# ABRSM 2025 New Syllabus: How to Plan Your Piano Exam After July

Since ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) officially launched its 2025 & 2026 Piano Exam Syllabus at the start of 2025, candidates worldwide have entered a new preparation cycle. As of mid-July, the UK summer Practical Grades examination window has officially closed.

For students who haven't yet taken their exam, candidates planning to enter Performance Grades (the online performance-based exam), and teachers or parents preparing to switch to new repertoire, now is the perfect time to **adjust your strategy and plan your schedule**.

This article breaks down ABRSM's current "overlap period" policy based on official guidelines, helping you map out a sensible exam path and teaching direction for the rest of the year.

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## The Summer Exam Window Has Closed — When Does the Next One Open?

According to ABRