Alim thanks the ABRSM for its huge
generosity. a3 this allowed him to chase his dreams of becoming a concert pianist.
Page 8

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF Trtusic
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(COWnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
ACHIEVEMEKfs AND PERFORMANCB (continued)
Partnerlng strategically to #upport. dejiver and advocat¢ for exeallollee and participati¢)n
In muslc educatlon (eonthiued)
Roy•lNorthvR Coll48e oAM¥¥k
Aaron Peters is a first-year Bmus voeal and opera scholar from the UK who has immersed hirnself in a]] areas
of study with great enthusiasTh He has L￿en part in perfom)ance ¢]asses at every opportunity and was
fortunate to attend a masterdass given by Sir John Tomlin￿￿ During the course of his singing lessons he bas
Consistently improved his voca] technique and •callnula¢ed a vaTiety of new Tepertoire. and has a bright future
ahead of him. Marcelo Rodrigues is on(*her first-year sclM)lar. came to the UK from Br￿1 with very
]imited financial Tesour¢e8 to study the double bass at the RNCM. He has scored hi8h]y in hi8 assessments to
date and has made 8trong Strides forwards under the guidance of his tutor. eager to make the very most of hi8
ABRSM scholaTship.
Royal Cowrntolm olS¢o¢14nd
Dominika Dawidowska is a classica] guitarist from Poland currendy enrcdied in the fourth year of Bmus at the
Royal Conservatoire of Scot]and. DoMin￿a has been able to experience a varied student ]Ife surrounded by a
team of great teachers and her tslented dassmate$. She has perforn)ed in many 8010 and chamber music
events during the past four years, highh'ghts have induded playing at the COP 26 confeTence when it was in
Gla$gow in 2021.. she )180 worked with many distinguithed musicians. ABRSM fijnding has enabled Dominika
develop into an excellent young ortist wl)o has floutished. despite the intemwtion of the pandemic and one
who looks forrtard to a life on the worfd'8 coneert 8ta8e
Oth•r Supportfvrmurfc Ed4¢a¢lon
We have continued to work doBely with partn¢r8, policy and decigion maker8 to 8UPPOrt the plaee and pury)08e
of music. and of pro8re88ion within rnu8ic education dwing a very challenging year for teaehers, learner8 and
musAci4ns generally,
We continued our research into the state of music maknng and learning cuknimting In the publication of our
Makin8 Musie researeh report in November 2021.
Working to a brief from the Departsnent for Education and directed by its Eyrt Panel of teacher8. academics
and music education specialists, we fuffilled our role as drafter8 of the Model Music Curriculum for Eng]and, a
non-8t&tutory guide to school mu8ic learning for ￿ pupfi8 between 5 and 14 years of age.
Initiatives ftmded by our Elevate Fund were stalled by the pandemie but Testarted in January 2021. Infornied
by the findings of The Music Cornmission (published in 20191 they will hjrther develop our network and
institutional knowledge ofways to 8UPPOrt PTO8res8ion in the rnost effective way.
We have continued to deliver against the commitinents made in ow Diversity & Inclusion Plan Ipublished in
October 2020) which sets out expliat goals, supported by measurable targets, to broaden the music we
Pro￿￿)te, commission. and pub]ish. in order to recogDise the rid￿e&S of diverse music 8nd our global identity.
to acknowledge cultura] diverw. and include comp09ers from every 8eLtion of80eiety.
Despite the various lockdoTrvlls and ban on international travel. we found ways to collaborate to make m￿lC
and bring the joy of music to our audiences. We offered inspiration and advice ftir learners, teachers and
parents through the Pluy On platfoTrn on our website and our Global High Scorets Concerts have brought
together perforn)ers from across the globe. We celebrated Make Mtisic Day through a newly commissioned
film celebrating the power of music to brin8ioy and ts) unite comn￿tie
Page g

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
(Co￿NUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDBD 31 JANUARY 2022
ACHIEVEMEKfs AND PERFORMANCE {conthiued)
Partnerln£ 8trategx¢ally to suppo¢ deliver and advocate for excellence and partlcipation
In mu81¢ ¢a￿all0￿ (contlnued)
We continued to support organisations thrcmjgh the pandemic. DuTing the year we continued our partnerships
with the National Youth Orchestra. the National Youth ChoiTS of Great Britain. the ROY￿ Philham)onic Society.
the London Mu81¢ Fund. Nationa] Youth Jazz Orchestra. National Children'8 Orehestra of Great Britain and the
Nationa] Open Youth Orchestra. Our sponsorsbip portfolio continues to reach a diver8e range of musie learners
as we look to expand our geographic3] and social readL We also continued to support the Commonwetthh
Resounds, the Commonwealth International Composition Award. which seeks to promote composib'on h¢ros$
the globe for under 18, .
Our International Sponsorship Fund supported organi8atiOJ)8 and projects in Haiti. Kenya, Mexico. the USA
and Brazll. The ongoing cha]lenges of the pandernic resuited in some changes to planned activity, including
timeframes. but all pro8rammes have been able to use the ffiJndu￿ to provide opportunitie$ for children. young
people and adults to make. and progre$s. in music. Activtties included a joint teacheT training programme
between organisation5 in the USA and Braa1. serving more than 100 stsing teachers in Rio de Janeiro State, as
well as a scholarships PTO8ramrne ft)r women musicians in Kenya attending conservatoire.
Prlz• F¥n
The endowment fvnds were e5tabli5hed to provide PThze8 for M￿￿eal achievemen¢ in ABRSM'3 examination&
All Investment$ have been acquired in accordance with the power8 avallable to the Governors.
Fundwlsthz
The organisation dsxs not en8a8e in fundrai51n8 activities. Its income is derived from music examination fee8
aud from sales of associated publication
Protecdng th¢ planet for futurn 8eneratlon8
We recogtu'$e a climate emergency is happening. A8 a globa] org8nl8ation brln*ng muslcai achlevement to a
young audienee. we will engage our ￿aff and the wider ABRSM community to protect the planet for fvture
generations. We will adapt how we operate to reduce our impact on the environment and our long tetin goal is
to cut our carbon emissions in ha]f by 2030 and reduce them to net zero by 2050.
In 2021 we carried out a carbon audit of our activities and began to plan a series of projects over the next three
years that will help u8 to manage our GHG emissions against taTgets that track the aims of the Pari8 Agreement
on global tempeTature rise.
Pagè 10

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
FINANCJAL REVIEW
The c¢)n801idated Statement of finanelal activities i8 given on page 27 of the accounts.
Total turnover of ABRSM and its UK thidiary from exami￿nI publication8. teacher 8UPPOrt and
inve8tment incorne for the year amourrted to £42,498.1XIO12021: £23,397.000).
The operating profit for the year was £7.428.000 (2021 Restated: deflcit of £6.099.000). The IneTease 1$ due to
the partia] lifting of restrietions on face to face exaniinatiow as a re8uIt of Covid-19 and the continued 8ucces8
of OUT onllne exami￿tion& The perfQrnW￿e of the puNishing company 18 set out in note 6 to the accounts.
The profit is ststed after charging £2.722.000 {2021 Restated.. £2,002.0001 of amortisation co3ts in line with
ABRSM'8 policy regardmg the capita]isation of soliware developrnent costs (note 21). The d?gital transforn]ation
programme enabled ABRSM to de]iveT Customer 8elf-8eTvice in addition to offtiing both praetica] and theory
examitution8 online. theTeby eon8ideTably mitigating the potentia] in)pact of Covid-19 on the financial strength
and future perforn]ance of the Group. Expenditure on the digit81 transfom)aiion pro8rarnme had been treated
as expenses when incuTred Sn previous years but the accounting wlicy ha8 been changed and a prior year
adjustment been induded in thi8 yearfs accounts the detslls of whieh are set out in 40.
The Covid-lg pandemic continued during 2021 with re8trietions on travel and indoor gathering$ Still in place in
numeTOU8 countrie8 acr0$8 the world. Global travel restrletlons rtduced the abi]ity of examiner8 to travel to the
vast majority of intemats'onal territories. Indu(bng ABRSM'S major rnat*et& However, the Group was able to
recover its income levels in 2021 to 74% cl pre pandemic levelp and return our annual results to a profit by
delivering the following actions..
Development of our on]ine assessm￿ b88 eontlnued at pace. with On Demand Theory exam5 offered
from May 2021 and On Demand Perforn￿e Grades cunEntly under development.
The international rolE-OUt of the new online booking service and relaled IGME 8y8t•m5. continued in
2021 with customers in a]1 target countries. apart from a)ina, usin8 the new online 8erviee by Ap7il.
ABRSM continued. on a Ilmited basis, io particl￿te in the Government's Job Retention Scheme for Staff
role8 relating to ABRSM'S office space.
ABRSM'S offices were dosed through to June 2021 and staff and the Mryder W￿￿Orce of examiner8.
contrit*Jtors, representatives and volunteers continued to worfc etTectively online when necessary.
There is strong demand for the new dl8itsl assessments.. PerfOrnI￿ Grade8 and Online Theory. Pract5cal
examinations are now bein8 offered in the UK together with practical examination visits which have been
taking place throughout the year.
The imprnvin8 financial position of ABRSM. refierttng our continued Tecovery from Covid, and the changing
operational model introduced wrth the intetnational online booknng syste￿ can be seen in the results in the
balance sheet at 31 January 2022.
Wlth the Introduetlon of the online bcoking 5yStem and related receipt of inoyne to the UK, international
debtor levels from Repre8entatives continue to reduce £1.136.000 {2021 E2.130,0001. The increased cash
receipts and impToved fjtiaftci￿ Stab￿lty have a￿OWed w to increase the level of cash held on deposit to
£6.968,000 (2021 £1,631.000)-
Durlng the year ABRSM made a pa￿errt on acccfimt of £6m to the ABRSM pension scheme. The pension
8cheme is able to earn a higher level of return on investment than ABRSM ean ach]'eve so thi$ will support the
future reduction of the pension deficit. Haw tsken this into aecount. the liquidity of the charity has
nonetheless improved with cash at 31 January 2022 beitig £2m higher than forecast in November 2021.
reflecting the imprnved outturn and enabling the ck)aTity to continue investm8 in its digitsl infrastrncture and
internats.onal development.
Page 11

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
{COFTfiNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)
The level of creditors due within one year have increased to £10,227.000 {2021 £7.995.000). As a resu]t of the
Chan￿ng examithon booking process. ABIL8M is now required to make commission payments to our
Intemationa] Representatives after the year end and the amount due has risen in ]itie with income to
£2.057.00012021 £1,185.0001.
Further evidence of the knft]ng of restiictions on face to face exorninations in the UK and the continued success
of our online booking system worldwide is reflected in defeTTed incrm)e. This is income received from
examination botikings relating to a peyiod after the year end date and has risen 10 £3.069.000 12021
£I.847,0￿).
GolD8 Conc•rn
The 8tron8 performance of the Group durin8 the year ended 31 January 2022 has provided a firni foundatloft
for the forthcoming year.
A budget has been 8ei for the following year which shows the Group generating a 8urylus for the year.
Reforecasts lo the end of June 2023 have also been prepared based on likely and worst ease scenarios. In both
of these situations it is expected ¢hat thé Group will continue with net positive current assets and l¢)tal assets,
along with sufficient positive cash balances. In the likety case a surplus is to be generated by the Group. These
foTecasts have been prepared taking account of recent cost of living rises and increases in global prices for
energy Such as gas and raw materials such as papeT.
The charity is no longer solely rehant on the delivery of face to face examination8, having successfully
developed and rolled out on]ine alternatives of equal rigour and value which have been welcomed by its
candidates. It is [￿W much better placed lo withstand any future travel disn￿tiOn8 as It is able to offer online
asse88ments worldwide. Now that travel restsidions are easing. the charity is returning to offering face to face
exaTninations worldwide together with on]int a8se&%ments. thereby offering moye choice to candidates and
appea]ing to a wideT base of leamers. While international travel rernains ]imiied th's is not expected to
8i8nificandy affect our abllity to continue •s a Boing concern due to the avallability of our dI￿'t&7 assessments.
Further acti¢?￿ are planned to increase re8iiience and reduce rdiance on internationa] travel by recrniting and
traSning facilitators pnd examiners based in the cthjnty where the examinations take plaee.
The charity has the res¢)urces to allow it to inve8t in it8 diwi proRTamme to conrinue to meet CU8tomer needs.
The introduetion of customer self-ser4iee means that examination fee8 are reL*ived 800neT from international
territorie3. reducing the amouni of cash tied up in debtors. thereby irnproving the Group'8 ca8hfiow and
reducin8 Its exposure to dOUbth￿ debts.
The truytee$ therefore have a reasonable expectation that the charity has Adequate resource8 to continue in
operationul existence foT the foreseeable ￿ture. being ai least twelve months from the date of approva] of these
financial statements. and are not aware of any other Inaterial uneertaintie8 which may adver8dy affect the
organisation. Accordingty, the fin&ncid slAtements continue to be prepared on the goin8 concern ba8iS.
Page 12

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOIS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
{cortnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
FINANCIAL REVIBW (eollllnued)
Inva8tm•nt Selectlon Pojiq and Perfornwiee
On the incoTporation of the Associated Board in 1985, ti was decided that the pubhslllng business of ABRSM
3hou]d be tratLsferred to a wholty owned wbsidiary, The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
(Publishing) Limited. This company granted an Lutseeured loan note to ABRSM as consideration for the transfer
of the publishin8 business. ABRSM Teceives interest on this loan note at above the bank b&8e rate.
Additional]y, the wb8idiary company pays royalties to ABRSM on copyrigbts owned by ABRSM. Finally. it
donate8 its taxable profits to ABRSM under a deed of covenan( which aTwunted to £755.000 {2021:
£1,309,0C￿}. This Is a long-terni investsneni held for the benefit of ABRSM and integrated WAthin ABRSM.
operations uti]ising the intellectual property contained in ABRSM'S syllabus listins8. which are periodically
refrethed,
ABRSM occasionally receive8 sums of money to provide for prizes for c4ndidate5 perfornllng well in Its
examinations. In order to maintain the real value of these gifts it invests 8 Significant proportion of the hize
Endowrnent Funds in Blackrock Chwitie8 UK Bond and Equity Common Inve8tsnent Funds. At 31 January
2022 these had a c05t of E779.OCrt) and a mthet valuation of £1,578,LX)0 12021.. £655.000 and £1,336,000
respectively), reflecting an increase in market values of 8.wo over the prior year,12021'. net decrease of 4.30/0).
All other Bu￿luS tiquid fijnds held by ABRSM are placed on deposit to safeguard the fund8 involved and to earn
interest until such tin)e as they aTe needed to meet the expenditure involved in ABRSM'S operation8. The
interest earned on these dep08its during the year was £8.000 {2021.' £27.000).
Prlndpal Rl•k# attd Unc¢rtalntl••
The GovernSn8 Body 18 re8ponwble for the aw88ment and control of the risks faeed by ABRSM. Con8ideration
of ri8ks 13 dele8ated to the Audit ar￿ Bi8k Commillee and managed on a day-to-day basis by Senior staff. The
Governors believe that awarene￿ of the key risks 18 the sing]e most important element in ensuring that thry
are eontrolled. Ri8k8 are identified. assessed and controls malntalned throughout the yehr. with a fomia] revlew
of ABRSM'$ risk management processes Undert￿ert on an annual ba8i8. A thor￿)8￿ re￿eW refleedng our
changing operations 18 currently underway.
In addition to the risk management and miti8atico acdon8 Identified in the table below, ABRSM u8ed the
following contro18 to manage risk.
forniai agendas and ￿￿nuteS for all GoYenun8 Body and committee activity.
dear terms ofreference for all committees- Finance & Business Development Committee. Audlt
& Ri8k Committee, Remuneration Cornmittee. NoThllnations Con)mittee and the Mwic Education
Advi30ry Committee..
rolling programtne of inttrnal audit
eomprehensive strategic planThng. forecastin& budgeting. management accountin8 and variance
fotmai vnitten policies. incluth8 Staff po]i¢ie8 readily accessible to all statr.
hierarchical authorisation and aPpTo￿l levels: and
review of c&qhfiow forecasts
Pagg 13

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOIS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
FINANCIAL REVIBW (conthiued)
In addition to the sI￿llfiea￿t bu8ine8s and financial risks vA)ickn together with the mitigating actions are
refetyed to in the Financial Review. key iisks affecting the chatity itthe..
Whai are thè key risks faein8 ABRSWI
What is ABRSM doh)g to Tttjuce the ]ikeliknd or minimise
the itn
ct olthe5e Ti5ks oeeurrin
Mana8eTnent regujarly seeks and acts on ememal advice to
el￿￿re it remains up w da￿ with the po&sible Ca￿e$ and
best rnitigatsn8 adions ¢0 addre￿ thi5 risk The mitigating
aaions inc]udÈ.'
Cyber attack. major incident (r technoloKy failure le&th8
to Ios8 of data and business inteiruption
Bustness Continwry aTrJ Di8BsreT Recovery plan5 In place.
Cyter Essen￿ Plw AeLYedlwion renewgj annu￿]Y.
Mandatory Seeurity Awareness trainin8 for all staff
Ixwi Autheni)￿0n for remote aetess
Automatk 3rf pany secuTIty patch wonagement
AdVAn￿d Ftrewall 8ecuriry
Support contraet In plaee with PWC
Chllnge¥ lo UK and relevant overseas le￿51￿tiOn
resulatory condiuorth leading ro cunai]rnent of aaiviti¢S.
reputation81 damage and/or financial penalties.
Annual reviews of tax1è8tslatson in major terriiorfes
pwfomtd by expert advisors.
Prompt acrion taken when concwm raised by local
represen￿tiVeS.
Compliance speeialisr and &￿eM￿nCe In place to ensure
eomph.anee with Ofquaj. CCEA and Quals Wa]es
re8uJations.
Mandatory GDPR rrAinin8 and polieies are In place
s rtviewed for Gtness for
ABRSM conshders 5afe8uarding to be of the uttno$t
imponance and Main￿nI a zero-toieranee approach to
dealing with safeguardin8 issues. It Tnaintains a ¢uliure of
vi￿lan￿ ttroughout Ir3 acdvities. MitigatinB actlo
indude:
The effective superrision and controjs arotmd working in
educaiiord serung with children, including rerno¢e
proctoring of reeorded assessments which invo]ve supplier
staff, examiners ond ABPSM staff reviewin8 candidates and
their eniryronment.
Trained Desi8Mted Safeguathg Person and depuiles on
constant cover reportin8 to CEO and an organi5ation-wide
safegu4rdin8 rtv1￿¥ LY)nimittee
Safer reowitment in educwion frwnework followed. D
checks cyde of renewaj
All sthff and Ibjstee training
SafeguaTdL'TtB al￿ chlld protection pojieies reviewed by
specia]ists
Re8u]arintemal audit of Safe￿￿rdM8 pticies And pr8etice
Proeethrn for ryrring and escalation
Data proteLlion policy and pro￿th￿s
Safeguarding buQt into design of assessment and due
ence conducted on third
su
"ers
Page 14

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE SThATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
THE ABRSM PENSION AND UPB ASSURANCE SCHBMB ITHE SCHEME)
ABRSM operate8 a defined benefft pension scheme which c108ed to fijture acCn￿l on 31 December 2018. The
notionaj 8urpIu8 or deficit on the fijnding of the Scheme. calcu]ated annually under thi8 Standard. is shown in
the financi8J statemelts a designated fund entitled "Pension Reserve-. This is deducted from Unrestricted
Funds In the balance sheet The approximate actiwial valuation canied out at 31 January 2022. a8 requiTed by
FRS 102. represents the market va]ue of the assets of the Scheme a8 £57.9 million and the value of the liabiiltie8
at that date a8 E67.0 mlllion12021'. £49.2 million and £75.7 W￿l10n). Dwing the year ABRSM ynade an addition81
payment of £6.Om to the pen8ion 8cheme. Th18 contribution is treated a8 a rol]ing comnutment vthi]e ABRSM
continue8 to make pa￿nts each month as required by the Cu￿ent Statement of Contribuuons. The
eonsequent net defieit on the Scheme of £9.2 m]Ilion 12021: É26.4 million) is a statement of the transient
8ituatlon at 31 January 2022. Both the GovernorB and the Trnstees of the Scheme recognise that Njch
valuations can Tr￿¢ Si￿￿A¢andY in response lo m**et facrors and the actuarial a8sumption8 made.
The Governor8 reco￿]18t that the deficit aTi8ing undeT FRS 102 doe8 not knve a swjficant Immedlate cash-
flow impact on the eharity. The positive effect of the contribution8 made by the employer on the FRS 102
liability has been accornpanied by a decrease In technical provisions a8 at 31 January 2022. The disdosure of a
pension hability, newly calculated year by year under FRS 102. does not mean that the equivalent amount is
already committed and no longer available to the Governors to fitrther the ¢haT1￿8 objectives.
The last triennial actwiai valuation wa8 prepared a• at 31 December 2018 and showed a deficit of E25.6
mi]lion. The Scheme do$ed to future accnjal from 31 December 2018 and hlld already do8ed to new entrants,
with certain limited exception8, on l FebTWy 2014.
A new deficit recovery plan was agreed by the Tn￿tee8 in 2019. Under the plan. the Employer a8reed to pay
defiot reduction contribution¥ of £3.37m per annum, In￿eaSing in Ime with RPI (with the fir8t increase
applicable on l February 2020). for a period of 7 years and 3 months from l January 2019 to 30 Apri] 2026.
The Employer also agreed to pay all costs a$80¢iated with running the Scheme and to take over responsibility
for Lifr Assurance WTall8ements with effect from l February 2019.
RESERVES
Our re8erM compri8e unre8trlcted fund8 and endowment OJnd8. The end¢)wed fundg re8uh from donatlon8
and le8acies whieh ean on]y be applied for a puwe specified by the donor and are not avai]able for gener81
PLUP08es. These fimds are u8ed to award prizes to &YaMi￿tion candidateB in accordance the erlterla
Specified by the donor. Endowed funds total £1.6m at 31 January 2022 lThot¢6 2u. 5 atld 241.
The unrestrirted funds represent the accuM￿ted surpluses 8enerated from general business aetlvlties and arè
ffijndg that are avai]able for use at the discretion of the Governor8. They comprise the fixed aBsets fund.
designated funds and general funds.
Fixed A88ets Fund
The dxed assets fLmd compii8e8 the tuads inve8ted io llxed 8$8ets that the Govemor8 conBider essentia] in
enabling us to implernent effectively our operatio1￿ strategy. The fLmd represents the net bwk value of
tangible and intan8ible fixed assets. The intan&ble assets arise from investment in our digital transformation
progr8Jnme. In prior years related costs were treated a8 expenses when incurred the accounting po]iLy has
been changed and a prior year adju5tmert has arisen {note 40). We held É6.2m in the fixed assets fund at 31
January 2022 (2021 Restated. £7.8m}.
DeBi8nated Fund8
Designated fimds are fimds that the Covernors have e8rrn￿d for specific PUTPO8e8. Since 2014 and prii)r to
this year a total of £14.Om of general funds had been designated to be held for specific purposes, in particu]ar
the digital transformation Programme. As at 31 January 2022 £11.5rn of these fijnds have been expended. A
total of £3.9m remains at 31 January 2022 in ttspect of ongoing dI￿tal transfonnation and international
development. atld £0.5m for examiner cos1&
Page 15

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING ThE sfRATEGIC REPORT)
(COKnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
RBSBRVBS (contInu￿)
General Funds
In aceordanee with Ch8Tity Commission guidance. the Governors set a target for the level of free reSe￿e8. or
general thds. that we should rnain￿ to ensure ow financia] security and funding of our business plan. Free
rese￿eS or general funds are defined as total unrestricted fimd8 fixed assets and designated funds. Since
many of ABRSM'S costs are directly related to the number of examinations held, it 18 ABRSM'$ aim to have
sufficient liquid resources and cash balantes so that. in the event of a downturn in the demand for its serwtces.
its operating costs, excluding Costs directly relating to activity le.g. examiner fees and vemie M're}, would be
Met for a period of six montFL8. plus any outstsnding liabiiities. Dwing this period. other actions to mitigate loss
would be implemented. This implies the need for a level of free reseNes of El l.lm 12021.. £9.6ml. As the
ChaTity is wholly re]iant on globa] trading conditions to generate income. the Governors consider that six
months represents a rea]i8tic and prudent p￿Ition.
General fijnds stand at E4.7rn at 31 January 2022. This is a decrease of £l.Im OT on the prior year restated
12021 Restated.. E5.8ml and is E6.4m below the minimum level of general Te8erve8 set out in the preceding
paragroph,. E6m of ￿,5 being the funds transferred frorn the General funds to the Pension funds during the year.
The g]obal pandemic iesuiied in a reduclion in face to face exam5 in 2021 and 2022 both in the UK and
internatlonalty. Details of the impact are set out above in the paragraphs under the Going Concern heading
which outline the highly effecrive measures taken and further actions planned to increase resilience, reduce
reliance on internatSonal travel and bulld free reserve8 back to the level Rt I?￿ in the precedin8 Para￿h.
Included in designated funds are development funds of £3.9m12021.' £3.8m). These funds have been sel aside
to ftmd fijlure long terni projects but if necessary c(yJld be used to fLtnd more immediate needs. The combined
genera] and developmern fund8 amount to E8.6m12021 Reststed.. É9.6ml. The gTOUP had a cash ba]ance of
£9.9m (2021: £12.3ml to cover 8hort term requirements.
The pen8lon liab￿ty represents the pre8ent value of the pension liabi]ittes les8 the fair value of the pension
scheme assets. takin8 into account the £6m advance payment. ca]eulated in accordance with FRS102 (note 321
and does not imply a SI￿]fiCant eonstraint over the use of reseThes for the foreseeable future other than lo
ensure monthly contributions are met, whieh are budgeted for acCordtn￿.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PEIUODS
G•n•ral o¥ec¢lw
ABRSM will continue to conduct its operations to the highe￿ S￿dardS. including all forn￿ of online
assessment. recogni8ing that integnty and impartiality are fundamentsl to ABRSM'S continuing 8ucce8s. AII
developments are evaluated for financial viability to ensure Bound cost and budgetary controls and to enable
ABRSM to maximise its contnbution to music education. ABRSM will continue to Use its inlluence in promoting
music education generally. in accordance with its tharitable mi&8ion and will continue to take steps to protect
our environment by operating in ways that reduce our carton footprint.
Short terni objertives..
In a context where education. social contact and travel may continue to be disn￿ted. our short terni objectives
are to use digital first solutions to strenyhen our core asse&8ment actsw and to develop qUal￿tatiOnS and
supporting resources that appea] to a ttK)re diveTse range of leamerJ.
During 2021. ABRSM continued to develop online options to allow learner8 to take a88e3sments at times and in
ways which Jre convenient for thenL We wlli continue to improve and simplify the custorner iourney. Practical
exams are now being offered in the UK and intemats"onaJly. however. we will continue to seek opportunities to
reduce our carbon footprint by alternative solutions.
Pag8 16

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODYIS REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(Co￿nNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS (¢ontinu•d)
Long frn Pl•Trx.'
During 2021. ABRSM developed and implemented a new 5-year cotpor*e strategy centred around our
ongoing mission to enrich lives by inspiring musical acbievement arou1￿ the wortd. A focus on the needs of
our customers is at the core cé our strategy. which is also guided by five key themes.. educational excellence.,
collaboration,. leadership and advocacy; equality, diversity and inclusion.. and, suStai￿bIlIty.
Create resouwe5 and ongoing training opportuniues for music teachers in a variety of contexts.
supporting their development.
Budd sL￿port for exceJ]ence in m￿91c teachng ithin 8dM￿lS by reco￿181n8 Pu￿qUa￿ty and
ImaBinative music.maknng.
Collabordtc with partners around the wozld to promote the benefits of mu8ic education for all
wherever we operate.
Develop new 88se88ment8 and re80urce8 that qwckly t*oaden our appeal to J wideT and moTe
diverse range of musicians and accelerate cmjr &b￿ty to offer products that help learner8 develop
thetr sklll5 and make progreB8 in muslc.
Maintakn and innovate our CY￿ent qwlthcations and as8e88ments. a8 well a8 the publications and
dI￿'t)] resource8 th&t support thenL
Maintatn and develop new partnerships to •dvocate for the 1mkwr￿e of music education and
Strengthen our ambassadorial netwodc to promote music-making everywhe￿.
Make donations to sponsor music education pro8ramme8 and scholar8hip8 in the UK and
internationally.
Set sdence.b88ed tsrgets that reduce our GHG emi88ions in line whh Paris Agreement goa18 to keep
global warn)ing to within 1.5QC of pre-industtial temperature level&
Adapt how we operate in order to reduce impact on the enviTonment.
Traln and en8a8e ￿aff, contractors, partners and customers in our 8U8tsi￿bjknty a8enda.
Our objective8 hi8b]ight a renewed focus on Bupportii4 music teachers with prOt￿Onal deve]oprnent. and the
Importanee of transfonning our ways of vthin8 to e￿qUre our bu81ne88 is environmentally sustsinable.
Working in partnership with other8 in the UK and beyond. we will continue to promote the value of mu8iC
educatio￿ celebrating achievements of learner8 and hiw'ghllng the itrwrtance of progression in mu81¢.
The Strategy includes targets for our recovery from the effects of the pandemic as well as long term
Our aim i8 to increase our ablliry to invest back inio mu8ic education. both in the UK and Internation￿Y.
PUBUC BENE
The Governorn have considered the guidance on Public Benefi¢ pub]ished by the Charity Commission. The
Governors believe that increasing the skills. knO￿edge understanding of music provides benefit since the
subjeci itself is of educationa] merit. Additionally, they alw believe that the processes involved in read)Sng the
particular level of competence tested in one of ABRSM'S asse&wr*nts deliver educationa] value of themselves.
The benefits of in¢rea5ed musica] skill are direcdy related to the Ch￿1t￿S al￿4 no detriment or hann is
con8idered likely to aTi8e from activities.
The Governors consider the beneficiaries to be a very wide range ofpeople. it)8ofaT as the assessments offered
by ABRSM are taken up in over 90 different couniries throughout the worfd with many thousands ofcandidates
both in the UK and worldwide. With the launch ofonline assessments and diwl dojvnioads ABRSM'S setwices
can continue to reach audiences around the world despite the restriction% on movement resulting from the
global pandemic. There is no age limit for those enteiing exams although the va8t majority of the candidates
are of school age. CompreherL8ive access arrangements are in pla¢e to meet a wide raD8e of Theeds.
Page 17

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
{COfrnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
PUBLIC BENEFIT (continued)
A number of exam ftts charged internationaljy are based on I(￿ economic conditions. ABRSM'S online
services, such as Play On. Aural Trainer Lite and Melody Writer, are available at no charge internationally.
ABRSM will continue to support these innovative educationa] tools and develop addits'onai online tools to
support m￿siC education. ABRSM also provides public benefft by fimding g¢holarships and bursaries for
students at four Royal Schools of ￿￿81c. Additionally. ABRSM PTovides sponsorthip for other musichl
orgartiutiong tn the UK And inten)allonalty subject to the avai]ability of fimds. ABRSM'8 Clas8ieai 100 resource
for schoo18 and the Jcxrney8 sUb￿lptiOn app were made freety ava]lable to ail through Play On during the
lockdowns.
ABRSM supports the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music. the Royal Northern College of
Music and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. which are charitie5 in their own ri8ht. It does thi8 through the
provision of scholarships and. where possible, thmugh distributions in the form of donations. It also supports
the Roya] Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. The public
benefit delivered by ABRSM'S support for these and other music education orgaThsations is set out on pages
to 10.
The Governin8 Body's Report lincorporatin8 the Strategie Report) demonsrrates the way in which ABRSM'8
8trategie8 SUPPOrt its objectives and provide publie benefit.
ENVIRONMBNTAL IMPAcr
ABRSM 1$ committed to protecting our environment by inerea* coeratin8 in way8 that reduce our cart)on
f￿tprint, harnessing technologica] devdopments to reach leameTS around the world.
In compliance with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting {SECRI rwriTements ABRSM i8 reporting on
our energy use. ABRSM'S totsl UK energy use and 8reenhou8e gas emissions due to UK energy use 18 8hown
beloyr.
Year ended 31 January
2022
698.673
156.140
0.37
Year ended 31
January 2021
515,107
111.814
0.51
UK energy use (kwh)
A8s0ciated greenhouse gas emissions (kg C02 equivalent)
Intensity ratio.. Emi8sion8 (kg C02 equivalentl per exaMi￿On
The energy and emissions reported above arise from our offjee at 4 London Wall Place and car fuel.
Infom)alion regarding our office is derived from inforn]ation provided by our energy supplier who provided
eleetrieity and heating/cwling from a local combined heat and power faciMty. The amount of car ￿tI used is
based ¢)n daim8 from 8taff and examiners.
Due to the loosenin8 of Covid-19 re5tTirtions in 2021. 8¢aff began to inuease their time spent working at 4
London Wall Place whilst sthl spending a si￿11ficAnt part of their working week working from home. As a
result, energy LLqe at 4 London WaJ] Place increased sli8htty year on year.
The fft out of 4 London Wau P]ace achieved the Bronze standard SKA rating,. lighting 15 controlled by infrared
8enBors and the heating and coxAing system is timetabled.
Staff are engaged through the departmental representation QD a sust￿b￿lty Worting Group. which
completed a carbon audit in 2021, and instigated a two ye4T workplan to drive cbange and a culttre of
envi￿nments1 awaTene$g and responsibility.
The de]ivery of Practical and Theory exams in the UK and around the world contributes most significantly to
the group's environmental impact. Examiner international tours for practic￿ exams organised efficient]y to
reduce air travel lo the minimum possJTr>le and emissions are monitored.
During the Covid-19 pandemic many tOUTS were cancelled and so examiners travelled far less than in previous
years. In order to continue to provide services to leamels. Perfornjance Grade online examinatioDS were
introduced along with Online Theory exami￿tiO￿. As examiners did not need to travel for these
examiDations. ow energy use and associated emi&810￿$ were Si￿ll&cantty reducelt
Page 18

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT UNCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAcf (eonthiued)
We aspire to Teduce our energy use and a850eiated emission fillther by using more locally trair*d examiners.
The introduction of automated bcdin& processing and mathg of eXWni￿n$ in 2021 supplanted previous
paper-based processes and significant]y reduced paper con8umptioTL However, in common with other
businesses who have moved their opeTatiOW OT>line. we aTe awaTe that the increased use of technology bring8
with it increased ener8y use by our staff. examiners teachers and learners in the operation of their e]ectronic
devices.
Our publlshed bcKJk$ and rewurce8 are m8de from sustsinable 80urce8.
DIVERSITY AND ThICLUSION
ABRSM'S commitment to diversity and inclusion has progressed into sigrnfjcant aetion and now fomis a
distinct strand in our organisational strategy. A Diversity P)an Wa8]aUr￿ pubiidy in October 2020 and the
group reports Te8u]aTly on progre88 via the website.
Five key areas of ABRSM'8 operatlon8 and or8anknatlon have been Identified as key to promotin8 8reateT
diversity and indusiorL
Actfv• ¢ommlulonlnz
We are constantly 8eeking to incre88e the diver8iry and breadth of our repertoire by drawing on new sources of
quality musle from eomposer8, and wider Styles and infjuences. AB a result of active wort¢ in this area, A
significant proportion of new pieces in the new Wood￿ syllabus have been commissioned from black,
brown, indi8enou8 and people of colour I'BBIPOC-I composers and we have increa8ed the repreBentstion of
female composers. ABRSM is raising awareness of the new more diverse repertoire with existing partners in
order to encourage them to integrate new commwioning programn%8 into thelr Work. ABRSM Btaged a
successfvl 'Writing for Mwic Education. w0￿h(g ftjr 100 potential composers a8 Part of our commitsnent
towards open-8ource guides and opening up compositlon ft)T music educatio]L AS we prO￿e$S our Actlve
commi88ioning Programme it 18 our aim that. each year. we comTniwon a minimum of 20 new
compositions or arrangements from ￿de[represented eoft4)oBen that may quaiify for inclu8ion on fvture
syllabus Ilst&
In addition to increa$ing the proportion of ￿lat￿$ piece8 by BBIPOC composers. In the new W￿dW1nd
syllabus. the 8yllabu8 adw80ry team now holds regular meetings t￿ernal parthers. to receive advice. share
plan8 and offer support in this specialist area. Additionally. the group is Working dosely vath flve BBIPOC
composer8 to contribute additiona] composition8 for digital publication OD]y. pnmarily to support the Creation
of a th'ver8e portfolio of additional repertore for'fourth piece, seieetlon of the new Perfonnance Grade.
Mentorlhlp aAd developmentprozrammefvr eonw
In January 2021 we launched a new mentoting and development scheme to support the careers and work of
Black and etTrJnically diverse compo8ws and other compose[¥ from undeTrepresented gmups. Our aim is that
by 2030 ihere wil] be a minimum of 100 new cornposer8 from Urtde￿eprtBented groups who have been on the
ProgTamme. We have succes8fully completed the pflot programme of our comp08er mentoring Scheme with six
young composers worklng ajongside eolieagues at ABRSM to learn the craft of wyting for music education.
Thi8 scheme will continue in parti* with the Ivor8 Academy as well as Black Llves In Music and the
Musicians Union.
D•v¢loplrypartner¥hlpJ advoca¢y
ABRSM will continue to hamess the power of 8porwr8tllp relation8hlp8 with Current partnern and a range of
nwrf, grass roots initiattve8 to 8et Specific diver8iry aml inclusion targets coveiin8 nwnbers of participants,
rdnge of voice8 and gwd practice di88evnl￿ti0J
Page 19

ThE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
(COKThNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (conthiued)
Tran8lonnln8 the organts4tlon
The Governors are committed to bringing a range of voiees, backgrounds and perspectives to ABRSM'S Staff.
representatives. advisers and deasiOn-mak￿g stsijctures. We conducted a diveT5ity 8uryey of ABR5M'8
examiners, supported by Musician8 Union. to better understand diversity and prioritse5, A cro58
or8ani8ationai Diversity & Inclusion Resour¢e Gr(xw harnesses ideas and feedback from staff to help develop
strategie8 to drive culture thange. owneTship and collaborntion on systemic change across and beyond the
organisation.
SEcfioN 172(1) STATEMENT
BeCtIo￿ together with th08e page8 incoTporated by reference. acts as the ABRSM'S Section 17211
8tatement.
The Governors have a responwNity to aLt lo promote the wJece88 of the Krc￿p with regard to the following
Matters lamon8gt other8)'.
The likely consequences of any decision In the lon8 terni- Pa8e 4 details how plan8 are prepared and
updated.
The impact of the companys opeTations on the community and the environment are ¥el out QD Pag¢$ 17
to 19.
The de8LrabUity ol the company maintaining a reputats.on for lll.gh 8tandards of business conduct:
ABRSM Is re8￿ated by Ofqual. the Charity C¢)mmiswon and OSCR and faces competition in the
markets in which it operates and therefore must ensure that it maintain8 the hJ'8hest otandards
consi8teni wlth its reputation and history.
The need to act fairty as between members of the company. Repre8entatiYe8 of eath of the four
member8 Sit a8 Govern¢)T5 on the Governing Body. thus each member h48 the opportunity to be fully
engaged in the decisions ofthe Governing Body.
The Governors recognise that in addition to ABRSM'8 members. they have a responsibllity to engage wlth
other stakeholders. The Governorn consider other main 8takeholder8 to be candidates and their parent&, mU￿e
teacher8. examineTS. representatives. Yolunteers and employee& The Governors engage wlth these
stakeholders via the senlor leadership In a valiety of ways a8 follows:
Candidate$ and their parents - We en8a8e eustorners thTQU￿ emai]s and Social rnedia and rnaintain
infonnation on upcoming exam s￿lOnS and new products 8eJvice5 on the website. We Tun
regular 3urvey8 to 8eek customeT feedback.
Music teachers - In addition to ow communication channels for candtdate$ and thelr parents, ABRSM
provides separate TesouTces on its website to support teachers. Specia]ist courses and events are
regulady held for teacher&
. ExamineT8 - A dedicated team engage exami￿ in policy and other continuous professional
developTnent event8, as well as town hall s￿e discussions. Exarniner online conferences are a]so held
annua]ly, allowing exarntneTS to engage with their peers and ABRSM.
Representatives and vohmteer8
Contact is rnaintained a dedicated ABRSM team and
newsletters. tralning events and. web?nar8.
Employees - The staff forum meets each week to discuss matters direct]y affecting staff. Thi8 gTVUP
meets with the Chief Exeeuttve and HR director on a quarterty basis to Provide feedback. An all staff
meeting is held monthly, alongside quarterly departmental disc￿$s1Ons. to allow the senior leadership
and others to provide an update on ongoing projects and cuttent i&sues that affect them and ABRSM.
Page 20

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
GOVERNING BODY'S REPORT (INCORPORATING THE STrATEGIC REPORT)
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
The Governing Boty8 Report (incorporating the Strategic Report) has been approved by the Govemor8 on 21
June 2022 and signed on their beha]f by.
Tony IIAlu CBB
Page 21

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
STATEMENf OF THE GOVERNING BODYS RESPONSIBILITIES
The Govemors I￿0 are also direetors of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music for the purpose8
of company lawl are Tespon&ble for prepaying the Governing Botys Rew)rt lincoTporatin8 the Strategic
Report) and the financial statements in accordance applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Governors to prepare financi81 statements for each financial year. Under that law the
Governors have elected to prepare the finanaal statements In accordJnce with Untted Kingdom Generally
Accepied AccoLLnting Practice Iunited Kll]gdom Accountin8 Standards and applicable lawl. includin8 FRS 102
The Financial Reporting Standard app]icable in the UK and Republie of Ireland. Under company law the
GovernoTS must not approve the financial statements uniess they are satisfied that they 8ive a true and fair
view of the state of Jffair8 of the ¢htiTitable company and the group and of the incoming re80UTces and
application of resources. including the income and expenditure. of the charitable group for that period. In
preparing these financial statements. the GovemoTS are required to:
select sultable accountlng po]icies and then apply them consi#ently.
obserwe the method8 and principles in the Charitie8 SORP IFRS 1021..
make judgments and accounting estimate8 that ue Teasonable and prudent:
State whether appheable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disdosed and expiained m the financial statements:
PTepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unle58 it 18 inappropTi&te to pre8ume that the
group will eontinue in business.
The Governor8 are re8pon8ibJe ftir keeplng adequ*e accounting record8 that are sufficient to 8how and explain
the charitable company'B and gr￿.5 transactions and d￿cloSe with rea5onab]e accuracy at any time the
financial po8iiion of the charitable company and the 8Toup and enable rhem to enswe that the financ￿1
statements comply with the Companie8 Act 2006, the Charities and Tn￿ee Investment IS¢otlandl Act 2005,
the Chariiies Accounts Iscodandl Reguiats"ons 2006 188 amended) and the provisions of the deed. The
Governors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and the group and hence
for takng reasonable steps for the prevents.on and detection of fraud and othet itregulariues.
The Governor8 confirm that:
80 far a8 each GoYernoT 18 aware. there is no relevam audlt irjfomlltion of which the charitable company,
auditor is unaware., and
the Governors have raken all the steps that they oughi to have taken as G0ven￿)r9 in order to make
themselves aware of any relevant audit Inforn￿tiOn and to estab118h that the chariuble coryany's auditor
is aware ofthat infom)ation.
The Governors are responslble for the maintenance and inte8rity of the corporate and flnanelal Infomlation
included on the charitsble company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdorn governing the preparation
and di58tmination of financial stater*nts rnay diffeT from legislation in other juri8dietion8.
Page 22

INDEPENDENf AUDrroR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND GOVERNORS OF
THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
REGISTERED CHARrrY riuMBEIL. 292182
CHARrrY REGisfERBD IN SCOTLAND NUMBEIL. SC043343
COMPANY NUMBEL. 01926395
We have audited the financi818tatements of the knsoaated P&)ard ofthe Royai Schools ofmusic I'the charitable
CoTnpaD￿l and its subsidiary Ilhe group'} for the yeaT ended 31 January 2022 which comprise the
Conso]idated Statement of kncial Activitses. the Group and Chanty Balance Sheets. the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the fin4neial statements. including signifjcant accoutiting policies. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is app]icable law and United Kingdom
Accounting StandxTds. including FU￿nCIal Repoty Standard 102 The Fttian¢ial Repow Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Aecepted Accoiinting Practice}.
In our opinion the finandal statements:
give a twe and fair view of the state of the group'8 and the charitable cOmpan￿S affairs 88 at 31 Jamiary
2022 and ofthe group's and the charitable compan￿$ income and expenditure. for the year then ended:
have been properly prepaTed in accordance Iwth United Wdom Generally Accepted Attountlng
PraL*ice; and
have been prepared in aceordanee with the requirements of the Companlts Art 2006 and the Charities and
Trustee Investmerrt {Seotland) Act 2005 and Regu]ations 6 and 8 of the Chwities Accounts (Scotlandl
Re8ukntiom 2fA16 (amended).
Ba•1# for oplnlon
We conducted our audSt in accoTdance wlth Internatlonal Standards on Auditing (UK) IISAS (UKII and
applicable law. Our re8pon8ibilities under those 8tandards are fijrther des￿ibed in the Authtorfs responsibilitie8
for the audit of the fmandal ststements section of our rep)rt. We are independent of the charitable company
and the Bro￿) in accordance with the ethica] requIreMer￿ that are Televant to our audit of the flnaneial
8tstements in the UK. including the FRC'S Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our other ethScal
respons5bi1Stle8 th 8CeOTdance with these requirements. We be]ieve that the audlt evidence we have obtsined is
8uffleient and appropriate to provide a ba8i8 for our oplnio
Conduthm relatlng ta 8oID8 concern
In auditing the ftnAnciai 8taiement8, we have concluded that the tn￿tee,8 U8e of the going concern ba818 of
accounting In the prepaTation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have perfomjed. we have not identified any materi•l uncertainties re]ating to events or
conditions that. Individually OT collectively, may cast signj'ficant doubt on the tharitable CoMpan￿S OT the
group'8 ability to continue a8 a goin8 concern for a period of at lea* twelve months from ￿en the financial
statement8 are authorised foT tssue.
Our responsibllities and the responsibilities of the tn￿tee3 with respect to goin8 concem are de8oibed Sn the
relevant sections of thls Tewrt.
Oth•r Illfonnatlon
The tn￿ee8 are Te8pon&Ne for the cther infonijation cortained within the annual rewjrt. The other
Snformation comprises the inforrnation induded in the annua] report. other than the finanaai statements and
our auditor's report there0￿ Our opinion on the financia] sratements does not cover the other infOrn￿tiOn and.
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our reporL we do not express any fornj of assurance
conclusion thereo
Our responBibiiity i& to read the (rther inforn￿tiOll and. in doing so. eonsider whether the other infonnation is
Tnaterial]y inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otheThvise
appear5 to be materially misstated If we identify suth material inconsistencies OT apparent material
rnisstatements. we are required to detern)ine whether this gives th to a material mis%tOtement in the fit)anciBI
statements themselve& If. based on the WO￿ we have perfoTmed. we condude that there is a materiaE
misstatement of tbis other inftirn￿tm)ffj we are Tequired to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Page 23

INDEPENDEKf AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND GOVERNORS OF
THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC {CONTINUED)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBEIL. 292182
CHARITY REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND NUMBEK. SC043343
COMPANY NUMBEIL. 01926395
Oplnlon on other mattm PT¢•¢ribed by the Companles Aet 2006
Jn our opinion ba8ed on the work UDdertaken in the eourse of our audit
the infonnation given in the tsustees. repoTL which indude8 the directors. reF￿rt and the strategic report
prepared for the PUTposes of company law, for the financial year for whlch the flnancial 8ta¢ements are
prepared is conslstent with the fmaniial statements: and
the strategic report and the directors. report included within the trustees. report have been prepared in
accordance with app]ieable Itgal Tequirements.
Matteri on whleh we ar• requlr•d to Twrt by excepdon
In light of the know]edge and underslanding of the group and charitable conwiy and their environment
obtained In the eourse of the audit. we have nol identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the
dlreciors. report ineluded within the trustee8' rep)rt.
We have nOtI￿n8 to report in respect of the following matters In relaty)n to which the Companies Act 2006 and
the C￿￿ltieS Accounts ISc¢xlandl RegulatiOll8 2(K16 require8 U8 10 report to you if. in our opAnion:
adequate and proper accountin8 records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audlt have not
been received from branches not visited by us,. or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accwitin8 reeords and returns: or
certain disclosure8 of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made,. or
we have not recelved a]1 the infomwtion and explanatiow we require for our audit.
RI￿￿n11b7IItIQ￿ 0rtrn￿e
A5 explained more fuuy in the trustees. responsibdits.es statement set out on page 22. the trustees (who are also
the director5 of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are re$pons?ble lor the preparation of
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. and for such internal control
the trustees determine is nectssary to enable the preparation of fjnancial ststements that are free from
material mis$tatement. whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financia] statements. the trustees are re4)onsible for assessing the charitable company's ability
to continue a3 a going concern. disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going coneern and ￿ing the going
concern basis of accounting un1¢55 the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charitable company or to cease
operations. or have no rea]istic alternative bui to do so.
Page 24

INDEPENDENT AUDrroR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND GOVERNORS OF
THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC (CONnNUED)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBEIL. 292182
CHARrrY REGISTERBD IN SCOTLAND NufaBE]L. SC043343
COMPANY NUMBEIL. 01926395
AudltoV* reBpoDsfbllltl•s th• aadit of th• fj￿a￿IaI 8tat•nwnts
We have been appointed as auditor under section 44IIXc) of the Ckwities ar￿ T￿￿tee Investment (Seotlandl
Act 2005 and under the CoryJanie8 Act 2006 and re￿rt in accordance with the Act8 and relevant regu]ationa
made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain Teasonable a55urance ab)ut whether the fu￿￿la1 Statements as a whole are free
from Materi￿ misstatement. Mthethei due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditor'8 reFMJrt that includes our
opinion. Rea80nable assurance 18 a high level of assurance. but 18 not a guarnntee that an audit conduthed in
accordance with ISAS IUKI wlll always detect a matejial misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can ari
from fraud or error and are considered ￿ltell￿1 if. individually OT in the aggregate, they could rea80nably be
expected to inlluence the econonwc deci8iCffl8 of u8er8 taken on the ba818 of these financial statements.
Detwl8 of the extent to vthich the audit was considered Capable of deteLtin8 )￿eSul&l1t1e8. indudlng fraud and
non.comp]ianee with law8 and regulations are set out below.
A f(uther degcription of Lxw re8pon8ibilitie8 for the audit of the fin￿￿7 staternents is located on the Financial
Reporting Council'8 website at.. www.frc.¢)r&uk/auditomwnsthllities. Thi8 de8eTiption forrns part of our
auditor's report.
Ext•nt to whleh th• audh eoMld•red ¢ap•bl• of d•t•¢tln8 ITT•gularttl••, Ineludln8 fraud
ITregularltie8. including frauiL aTe instancu of non￿oMphance with laws and regu]adons. We identifled and
assessed the risks of rnateri￿ misstatement ofthe fiMncial staiements from irregujarities, whether due to fraud
or error. and discussed these between our audit team membeT8. We then designed and perfomied audit
procedure8 responsive to those risks. includmg obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide
basls for ow oplnio
We obtained an understanthng of the legal and regulatory framffi￿ within which the charitable company
and group operate8. focusing on those laws and Tegulations that have a direct effect on the determlnation of
material amounts and disdosures in the financial statements. The laws and regu]ation8 we considered in this
contem were the Companies Act 2LJ)6, the Charities Act 2011 and The Chwities and Tru8tee Inve8tment
IScot]*ndl Act 2005 together with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021. We assessed the required comp]iance vrith
these laws regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related ilnancla] statement itenu.
In additiorn we considered PTovl8loA8 of other lawB and regulationB that do not have a direet effect on the
finanelal st8tement8 but eompliance with which nllght be fijndamentsl to the charitable comp8nY3 and the
8roup'B abdity to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We a180 considered the opportunities and incentives
that May exist wlthSn the eharitaE4e company and the group for fraud. The law8 and regulations we considered
An this Conte￿ for the UK operations were General Dato Protection Regu]ation {GDPRI. OFQUAL compliance
and Health and safety he￿alati0Th We a]80 con8idered compllance with local lewBlation for the group's overneas
operatin8 segments.
Auditing standants limit the required audit procedures to identify non-complian￿ with these laws and
regulations to enquiry of the TnL8tee8 and other management and b)8pection of regulatory and lega]
correspondence. if any.
We idenlified the yeatest risk of materia] impact on the anancia] statementB from irregulaTitie8, including
fraud. to be within the Dming of recognition of exam fee incorne. the estimation of tax provisions and the
override of controls by management. Our audit procedure8 to respond to these risks included enquiiies of
management. internal audit. legal counsel and the Au(lit & Risk Comnllttee aE(*ut their own identification and
a88e58ment of the risks of irregularitie8, SaTnple testing on the posting of journals. reviewing accounting
estimates for biases. reviewing regulatory corre8pondence with the Chanty Commission and readin8 minutes
of meetings ofthose chaTged with govemanee.
Page 25

INDEPENDE￿r AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND GOVERNORS OF
THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF r￿uSiC (CONTINUED)
REGJsfERED CHARrrY NUMBBL" 293182
CHARITY RBGISTERED IN SCOTLAND NUMBBK" SC043343
COPdPANY NtlhSBEL. 01926395
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit. there is an unmidable risk that we may not have detected Some
material misstatements in the financia] statements. even though we have propeTiy planned and performed our
audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the fijrther Ter[￿Ved non.corryliance with laws and
Tegu]htions lirre8ularitieB} is from the events and transactions reflected in the f￿￿)C)￿l statements. the less
likety the inherently limited procedures required by auditsng Standards would identify it In addition. as with
any audit. there remained a higher risk of non-detection of i￿¢gUlarItieS, a8 these may involve collusion.
forgery, intentiona] omissions. misrepresentations. or the ovenide of internal contro]s. We are not re%pon8ible
for prevendng non-compliance and cannot be expected to deteLX llOn-c￿np1l￿e wlth all laws and regu]ation&
UJ• of our Y•port
This Teport Is made solely to the charitable c0Th￿an￿5 membeT8. a8 a bjdy. in accordanee with Chapter 3 of
Part 16 ofthe CompanSe8 Act 2C(J6, and to the ch￿itable company'8 trustees, as a ￿dy. in accordance with
Regulatt'on 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006. Our audit work h&s been undertaken $0
that we might state to the charltable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an
auditOT'S report for no other purpose. To the fi￿eSt extent perniitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the dwitable cowy and the charitable company's members as a body
and the charitable company'8 tn￿tee8 as a body. for our audit work for this report, or for the opinions we have
Naz5ar Hashemi
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on beha]f of
Crowe U.K. LLP
Statutory Auditor
London
Date.. 24th June 2022
Page 26

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF r￿uSIC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMEKf OF FINANCIAL ACTtVlTIES
(INCLUDING AN INCOME AND LYPENDrruRE Accouwr)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
Total
Total
Funds Funds
Funds
2023
2021
£'oDD Restated
£'ooo
(nrte 32)
INCOMB & BNDOWMEfffs FROM:
Chwltabh a¢tivld••
Exarninations
Teacher Support
Oth•rtrndlD# Aedvltl•#:
Publi5hin8 sa]es
lttv•*¢m•nts
Other
35J64
li
35.564
li
15,349
42
6029
6,829
53
41
7.612
45
41
328
42.453
45
42.498
23J97
Examinations
Texher Support
Scholarships
Music e(lucation
31,158
213
13,4651
12
27.685
212
1,086
201
21,577
234
1,048
244
8.10
8.11
201
Publishing
s￿79
5,879
5,857
38.337
13.4861
12
34,863
28,960
325
325
439
38.337
13.161)
12
35,180
2&,399
Net ￿nI￿OIS) on iftvestrn￿1
17
118
118
1971
N•t Ineom•/{•xp•ndltm}
4.116
3.161
151
7.428
16.0991
ifj.000}
Other TteO8nlged 8aln*/OM¥e¥>:
A¢llJariai gainloossl on pension seheme
{Lossl/gain *)rt forward ctsntracl reV￿￿ation
32
8.092
8,IX12
13.3041
{1.8841
17,253
151
15.520
19.5181
RECONCILIATLON OF FUPIDS:
Balance broughr forward
PrioT period adjusttnent
11.738
5.597
126.419)
1,493 (13.188)
5.597
11,7171
3.644
40
Balanee brought forwaTd {2021: Reststedl
Net rnovemen¢ in
17.335
11.8841
126.419)
17.253
1.493
151
(7.591)
15.520
1.927
19,5181
15.451
19.166}
1.644
7.929
17.5911
For Companieg Aet PUTposes. conso]idated gro&8 inc¢)rne for the finanLial year was E42.453.OM12021.. £23.358.0001.
co￿0]1dated 8ry)5s expenditure was E35.176.0(KJ12021 Remted: E29.391.OCQI and net profit was £7.277.00012021
Restats&" net I￿ of£6,033.CwJOI.
The notes on pages 30 to 63 fomi part ofthese aCCo￿tr
Page 27

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT 31 JANUARY 2022
202Z
£'ooo
2021 Re#ated
É'ooo
2022
£'ooo
2021 Restated
£'ooo
Ncées
XED Assrrs
Tangible assets
IntBng]Trle asset$
Investments
15
16
17
1,791
4.452
1,578
2.155
5.597
1.336
1,791
4,452
2.360
2,155
5.597
2.118
7,821
9,088
8,603
9.870
CURRErir ASSETS
Stock8
Debtors
Investments
Cath at bank and in hand
18
19
20
840
3.720
6,988
9,937
873
4,262
1.631
12.278
5.248
5.550
9,345
7,440
1.631
8.743
21,485
19.044
20,143
17,814
CREDITORS.. amounts
falling due within one year
CURRENT Assrrs
21
(10,227
17.995)
19,878)
17,5581
11358
11.049
10,465
10,256
TOTAL ASSETS L8SS
CURRENT LIABIUTIES
19,079
20.137
19.068
20.126
CRBDrroRS'. amounts
fallt'n8 due after more than
one year
PROVISIONS
22
23
(5621
11,422)
(612)
(6971
(562)
{1,422>
1612}
1697)
NEf ASSETS EXCLUDING
PBNSION LIABILITIES
17.095
18,828
17,084
18.817
PENSION FUND DBFicrr
32
{9,166)
(26,4191
{9,168)
(26.419)
TOTAL NET
ASSETS/IL1ABIL￿lES)
7,929
(7,591}
7.918
(7,6021
THE FUNDS OF THE
GROUP/CHARITY:
Endowment fvnds
Unre8tricted fund5
Pension reserve
24
25
32
1,493
17,335
{26.419)
1.493
17,324
{26.4191
15,45 1
(9.166)
15,440
(9.166)
TOTAL FUNDS
26
7.929
17.5911
7,918
(7,602}
The net income ofthe tharity for the year was £7.428,LK)0 {2021 Restated: net expenditure of £6.099.0001
Approved by the Governing Body on 21 Jwje 2022.
Tony Ilales CBE
Chairman of the Govemors
Registered Cbarity Number 292182
Charity Re￿stered in Scotland Number SC043343
Company Number 01926395
The notes on pages 30 to 63 form part ofthe8e accow
Page 28

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMEKf OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
2022
2021
Restated
£'ooo
Notes
C￿h fi¢)wi from operating aLtiviti
27
4.891
1.359
Interest income
Purchases of fixed &8sets
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Sale/purcha8e of current a88et inve8ttnents (with
m&turity greater than 3 months)
66
{3.982)
15,16
{1,738)
(124)
(4.438)
2,734
Nat eath llA•d In lttv¢•tln8 4¢ttvltl
(6.247)
{1.182)
New fjnance lease obligations
Repayment of firjance lea8e obli8atio
224
159)
{66)
Net caih umd In financln8 aedvld••
(66)
165
N•t (decr¢u•)/lncrw• ID cath and ca•h
(1.422)
342
Ca*h •nd •qulval•nt• at l F•bnw 2021
Cath ond ea•h equlvalenti at 31 January 2022
13.909
12,487
13.567
13.909
Analy41• of cuh and cuh •qulvaients:
Cash in bank and in hand
Deposlts and nodee aeeounts Oess than 3 months)
9.937
12.278
1,631
13.909
28
12.487
The notes on pages 30 to 63 brni part of these aeeounts
Page 29

THE ASsOC￿TED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOIJDATED Accourtrs
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
COMPANY INFORMATION
ABRSM is a chaTitable company incorpThted in England and Wales. Its rewtered office is 4 London
Wall Place. Londo￿ EC2Y SAU.
AccourTfJNG POLICIBS
The prindpal accounting policies adopted. judgemen¢8 and key sources of estirnation in the preparation
of the flnancial siatements are a8 follows:
Baits of prnparallon
The flnancial Staiements have been prepared in accordance with the current Statement of
Recommended Practice -Accounting and RepoTting by ChaTities" (the Chariues SORP IFRS1021 issued
in October 2019, the Financia] Reportt'ng St8ndard in the UK and Repub]ic of Ire]and IFR51021 and the
Companies Art 2006. The presentationa] and fvnrtional currency is Sterlin81£1.
ABRSM meets the definttion ofa public beneth endty wider FRS102. The Ilnancial 8t4tementB have been
prepared under the historical cosi convention. with the exception of investments, which are included at
market value.
Preparation of the financial Btaternents Tequlres management to make 8i8nihcant Judgements and
estimates. The items in the flnanclal Statements where these judgments and e8timate8 have been made
are listed beloyr.
Slwfieant Jud8•m•nt• or •tht
Po]Iq referen
Note ref•r•n
The fouowlng are wn81dered w be siwficam estimates in the preparntion ofthe financial 5tatementB:
Depreciation
Amortisation
Dilapidations
Tax Provision
SclK)larships commitsnents
Defined Benefit Per￿lOn Stheme
15
16
22
23
29
32
Expianotion of the estimates relatin8 to the above items are explained in the relevant policy.
Prlor year adJllrtn￿nt
A prior year adjLL8tment has been made during the year relating to the capitalisation of software
development costs, the detai15 of which are set out in note 16 arAd the updated pobcy 15 set out in note 21
below. In prior years expenditure relating to the dI￿tal transfornution programrne was expensed as
incurred. Given the continued investment in this Programme the accounting poliry has been changed to
capitalise such costs and a￿rtIse them over a three-year period as it was considered that this treabnent
would better match costs agairLSt revenues (note 40).
Page 30

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKfs {Co￿NuED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
AccourrriNG POLICIES (coirriNUED)
b)
The strong perfom)ance of the Group duTitig the year ended 31 January 2022 has promded a fim)
foundation for the forthcoming yeaT.
A budget bas been set for the fc41owing year vthich show5 the Group generattng a surplus for the year.
Reforecasts to the end of June 2023 have also been prepared based on likely and WOTSt case scenario$.
In both of these situations it is expected that the Group will coDtiDue with net positive current assets and
tota] &￿ets. a]ong with sufficient positive ca8h balance5. In the ]ikety case a sUtp1￿ is to be generated by
the Group. These forecasts have been prepared taking account of recent C08t of ]iving rises and
increases in global price8 for energy Such a8 8as and raw rnateiia]s such as paper.
The eharity is no longer solety re]iant on the delivery of face to face exami￿tiOnS, havlng successfully
developed and rolled out on]ine alternatives of equal rigow and value which have been welcomed by its
candidates. It is now much better placed to withstand any fitture trave] di8ruption8 as it is able to offer
online assessments woAdwide. Now that travel re8triLtions are easing, the chaiity is returning to offerin8
face to face examinations worldwide togetheT With on]ine a5sessrnents, thereby offeiin8 more choice io
candidates and appea]ing to a wider base of learners. Vlhile international travel remains limited thi8 18
not expected to 8iwficantly affect our abllity to cortinue a8 a going concern due to the avallablllty of
our digital as8e8sments.
Further actlons are planned to increase re8llience and reduce reliance on International travel by
recNiting and trainlng faci]itators and examiners based In the country where the examination8 tske
place.
The charity ha8 the re8ource8 to allow it to invest in its di8ltal pro8ramrne to contlnue to meet CU8tomeT
needs.
Th• IntroduLtion of Li￿tomer Be]f.service means that e￿an￿n￿on fee8 are TeceSved sooner frorn
International tenitories, reducin8 the amount of cash tied up in debtor& thereby improvthg the Group,
ca8hfiow and reducin8 its exposure to doutrrtfui debts.
The t￿￿teeS therefore have a reasonable expectst5on that the Charity ha8 adequate rewces to contlnue
In operationa] existence for the fore8eeable ￿ture. being at least twelve mnths from the dat* of
approvai of these financial Matement8. and are not avrnTr of any other rnaterial uncertaintie8 vthich may
adver8ely affect the organisatioL AccordinOy, the financi￿ statements continue to be prepared on the
goin8 concern basls.
Group Ilnttnelal rtAtemeuts
The consolidated accounts Inco￿￿rnt¢ the accounts of the eharitable coryany and its sub8idiury
(together. -the 8rrMJp"I made up to 31 January each year.
The re8uIt8 of the trading subsidiary company are presented in the consolidated SOFA by disclosing the
income and expenditure derived from its tradthg activities canied out separately fr07n those of the
charity. A SUMM￿ profft and 10$8 account for the subsidiary 18 shovm in t)ote 6. The subsidiary
compan￿8 a&ets and ]l&knlitieB aTe con801idated in the balance sbeet on a ]ine by ]ine ba81&
Page 31

ThE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JAfiuARY 2022
AccouFTfING POLICIES (coITfINUED)
d)
UK exanth￿tIon fees and expen*es
Examination fees and expenses aTi5ing in the UK are credited or charged in the statement of financia]
activlties dwing the accounting period in whieh exami￿01￿ take pl4ce.
Internatlonal •xamlnado
Where examinations tske place online eXamI￿tion fees and expenses incwred in the UK are eredited or
charged in the statement of financial aatvities during the accounting period in which such examination8
take place. Commissions due to local Tepresentatives in respect of online examinations are included in
thelr representstlve returns 48 de¢alled below.
Where examinationB are held locally these results aTe prepared from returns and annual accoLWL(8
Bubmitted by ABRSM'S local representatives. which are not necessarily made up to 31 January each year
but the effect of differing accounting dates 18 not considered by the Governors to be 818nificant. In the
rare ca8e that the amounts owed cannot be recovered a bad debt provision is made.
Teaeher wpport
Training COUT8e fees and expenye8 are credited or ch4r8ed in the statement of financial activlties during
the accounting period in which such courses take place.
Subicrtptlo
Subscription revenue ts presented net of any applicable taxes which have been collected and passed on
to the relevant governmental authorities. Members art billed in advance of the start of their monthiy
rnembership. monthly 8ubscTiPtlon5 are Tecognised In the month received. annual 8ub8cr1pti0￿ are
recogni$ed on a straight-line basis over the life of the subscription
h) Expendltur•
expenditure Is accounted for on an atenJal$ basis and has been da88ihed under headings that
8ggre8ate all costs related to the category. Where costs eannot be direcdy attributed to particu]&r
headings they have been allocated to activits.es on a basis eonsistent with the u8e of resources.
Ovethead8 ar* apportioned either on headcount. turnover. staff occupancy of aecommodatlon area or
usage basi8 48 considered most appropriate. Expenditure indudes input VAT to the extent thot it i3
irrecoverable.
Direct charitable expenditure comprise5 serYice5 identifiable a8 wholly or m85nty In wport of ABRSM'8
charitable and operatt.onal work. These costs are regarded a8 an integral part of caTryJng out the direct
clwitable objecDYes of ABRSM and include an appropriate proportion ofoverhead c08t8.
Governance costs are those incurred in ci>nnethn with the adrnthi8tration of the Ch￿lty and
compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. These costs have been apportioned acrovd
expeTJditure on charitable activities based on turnover except where the cost can be attributed to a
specific activity.
i)
Computer softwarn d•velopmwLt
Expenditure on computer software development is capitalised and al￿rtIsed over a 3 year perio
J)
Seholarshlp awayds
All scholarships offered by the balance sheei date for the cwrent academic year are provided in full.
Awards for fijture years are subject to review and authorisation by ABRSM each year and are disdosed
a8 commitments in note 29. The cornmilments are estimated based on continued fvnding of the
[￿rent students in receipt of a scholafthip to the end of thew academic studie$ plus new students
starting their studies based on cufftnt fi]nding patterns.
Page 32

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOIS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
AccouNfiNG POLICIES (Co￿nHvED)
Emplow b•nefits
Short4erni employee benefits. inc]udiD8 holiday pay and contnbutions to the defined contslbution
pension scheme are reCO￿lSea as an expense in the period in which they ￿ incurred.
The defined benefft scheme elthed to fiJtUTe accrual on 31 December 2018 and employees transfened to
the defined cootnbution pension scheme on l January 2019. ContTibutions to 31 December 2018 in
respect of the defined benefit Bcheme are cljarged to 8a]ary e05ts for r¢￿ectIve activitie8 in the
staternent of fitwicial activitie
The amounts recognised in the 8tatement of flnancial activities including any 8Ctuatlal galn or 106$ are
estimated based on the requirements of FRS102. and are fully explained in note 32.
i)
Tanglble Ilxed amoti
Depreciation 18 provided on CQBt al the following annual rnte8 in order to wrlte off each a88et oveT i18
e8timated usefu] ]ife:_
Short leasehold land and buildmg8
over the Temaining ]Ife of the lease to
the lea8e break point
33Yo
2.￿- 33%
Compther equipmerrt
Plan( fixtUTe8 and equipment
Expenditure on fiunlture and equipment not exceethng £1,000 in tc￿1 and all expenditure on repaiTS and
malntenance 18 written off in the year in which it is incuTrtd
Intwlble klxed aliets
In aecordanee with FRS 102 software development COS18 have been recognised as intangible assets a8
they ean be identified with a project anticipated to produce future benefits. On initia] recognition, assets
are measured at cost and include al] cost8 direcity attn￿Utab]e to branglng them into worktng condition.
A prtor year adJu8tmeni been made in respect of software development costs Inote 40).
Amo￿atiOn Is provlded on eost at the followin8 annual rate8 in order to wiite off each asset over its
estimated ￿tfvI life'.-
Software development
Inve•tm•nt•
The investsnent in the 8uErfil￿ary company is valued at CO8t.
Fixed asset inve8tments are induded in the balance sheet at their market value at the end ofthe fin￿CIal
petSod. Realised and unrealised gains and losse8 are credited or debited to the statement of financial
activitie8 in the year in which they &ise and att ba8ed on bn)u8ht forward values.
thdraw of le88 than o ye4r.
L¢•sed auets
Leases are dass]fied as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantiaJ]y all the risk8
and rewards of owneTship of the leased asset to the group. All other lea3e8 are dassified as Oper￿Ing
le￿3.
Assets held under finance lease8 are reCogn￿d initially at the fair value of the leased asset {or. if lower,
the present value of minimum Jease pawlentsl at the inception of the lease. The correspondin81iabi]ity
to the lessor is jncluded in the statement of financial positson a$ a finance lease Obligatio￿ 1£8se
payment5 are apportioned between finance charges and reduetion of the lease obligation using the
effective interest method ao a3 to ac￿"eve a constant rate of irtterest on the remaining balance of the
liability. Finance charges are dethicted in measuritig profft or 1088. Assets held under finance leases are
induded in ta￿￿e fixed a&8ets and depreciated and assesryed for impainnent losses in the same way as
owned a83ets.
Page 33

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
AccourfriNG POLICIES (coITfiNUED)
Rents]s applicable to operating leasw where sub#antially all of the benefits and iisks of ownership
remain with the lessor, are charged to the statement of finanaal activities on a straight ]ine basis over the
lease terni. The aggregate benefit of any lease incentives are Teeognised as a reduction to the expense
Charged over the lease terni on a straight line basi
p)
Stoekn
PublicatiOll8 Stocks aTe valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. For printed music, cost is
based on the unit C08t of production br each publication. WOAE in progress at printers is valued at the
cost of the paper used and is induded in paper stocks. In estirnating net Tealisable value. due allowance
is made foT slow-movin& obsojete, defective and unsaleable item8. Oriwnation costs are cFthrged to
revenue in the year in which they are incurred.
Rttt￿ of exehan8•
Assets and liabilities in foreign currenetÈ8 are cY)nverted into st￿￿n8 at the rate of exchange ruling al the
balance 8heet date. All income and expenditure is converted at daily exchange rates. All differences on
exchange are dealt with through the net movement in fund8 for the year.
Basic financial assets and liabilities such as short term debtors. creditOTS and bank b8lances are initia]ly
recognised al fair vaiue less any impaim)ent and transaction costs and subsequently measured at their
settlement value.
Prize Endowment Funds invested in (￿rInC0 and Ch*islwe Common Investment Funds are carried at
fair value.
D¢t¢rr¢d Intomé
Examination and eourse fees received for future sessions after the reporting date aye included in
crediiors as deferred incorne.
t)
Provlylon# •nd eontln8enel•s
Provisions are recognised when the Ca￿ltable company a present legal or constructive otligation a
a re8u]t of past events where it 1$ probable that an 0￿￿oW of remtrces will be required to ¥ett]e the
obligation and the a￿Unt be estimated reliabty.
The amount recognised 15 the best e81imate of the con8ideration required to settle the present obligation
at the end of the reporting period, takmg into account any risks wid uncertainties surrounding the
obligatio
Where the eonsiderallon required to settle a present ckn]igation 18 confirnied, the amount payable is
tran8ferred to creditorn and any balance released to the Staternent of kncial Activitie8.
Contingent ]iabi]ities. atlsthg a8 a result of past event8. are not recognised when li) it IB not probable that
there will be an outflow of Te&LMJree8 or that the amount cannot be reliabty measured at the reporring
date or liil when the existence will be eonfimied by firtvre events not within the chatiiable company's
control. Contingent ]iabflities are disclosed in the financlal statements unle88 the probability of a
outhow of rescrtrces is immaterial.
Page 34

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Acco[￿rS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
AccourTrING POLICIES {corTfiTIUEDI
Unrestricted fimds comprise those monies which may be used tovrnn18 meeting the ch&itable obj'ecttves
of the clwity at the discreticjn ofthe Governor8.
Designated fijnds are unrestricted fund8 earnwked by the GovernoTS to be used for particular purpose$
in the filture. TraDsfers are made to designated fijnds on the basis of approva] by the Governors of fijture
plans. Restricted funds are Erants or monies raised for a Specific purpL)8e or donations subject to donor
impo8ed ccodition&
The prize endowrnent fund8 repTe8ent either permanent capital OJnd8 where there 18 no power to
convert the capital into income and ￿lch must generally be held indefthitely or expendab]e funds where
capital may be ￿￿ed for the purposes ofthe fijnd
Taxatlon
The A&8ociated BoaTd of the Royal Schcds of Music 18 a regi8tered chwity and therefore ig not ]iable to
UK income tax or corpwation tax on income derived from its ch&itable aLthitie8 a8 they fall wlthin the
various exemptions available to re￿￿ered charilles.
ABRSM is re8i51ered for VAT bjt 18 not able to Tecrryer the whole of Its h)put tax owln8 to the partial
exemption provision$. ExpenditUTe indudes input VAT ¢0 the ement it IB irrecoverable.
A provision for tax payable iti relation to international operations ha8 been induded in note 23 bavlng
regard to profes3ionaJ advice.
The whcdty owned sub&diary. The A880ciated Board of the Royal Schods of Music IPubli8hn8) UmSted,
Is a commercial entity doTth its pre-tax profit to ABRSM under Gift Aid n￿e&
Contrlbutlon• to four of the Royal SelM)ol# of mu￿¢
Contributions to four of the Royal Schools of Mu8ic (or their associated tharitable trusts} are treated as
distributions. the Royal Sthools being members of the ch￿lty. They are therefore charsed to the
statement of fjrwicial activities in the year in vAJich they are paid and 8hown as a movement in fiJnd8.
Government grants are accounted for accDrdin8 to the acCn￿l modd.
Page 35

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS {COrnED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
BXAMINATION REVENUE
2022
£'ooo
2021
E'OOO
Anatysis by geographieal market..
United Kin8dom and Ireland
OverJea8
12,063
23,754
7,020
8.287
55,817
(253)
15,307
42
Forei8n exchan8e 00s81188in on overseag revenue
15,349
Total income
Le88'. exarninatlon fees reeeAved In advance (note 21)
38,633
(3,069)
17.196
11.8471
35,564
15.349
D•f•rred fm Incom•:
The rnovement ￿th re5peet to eXami￿ort fees Teceived in advance in the year 18 a8 follow8..
2022
£'ooo
2021
E'OOO
Fees in advance as at l February 2021
Les6 fees due for examinatsons tsken in the year
Fees received with respect to future examination perk￿$
(note 211
1,847
(1.847)
3,228
13,2281
3,069
1,847
3,069
1.847
TBACHER SUPPORT REVENUB
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
AnaLysis by geo8raphical market
United Kingdom and Ireland
Overse&8
39
Tcrtal income
42
Page 36

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
5. INVESTMENT INCOME
Gn>up
2022
rooo
2021
E'OOO
2022
£'oDo
2021
£'ooo
Interest rec•ivabLe from:
Unresti?cted funds
ize endowment tLfftd8
27
39
24
40
39
53
66
09
79
. NFf IEICOME OF TRADING SUBSIDIARY
The AE8ociat¢d Board of the Royal Schools of Music OVrn5 tbe entiTe18wed 8harn capitsj of The Assoclated
Board of the Royal Schools of Music {Publishingl Limited. a trading company irtcorporated in the United
Kingdom with company number 01910047. fjub&dwy undertaknng donates its taxabje profits to
ABRSM under Gift Aid n￿es.
The aetlvitles of the Subsidiary undertsking 8UPPOrt the examiMti¢)n acdvlties of the parent eonwany by
provision of speci￿1$1 graded repertoire and other materials targeted at specific examinatlon levels.
A Summw of the resuh8 of the pub]i8hin8 aLtritses for the year {exduding irth.wi chargeN eiiminated
on con301idationl is given below. Audited accounts of the suE&sidiary undettaking will be ffled wlth the
Re￿strar of Companies.
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
8,829
(1,456)
7.612
11,5281
Cost olsale8
Grosi proflt
5,373
6.084
Dlstribtrtlon eo8ts
Administration and other operath)8 eI￿rge5
InteTe8t receivable
(854)
{992}
11,317}
N•t Incom•
3,173
3.779
The aggregate umount of the 5ub8idiarfs assets. liabfiities and funds as at 31 January 2022. exc]udin8
intercompany balances. were as foll
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
T¢Xal net as8et8
3,396
4.643
Induding intra-group charges and intercompany balances. the subsidiary's re&nths for the year were a8
follows: tumover £6.833,00012021'. E7.618.0001. net income £755,1)00 {2021'. £1.309,0001 and total net
a$set8 £21.1)0012021- £21.000).
Pag8 37

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTJNUBD)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
7. OTHBR INCOME
Other income inc]udes a government grant tota￿n8 £17.000 12021: £323.0001 in respect of the
CoronaviTUS Job Retention Stheme.
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURB
Cbarftable
Co•t•
(Note 9) (Note 14) Amorthadon
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
2022
2021
Restated
£'ooo
£'ooo
Ch•rit•ble •ctivltle•:
Examination8
Teacher Support
Scholat3hip payments
Music education
Publishing
11.541
6.707
76
3.029
24
27,685
212
1,086
201
5,679
21.577
234
1,048
244
5,857
112
1,086
201
2.540
838
2.246
55
15.368
7,621
8.766
3,108
34.863
28,980
325
325
439
Total
15,368
7,621
9.091
3.108
35,188
29,399
Unre8tTicled expenditure on Examinations and Teacher Support for the group before the defined benefit
pension scheme adjustment was E31.158.000 and £213.000 respectively 12021 Re8tated'. £25.003,000
and £243,000). The equivAi*ni figure$ for the charity were £31,101.000 and £213,00012021 Restated..
£24,948,000 and £243,000).
Included within total expenditure IB an adiu8tment to the defined benefft pension scheme of E3.486,000
12021.. £3,443,000) which has been credited to the pension rèseNe (see note 32). E3.485,000 has been
located to Examinations expenditure and £1,000 to Teacher Support. The prior year apportionment
was a credit of £3,434.000 to Fxaminations and £9,000 to Teacher Support. A180 induded In expendlture
are prlzes pald from the endownent hjnds t￿alling E12,00012021.. £8,OCQI.
9. SUPPORT COSTS
Support costs induding 8overnance (see notes 8 and 12) are anal￿ed a8 follow8:
EXanth￿tIO￿ Teach•r Publi8bin8
Support
Total
2022
Total
2021
Restated
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Exam Support
IT
Sajes and Marketing
Finance
Facilitie8
291
2.674
518
262
1.682
93
1.187
291
3,146
358
3,102
443
20
1.823
179
573
29
30
443
99
24
168
Z86
1.867
97
1.287
17
HR & other management
100
6.707
76
838
7,621
6,49B
Page 38

THE ASSOaATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOUDATED AccouKfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
io. SCHOLARSHIPS
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
United Kingdom rtudents
Overseas Stsjdents
Macidin Bursary
207
879
207
839
1.086
1,048
The total number ofstholar3 supported duTlng the year amounted to 8912021: 911.
I I. MUSIC EDUCATION- UnrertrfCt￿ tuDd•
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
SPONSORSHIP
Band Directors. A8sociatlon (Singapore)
Bangkok Opera Foundation
Commonwealth Re80unds
Dhow Countri¢8
London Music Fund
MA Exhibition8
The Mayor of London'8 Fund for yo￿8 Mu8idans
Nationa] Children's Orchestra
Nationa] Youth Choir
National Youth Jazz Orchestra
Nauona] Youth Orchestra
Openup Music
Royal Philharmonic Society
Serious Events
Singapore Symphony Orcbestra
The UK Associatlon foT Muslt Education- Musie M
Others
12
20
20
18
20
30
26
25
20
30
26
25
li
18
io
12
19
12
34
201
244
Pa￿ 39

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
12. GOVERNANCE COSTS- Unr•stricted funds
2022
2021
£'ooo
Governing Boty Costs
Audit Fees parent compatry
Audit Fees Pension Scheme
Fees payable to auditor for non audit 3eTvice8
Company Secretarial
Independent Pension Scheme Thairrnan
Internal Audit
Trustees and OfficeTS iiabllity insurance
Penslon Fund Trnstee Indemnity inwT
39
14
57
13
19
26
io
113
179
13. T4Ef INCOME POR THE YEAR
2022
2021
Restated
£'ooo
2,000
Net income for the year Is stated after tharw/lcrediiingl:
Ftes payable to the companys auditor and it8 as￿lat¢s for the audit
of the chatitable companls annual accounts
Fees payable to the compan￿8 auditOT and it8 aS￿lateS for txh¢r
8ervices'.
Audit ofsubsidiary company
Tax eompliance
Fees payable to secondary auditors
Pension scheme audit completed by other audit fjrn
Depredation of owned assets
Depreciation of assets held under finance le￿ obll8athons
Amortisation of intangible asset8
Operating lea8e rentais- leasehold bui]du)gs
- offlce eqiipment
39
57
14
310
75
2,722
13
322
37
1.805
1,121
225
15
1421
115
222
Dllapidations provislon
Exchange loss/lgainl on overseas revenue
Loss on fair value of deTivative8
253
Page 40

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF ThE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLtDATED AcCou￿rS (coKriNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
14. sfAFF cosrs
2022
2021
Restated
£'ooo
£'ooo
Staff costs during the year includetl.
Wage5 and salaries
Social security coBt8
Employer penslon eosts
Defined Benefit Pension adiustinent18ee Tr)te 321
Pension finance chaTge
Other #aff c08ts
7,197
719
3,949
(J.486)
325
387
7,267
704
3,923
13.4431
439
266
9,091
9.156
The number ofemployees who earned £60.(K)O or more lineluibng benefits) duling the year were as follow8:
2022
2021
£ 60.001 É 70,000
£ 70,001 - £ 80.000
E 80.001 . E 90,000
E 90.001 - EIOO.OCK)
£IOO,001- El 10.000
£110.001 . £120,000
£120.001- £130,000
£150,001 . £160.000
£170.001- £180,000
£190,001- £200.000
£290,001- £300,000
During the year £130.36812021'. E2L3,9571 was paid in redundancy and pay in lieu of notice. These
payments are Snduded th the tableB above and have been recognised in fvll in the Statement of financial
activities.
Page 41

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwfs (Co￿￿￿uED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
14. STAFF COSTS (contlnued)
The number of employees who earned £60.000 OT rnore during the year to whom retirement benefits are
accrning under pension schemes fimded by the company are:_
2022
No
2021
No.
Defined eonttitrAttion stheme
15
16
The company made pension Contn?￿lOnS of £105.50012021.. £111.6881 in rtspect of employees noted
above.
The defjned benefit scheme closed to future accnJal on 31 December 2018 and active membern eleLted
to tran￿er lo the defined contnTrJution pension thrne ftom l Jamwy 2019.
The aveTa8e number of employee8. exduding temporary staff. dwin8 the year was as foMow8'.
2022
No.
2021
Charity
UK trading subsidiary
164
14
14
178
174
The key management personnel of the charity and its wtx)Ily ovmed subsith.ary received total ernployee
beneflts of £1.054.058 12021.. £1,242.457). The key management pemnnel are considered to be the
Individuals noted on page 2 together with the directOT8 of the subsidiary who Teceive employment beneflts
rectty frorn the 8ubs5dlary.
No Governor received pawlent for their seNices iti the year12021.' Enill. Travelling and sub8i5tence
expen8e$ reimbLtt3ed by ABRSM to no Governors or A]temates 12021: 31 for expenditure necessarily
incurred on ABRSM'S business amounted to £ni] 12021. £621. No other Governor, nor any person
nnected with any Governor, received any r¢munerati(m in the year ended 31 Januw 202212021.. £nil}.
Pag8 42

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
15. TANGIBII FIXBD Assrrs
under land and Comput•r
£'ooo
£'ooo
E'ooo
Group and Charlty
Cost
At l Febnwy 2021
Addltions
1324
918
3.936
29
13
16
At 31 January 2022
13
2.324
710
918
3.965
Depr￿tIon
At l February 2021
Charge for the year
825
202
465
103
491
1,781
393
At 31 January 2022
1.027
579
2,174
Net book valu
At 31 January 2022
13
1.297
142
339
1.791
At 31 January 2021
1,499
229
427
2.155
All assets are used for chwitable purposes.
The net book value of assets held under f￿￿let lea8es 18 El12,IX)0 {2021: £187.000)
18. IprrANGIBLB FIXED AssFrs
eonthLThdon dmlopmetst
£'ooo
Total
Group and ChaTIty
Co
At l Febnwy 2021
Additions
Disposa]s
Transftr8
20
175
7.579
1.534
(2811
20
7,599
1.709
12811
1201
At 31 January 2022
175
8,852
9.027
Amort18atlon
At l Febw 2021
Charge for the year
On disp058ls
2.002
2.722
(149)
2.002
2.722
(149)
At 31 January 2022
4.575
4.575
Net book values
At 31 January 2022
175
4.277
4,452
At 31 January 2021
20
5,577
5.597
All assets are used for charitthe purpose&
Page 43

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOUDATBD Accouwfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
2022
2021
Total
£'ooo
funds
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Group
Prize endowment funds-listed invesunents
ot market value
At l February 2021
Additions
Unreali8ed gain/Oossl in the year
1.336
124
118
1,336
1,433
118
{97)
At 31 January 2022
1.578
1,578
1,336
Prize endowment hmds. li#ed investrnents
at mthet value las above)
Investment in 5ub8idiary
Orditw shares of El eath at co#
Unsecured loan note
1.578
1,578
1.336
io
772
io
772
io
772
782
1.578
2,380
2,118
The prize endo￿neTrt ￿ndS are inve8ted in Biackrock Charitfies UK Bond and Equity Comnx)n
Investment Fwids cost of £779,000 {2021.. E655.000).
The charity's subsjdiary undertakn.ng is The A880ciated Board of the Royal Schools of Music IPubli8hingl
Limited. The charity owns lo￿19 of the company's issued ortknary £1 shares. The priThcipa] activity of the
company is the production and sale of music publications and recordin88.
The eharity ha8 Biven an undertakin8 to its subsidiary not to dernand rePa￿ent of the un8ecured loan
note before l Ju]y 2023. Interest is ehargeable on the unsecured loan note at a rate of 2Q/o over the Bank of
England base rate from time to time. No provision is considered nece88ary agalr￿1 the £IO.000 c08t of the
Investment in thi5 subsidiary.
Page 44

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOUDATED ACCOUNTS (CO￿rINUED>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
18. STOCKS
Gt
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
inted mwic and recorthngs
Paper
666
174
721
152
840
873
19. DBBTORS
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
Trade debtors
Oversea8 representattves
An￿u￿t8 due from 8ub81diary
Other debtors
Prepawlents and accrued income
761
2,130
445
1,136
2,603
139
925
287
2,130
3.849
231
943
1,136
822
403
3,720
4.262
5,248
7,440
20. CURRENT AssFf INVBSTMENrs
Charlty
2021
£'ooo
2022
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
Cash held on depo
greater than 3 month8
less than 3 months
4.438
2.550
3,000
2,550
1.631
1.631
Included within the above figure thre treasury deposits with an OTiwI matuiity of 12 month8 or le88. At
the balance sheet date the average maturity of these deposits was 5 months for the group 12021: nll
month51 and 4 monttr&8 for the chaTity12021'. nil months). The avera8e interest rote wa8 0.36D/o (2021.. nilQ/ol
for the group and 0.2￿fi {2021'. nllO/ol for the charity.
Page 45

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accou￿rS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JAfiuARY 2022
21. CREDITORS: amounts fal]ing due withiti one year
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
TrAde creditors
Overseas representatives
Reftjnds due to CU8tome
Deferred Income.. exam fees (note 31
Other taxe8 and social 8eLvr¢ty costs
Finance lease arrangements
Other creditors
AccrLds and other deferred income
1,350
2.057
516
3,069
231
1.140
1,185
482
1.847
243
1.197
2,057
516
3,069
1,003
1.185
482
1.846
228
507
2,431
377
2,655
102
2,646
X,419
10,227
7,995
9,678
7.558
22. CREDrroRS: amounts falling due after nb)re than one year
Charlty
2022
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ODO
2021
FinMn¢e leasé arran8ements
Other creditors
33
52
99
513
33
529
513
562
612
562
612
The tlnance lea8e 18 secured a8ain8t the coryuter equipment to ￿1¢h li relates. No interest is payable.
FRS102 requires the amount of a dilapidation provision to be recogni5ed when the obligation arises.
Other creditors represent the estimated infiation indexed (blapidations fund potentially payable on exit
from the lease ofour eurrent premises, SalieT8' H￿.
23. PROVISIONS
At l February 2021
Movement in tax provi8iojL8
697
725
697
725
At 31 January 2022
1.422
1.422
ABRSM continued to seek advice on its taxation position in relation to its international operatsons and
expects that most Tesulting liabilitses will be settled over the course of the next five years with the
titnescale being partly dependent on the speed of response of the relevanl tsx authorities.
Page 46

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOUDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
24. BNDOWMErTr FUNDS
Movemoot In Funds
At I Incon￿ and Bxpendlture
At31
F•bruary
zalns and los•es January
2021
2022
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Group and clwlty
Ptrnwi•nt prlze endowm•nt
137
107
121
123
449
16
{2)
Ralph Bassett Prize aCCoL￿t
Constance Haddon Prize account
Winifred Liversidge Prtze account
Irene La8sen Bequest
Welnman/Duraisamy Prlze
Sundry named prize8 and general prlze8 account
14
14
49
{21
133
136
497
{ii
282
31
{3)
310
1.224
135
(9)
1,350
xpendable prfze endownwnt fund¥
Jardine Mathe8on Mu8ic schdarsTrMps
Gordon Bryan Fund
Alan Pickard Piize
Taylor Whl'te Gibb8 Prize
io
108
27
159
147
15
(3)
269
28
(3)
294
Total •ndovrnMnt funth
1.493
163
1121
1,644
Interest reeeivable
Expenditure on PTize8
Unrealised on inve¥tmer
45
1121
118
163
1121
Income Expendltu
and IoiM•
2021
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
Interest Teceivable and sundry income
Expenditure on prize8
Unrea]ised10s8 on investments
39
18)
197)
39
1105)
The endowrnent funds were established to provide piizes for m￿81c31 achieveme1￿ in ABRSM'8
exami￿tiOns. FOT petmanent prize endowment ￿ds. unexpended income is accumulated as capital and
Ldded to the fimd each year. Expendable prize endowment funds compTise unexpended balances of
donation8 held on trust to be appbed for spec]fic pwposes.
Page 47

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE COYISOLIDATED ACCOUNTS {COKllNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
25. UNREsriucrED FUNDS
J4nu•ry
2022
2trAI
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
7.752
11,509)
6,243
D••lsA*t•d ALttd•
DÉvekpment hr
3.818
11.272)
1.400
530
3,946
530
5.765
42.453
(37,06SI
16,421)
4,732
Tothi
17,335
42,453
(38.3371
1fj,L￿)
15,451
7.752
(1,5091
6,243
Deil#llat*d hmda
DevelOpr￿n¢ fi￿d5
3,818
11,2721
1,4
530
3.948
530
5.754
36.717
{31.3291
(6,4211
4,721
Tota]
17,324
36,717
132.6011
{6.CKIOI
15.440
Designated funds represent development fund8 set aside for the development of ABRSM'S digital
infrastructure and development of overseas markets, and fund8 relating to examiner costs.
Page 48

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accou￿rS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
26. ANALYSIS OF IIEr Assrfs BFfwEBN FUNDS
Fund balances as at 31 January 2022 are represented ty.
Total 2022
Funds (indudln8
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Tangible fixed &8sets
Intangible fixed asset8
Investments
Current assets
CuThnt liabilities
Non-CUTrent liabi]itieB
Provi$io
1,791
4.452
1.791
4,452
1,578
21,485
(10.227)
(562)
(1,422)
1.578
86
(201
21,399
110.2071
15621
{1.4221
Net a88ets betore pen8lon deflcft
Pentsl¢)n deficit
15.451
{9.1661
1.644
17,095
(9.168)
Total net a98ets after pension
deflcit & pn)vi810ns
6.285
1.644
7,929
Tangible fixed as*8
Int￿gIble fixed a88ets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilitie8
Non-cutrent liabllltie8
Provisions
1.791
4,452
782
20.057
(9,658)
1562)
(1.422)
1,791
4,452
2,360
20,143
(9,678)
(562)
(1,422)
1.578
86
(20)
Net assets b¢ft)re pension defiat &
provision8
Pension deflcit
15.440
1,644
17,084
19.166)
(9,160)
Total net assets after pension
deficit & provisions
274
1,644
7.918
Group and Charlty
Unrealised gain8 included above
on invesbnent a88et818ee Th)te
below)
799
Unreall8ed gain8 a8 at l February
2021
Net gain/Oossl arlsing from
revaluations in the year
681
118
118
Unrealised gain8 as at 31 January
2022
799
799
Page 49

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKrs (co￿rINUED}
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
27. RECONCILIATION OF Nrf INCOME TO NEf CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACnVITIES
2022
2021
Restated
£'ooo
Net income/{deficir} for the repoiting peiic*l.
Depreciation charge
Amortisation eh8r8e
Lo&8 on disposal of fixed assets
Interest recelved
IGainl1los8 on investsnents
Decrease/lincrea3el in stocks
Decrease in debtor8
Increase/ldeerease} in creditors
Increase/ldecrease} in provisions
Net cash movement in pension deficit
16,0991
359
1,805
393
2,722
132
{53)
(I IB)
33
542
2,248
725
(9.161)
1661
97
1241
8.774
14261
1571
13,0041
N•t ¢￿h Inoow provlded by opernthw actlvltl
4.891
1,359
28. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN Nrf DEBT
At l Fobruary
2021
Cath tlov• At 31 January
2022
£'ooo
£'ooo
Cash and ca•h
equlv8lents
Cash
Ca8h equivalents
12,278
1,631
(2.3411
919
9,9J7
2,550
13.909
{1.422)
12.487
Finance lease
1165)
(99)
1165)
66
199)
TOTAL
13,744
{1.356)
12,388
29. FINANCIAL COMMTfMErrrs
Scholarnhlps
Scholarthps awarded for whith no provision has been made in these accounts aTe expected to become
payable 08 follow8:.
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
Year ending 31 January 2022
YeE4r ending 31 January 2023
Year ending 31 January 2024
Year ending 31 January 2025
Year ending 31 January 2026
1,072
725
352
177
1,224
796
357
IBO
2.557
2,326
All scholarships offered by the balance sheet date for the current academic year are provided in fv]l.
Awards for fvture years are subject to review and authorisation by ABRSM each Ye￿ and are therefore
not induded in provisions as at the balance sheet date.
Page 50

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
29. FINANCIAL COPaMrrMEPTfs (continued)
At 31 January 2022 the group and chwity had fvture total minimum opernting le48e payments as follomry:
Other
2022
2021
£'ooo
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
One year
Two to five years
Over five years
1,207
4.827
1.756
1.207
4,827
2.962
150
219
150
8.996
150
369
The tot￿ firtwe minirn thmnce lease payments a8 the end of the rep)thg peiiod are as follows:
2022
2021
2022
£'ooo
2021
'ooo
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not lthr thnn flve yearn
66
33
66
99
33
165
99
165
30. TRANSACTIONS WITh REIATED PARTIBS
ABRSM wa8 party to a number of financi￿ tran8action8 Mryth its tradu4 8ub8idiary, ABRSM Pub]i5hing
duTing the year a8 followy".
2022
É'ooo
2021
£'ooo
Charged by ABRSM to ABRSM Publl#hkn
Administrative expenses recharged
Pension costs recharyed
Loan inteTest
Management ch•rge
Copyright eharge
21
488
17
2,081
324
13
483
17
2,082
37B
Charged by ABRSM Pubbshln¥ to ABRSM:
Paper stock recharged
PTinted music al￿ recording8
Glft ald donadon frollL ABRSM Publl•hlDZ to ABRSM:
755
1,309
Balance at the year end:
Due to ABRSM from ABRSM Publishing
Due from ABRSM to ABRSM Publishing
2.603
3.853
Duting the year Profr&gion CoIin Lawson was due £10 12021: £nlll in royalties by ABRSM IPublisl]ing)
Limited on wnnai C¢)MM￿ tern￿. The balance Outst￿dIng at the year end was £1012021: £nill.
Pag8 51

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKfs (COKnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR Ef4DED 31 JANUARY 2022
30. TRANSAcfioNS ￿TH RBIATED PARTIES (continued)
ABRSM provided exaMI￿tion services to related parties on norn￿7 commercial tenn8 as foliows..
2022
2021
£'ooo
Ch￿ed by ABRSM
Royal College of Music
Royal Academy of Music
Royal Northern College of Musie
Royal Con8ervatoire of Scotland
IJ
Balanee at th• yw •Dd:
Royal College of Music
Royal Acaderny of Music
Roya] Northern College of Music
Royal Con8eNatoire ofscot]and
There have been no crther related party tra1￿CtIonS dwin8 the year.
31. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
ABRSM has the following financial 4s8ets whith are included at falr value through the statement of
financial activiues..
2022
E'ooo
2021
000
Financiai a$sets at fair value through the rtatement of financial
athitie8'.
InveBtments
1,578
1,336
Page 52

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
32. PBfisioN SCHEMES
The chaTity operates two pension schernes" a 8rowJ stakeholder pension plan and a defined benefft
stheme.
From l Febnwy 2014, qua]itring sr8ff joining ABRSM are auto eDmiled into the group stakeholder
pension plan provided by Scottish Equitable plc under the brand name Aegon (Financial Services Register
number 165548). Contributions aTe reCO￿llsed in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in Nvhich
they are earned. The minirn employee contnbution i8 3/d of basi¢ salary. ABRSM contiibutes 50/0 of
basic sa]ary. Each percentage increase in the employee contnijution 1$ matched by ABBSM up to a
mwmum employer contiibution of IIYA
The defined benefit 5cherne wa5 e5tatlished to provide retirement benefits for the charl￿8 employees
based upon final pensionable sa]aries for those joining before 6 Apiil 2006 or career average salarie5 for
th08e joining from 6 April 2006. On l Apri] 2013 a]1 membeTS of the final sa]ary section of the scheme
traTL8ferred to the career average section of the 8cheme. The assets of the scheme are held Separately
from those of the charity. The Scheme closed on 31 December 2018 to fiJtUTe accrual. Active member8
had the opuon to Join the organi8ation'5 8TOUP Stakeholder pension Scheme at l January 2019.
Contributlons payab]e are detern)ined on the basis of triennial valuation8 carried by a qualified
actuary. The charl￿9 contributions are tharged as resowces and expended in the year in which
contributlon8 are made. The dwity cea8ed conthbffjons foT the accnjal of fijture benefits from l January
2019.
The pension servlce Costs foT the year were En￿12021. £nS1}. The P￿Sent value of the 8cheme liabilities
includes £744,00012021.. £733.000). carTied forward from the Prior years as an estimate of the past service
cost of GMP equalisatio
These account8 reflect the requirement8 cl FRSIO2.
The economic a88W))ptk)n8 listed below have been calculated by a qualified independent actuary. They
are based on market conditions a8 at 31 January 2022 but have been d•ived u8in8 the methodology set
out in FRS102.
Page 53

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLtDATED ACCOUPTfs (COWnNUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
32. PBNSION SCHEMES leonlitiu•d)
The discount rate has been derived using a corporate bond yield curve approach as required
by FRS102. The iBoxx over 15 year COTporate AA rated bond index had a yield of 2.27/0 per
annum as at 31 JanLWy 2022. Thi$ index has a duration of around 20.1 years, which is Similar
to the duration of the Scheme'$ liabilrties. As the duration of the scheme liabi]ities and the
index is 8imi]4r it is not considered necessary to make any further adjustrnent to the index.
Retail price infjAtion {RPII has been derived from the spot infjation rates pub]ished by the Bank
of England. At duration of 21.5 years. the spot rdte for infiation is 3.81D/o per annwn a8 at 31
January 2022. An RPI increa8e a8sumption of 3.80/0 has been used.
ID the prior year it was assumed that Consumer price infiation wou]d be 0.70/0 a year lower
than RPI. However. it is expected that the RPI will be calculated in the same way as CPI-H
from 2030. so the difference between the two indices is expected to reduce io approximately
0.50/0 a year. Nonetheless. unffl 2030 the rwo indices wi]1 be ca]culated differently and it should
be noted that a siwficant proportion of the defettTed pensioner liab￿ltieS wi]1 retire based on
the current RPI definitiou lon whi¢h we have a market detemiined infiationary value). It is
proposed that the assumption of the difference between RPI and CPI remains at O.V/¢ (with
the expectation that this difference is gradually reduced lo 0.5% by around 20301. Thi5 re3uits
in a CPI increase assumption of 3.10/0.
No estirnated salary incTea5es due to the schen* cloSL￿e at 31 December 2018.
Increases to pension8 in Pa￿￿ent which are related to price infiation have been taken to
Increase in line wtth the RPI assumption or the annual increase Cap, whichever 18 lower.
Increases to deferred pensions which are related to price infiation have been taken to increaBe
in line with the CPI assumption, or the cap. whichever is the lower.
Commutation of pension by members e8timated at 250A. allowing for an increase in
commutation Tates Since the actuatial valuation.
Th¢ prtndpal actuarlal u••d p•r annum arn:
2022
2021
Discount Pate
2.3%
i.s%
Retail PTice inflation
3.8%
3.3%
Consumer price Inflation
3.1%
Increases to pensionable earnin85
nla
n/a
Increases to pensions in payment
Earned up to 31 De¢ember 2001
EArned from l January 2CKJ2 to 5 2005
Earned from 6 April 2005
5.¢Yh
2.5%
2.5,
Prtrretirement increases for deferred pensions
Earned before fj June 2009
Earned from 6 June 2009
3.1%
2.6Q/o
2.5%
Page 54

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
32. PENSION SCHEMES {continu•d)
2022
£'ooo
{67.033)
57,867
2021
£'ooo
175.6611
49.242
Present va]ue of liabilities
FALr value of plan assets
Defj¢it
9,168
126,419
A••et¥
2022
W•lzht
2021
£'OLX)
Weight
Equitie#
Bond8
Ca8h linclud5ng divldends recetvablel
35,462
61.3
36.2
29,211
18.776
1.255
59.3
38.1
1,457
Totsi market va]ue of assets
57,867
100.0
49,242
IcKJ.o
2022
2021
£'ooo
A¢llvld¢s as follows:
Interest expense
Interest in¢om¢
1,127
1802)
1,237
17981
Penslon Finthnce d￿rge
325
439
Employer's da1cit contribution8
(9.486)
(3,4431
Defined Benent Pensi{￿ Adjustment
(9.486)
13,4431
Chang•s In th• pr•Mnt value of the Defill•d B•n•fft Obbytion IDBO) durlng th• y•ar ar• 28
follo￿.
Year enth'n8 31 January.
2022
2021
£'ooo
Present value of the ]iabiiitse8 a8 at the start ofyear
Cwrent service co
Contributions by the memi
Interest expense
Past 8ervice cost
Re.measurement- effect ofeylence &dJusbnents loss/(8wnl
Re.me&surement- eifect of change8 in assumption8 loss/(gthl
Benefits paid
75.661
69.209
1.127
1,237
(739)
(7,947)
(1.06&
1421
6.181
19241
Present value of the ]iabi]itie8 as at the end of year
67.033
75.661
Page 55

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (cO￿riNuED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
32. PENSION SCHEMBS (contlnued)
Year endin8 31 January:
2022
2021
£'ooo
Fair vaLue of plan assets a8 at Start of ye4T
Interest Income
R&measurement- return on plan assets excluding inteTe8t income
ETnployer's nornial contributions
Employer's deficit ￿ntrIbUtiOnS
Contributions by the members
Benefits poid
49,242
43,090
796
2.835
(594
3,443
11.069)
19241
Falr value Of￿an assets as at end of year
57.887
49,242
Actual return on plan asset$ s￿10¢88)
208
3,633
Based on current pensionable earnings and the deficii recovery plan agreed in 2019. the employer'5 defiat
recovery contributions expeeted to be paid io the Scheme for (he year ending 31 January 2022 amounts to
£3,658.00012021= É3.489.0001.
Amount• for th• current and pyevlous four pèrlodi ar• u follo￿.
A8 al 31 January:
2022
£'ooo
2021
£'ooo
2020
£'(x)o
2019
£'(M)O
2018
£'ooo
Present value ofthe liabllitie8
Fair value of plan assets
(67,033)
57.887
175.661}
49.242
169,2091
43,090
158.3481
35.886
157,1771
35,986
Deficit
(9,166)
126.419}
126.1191
122,4621
121,1911
Re-measurement- Effe¢t of
experience adjuslment on scheme
IIAbilities 8ain/Oos81
739
42
{1,1921
(IBI
11471
Re-measurement- Effect of
thange in &￿UmptiOn on s¢hen]e
liabilities gain/O03sI
7,947
16.1811
{9,073}
330
18791
Revmeasuremenl- Return on plan
assets excluding interest income
Oossll8ain
(594)
2.835
3,821
{1,5481
1,344
FRS102 adiustinent
8.092
13.3041
16.4441
11.2361
318
Volatlllty of FRS102
The results disclosed above are inherently volatile. This is because the ]iabiiities have been calculated by
discounting the benefits using the yield on a suilable AA-rated corporate bond. whereas the scheme does
not invest solely in high quality Corporate bonds. To that extent there is, for FRS102 purposes, a
'mismatch' between the assets and liabilities, which means that the assets and liabilities land hence the
surplus or deficit) wi be vo]3tile between different accouriting period& dependfftg on 8enerai movements
in the market.
Page 56

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
33. CHARITY STATEMEKf OF FINANCIAL Acriwry
(note 32)
2012
£'ooo
2021
É'ooo
Chtrltable aetlvltks:
Examinations
Teacher Support
35.564
li
35,504
li
15.349
42
Covenant from sut6idiary
Copyright fee8
755
322
24
41
755
322
1,309
378
79
328
45
Oth•r
41
36.717
45
3e,762
17.485
BXPENDITURE ON:
ExaminatiorLS
Téacher Supp)rt
Scholarships
Musi¢ education
31.101
213
1.086
201
13.4851
12
27,028
212
21.522
234
1,048
244
io
201
32,601
13.4861
12
29.127
23.048
325
315
439
31601
13.1611
12
39,452
23.487
Net 8aln/Oossl on Invegtmeni
17
1971
N•t In￿mIl{•xp•ll1•)
4.116
3.161
151
7,438
16,0991
16,IXQI
6.fy)0
Oth•r r•eognts•d 8aIDsIO￿￿).
A¢tiwial loss on pen&on scheme
{Lossl/gain on forward contract revaluati
32
8.092
8.092
13,3041
11OB41
17353
151
15,520
19.5181
RECONCILIATION OF PUND&.
Balance brought forward
Prior peTiod adjustment
Total comprehensive income
11.727
5.597
11.8841
{26.4191
1.493 (13,199)
5,597
15.$20
11,7281
3.644
19.5181
17.253
151
BalMe• em*•d fonv*Yd
15.440
19,1661
1.644
7,918
17,8021
Page 57

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwrs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
34. COMPARATIVB GROUP sfATEMENT OF FINANCIAL Acrivrry POR YEAR BNDBD 31 JANUARY
2021
Ullrdtrlded PetssloD Re¥tri¢ted &
Total
R¢•¢rw¢ Endoivmetst Funds
2021
'IMIO Re#tbted
£'ooo
£'ooo
INCOME & ENDOWMEFM FROM:
Charttabl• Ktlvld
Examinations
Teacher Support
15.349
42
15,349
42
Publishing sales
lttv•8tm•nts
7,612
27
328
7,812
39
328
23.358
39
23,397
BXPENDITVRE ON:
Charttabl• Aetlvltl
Examinations
Teacher Support
Scholarnhlps
Musl¢ educaoon
Other tr*dlDg actlvltlos:
Publishing
25,003
243
{3,4341
191
21,577
234
1,048
344
5.857
5,857
32.395
13.4431
28,960
P•nilon finBn¢* eh*ry•
439
439
Total w•ttdltur•
32,395
I3,￿4)
29,399
Net Bain/Uossl on investrneftt
1971
(971
N•t lttcom•ll•xp•ndltuY•)
19.0371
1661
Oth•r r•coRnts*d RalM/{lo•M•):
AcDJarial lo&8 on pen&on scheme
Gainluossl on forw8Td contrart rev4h￿tIOn
13.3041
13,304
11151
19.1521
13cKII
1661
{9,518)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Ba]an¢e brought forwar(I
Prior period adiustinent
Total comprehensive income
22.843
3.644
19,152}
12&1191
1.559
(1,717)
3.644
19,518)
13001
1661
17,335
126.4191
J,493
17,591)
Page Sg

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
35. COMPARATIVE GROUP ANALYSIS OF EXPENDrruRE FOR YEAR BNDED 31 JANUARY 2021
Support Staff Cots D•pTedatlon &
Total
Cost•
Restated
￿n￿rti￿tIOn
2021
R¢stated R•ststed
Re*tat￿ Restat•d
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Charltable a¢tlvlti¢¥:
Bxamination5
Teacher Support
Scholarship payments
Music education
Publi8hin8
7.643
5.466
100
6.354
117
2.114
17
21,577
234
1.048
244
5,857
1.048
244
2,646
932
2,246
33
6,498
,717
2.164
28.960
Pewlon thianc• chary•
439
439
Total
11.581
6.498
9.156
2.164
29,39
36. COMPARATIVE GROUP ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT cosrs FOR YEAR ENDBD 31 JANUARY
2021
Totol
2021
Ro8tat•d
E'OOO
Support
R•rtatod
£'ooo
i'ooo
£'ooo
Exam Support
IT induding software development
Sales and Marketing
Finance
Faci]itie5
Governance
HR & other rnanagement
358
2,462
341
18
1.635
166
486
358
3,102
443
20
1.823
179
573
33
58
21
167
13
85
5.466
100
932
6.498
Page 59

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
37. COMPARATIVB MOVEMEtir OF ENDOWMEPTf FUNDS FOR YEAR BNDED 31 JANUARY
2021
At31
and loMeB Jthu
2021
£'ooo
Febrnary
2020
£'ooo
£'ooo
Group and ehlrlty
Perman•nt prlz• •ndowment fand•
Sheila Mossman PTize account
Ra]ph Ba$$eit Prize account
Con8tsnce Haddon Prize account
Winifred Liversidge Prize account
Irene La$8en Bequest
WeIr￿na￿lDUraIsarny PTize
Sundry named prizes and general prSze$ account
144
iioi
17}
{9}
18)
{31)
137
107
121
123
449
127
128
12
294
(19)
282
1,277
31
184
1,224
Bxp•ndabl• pthe •ndowm¢nt fun
Jardine Math*$oft m￿81C scholarship$
Gordon Bryan Fund
Alan Pickard Prize
Taylor White Gibbs Prize
ioi
25
156
161
121
1131
98
24
147
282
1211
289
Total endownwnt klmdj
1.559
39
11051
1,493
Interest receivable
Expenditure on prizes
Unreali8ed loss on investments
39
{81
97
39
11051
Page 60

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AccouKfs (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
38. COMPARATIVE MOVEMEITf op UNRESTiucfED FUNDS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JAfiuARY
2021
At Sl J*thu•ry
2021
2020
E'OOO
£'ooo
5.934
J.818
7.752
6.871
(4.053)
3.818
13.682
23.243
128.342)
118181
5,765
26,487
23.243
(32,395)
17.335
5,934
1,818
7,752
6.871
14.0531
3.818
13,671
17.331
(22.430)
(2.818}
3,754
T¢ts]
26.476
17.331
(26.483)
17.324
Page 61

THE ASSOaATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2022
39. COMPARATIVE AfiALY515 OF f4ET ASSFfs BETWEEN FUNDS FOR YEAR ENDED 31
JANUARY 2021
Unrestrlcted
Funds (including
Penslon Rewye)
Restated
Prlze
Endowment
Total 2021
Re¥tatsd
E'OOO
£'ooo
Group
Tangible fixed aBset8
Intangjble fixed asset8
Inve$tments
cy￿ent asset3
CU￿ent liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Provisions
2,155
5,597
2,155
5,597
1,336
19,044
17.995)
(612)
(697)
1.336
166
19>
18.878
{7.986)
1612)
16971
Net assets before pension deficit
Pen3ion deficit
17,335
126.4191
1,493
18,828
(26,419}
Totsl net ￿'abilItieS)1a8Sets after
pension deficit & provtslons
19,0841
1.493
(7,591)
Chartty
Tanyble fixed a88ets
Intan8ible fixed asset8
Inve8tment8
Current as8ets
CutTent liabilities
Non-current liabllities
Provisions
2.155
5.597
782
17.648
{7.549}
1612)
1697)
2.155
5,597
2,119
17.814
(7,558)
(612)
(6971
1.336
19)
Net assets before pension deficit &
provisions
Penslon deflcit
17.324
1.493
18.817
{26.419)
(26,419)
T¢Xal net Oiabilltlesl/asset8 after
pen8ion deficit & provisions
19,095)
1.493
(7,602)
Group and Cbartty
Unrealised gains included above
on investment a38et518ee rnte
below)
681
681
Unrea]i8ed gains as at l February
2020
Net gainloossl arfsing from
revaluations in the year
778
778
(97}
(97
Unreali5ed 8ain8 a8 at 31 January
2021
Page 62

THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED Accouwfs {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JAfiuARY 2022
PRIOR YEAR ADJusfMEwr
The Directors have made the decision to capita]ise software development costs associated with our new
CRM. The revised accounting policy is to capitabse any software development COS18 an intangible asseL
and to anK)rtise the capitsiised eosts over a 3 year petiod Software development costs were previously
disclosed as expenditure on charitable actsvities.
Set out below 15 the impact of the change in accoiiriw wlicy. in accordance with FRS102, paragraph
10.14.
Restated fi￿d bajances..
Grollp
31 January
2021
Group
IFeb
31 January
2021
E'ooo
l February
2020
£'ooo
2020
Fund balances as prewously
8tsted
Software development cost8
capitali8ed
Amorti5ation c0518
(13,188}
(1.717)
(13.1991
11.7281
7,599
3.841
7.599
3.841
12.C(12}
{197)
{2.0021
{1971
17.591}
1.927
{7,6021
1.916
Restated unrestiicted net ww)vement in funds for the year ended 31 Jonuary 2021:
Group
31 January
2021
£'oc
31 January
2021
Original net income
Software development ¢ost8
capitalised
Amortisation Costs
{11.105)
3.757
{11,1051
3.757
11,804)
11,8041
19.152)
19,1521
41. POST BALANCE SHErr EVBITr
After the balance sheet date the Directors entered into contracts to continue to develop the CRM 5y$tem.
The value ofthe8e contractg was £I.Im.
Page 63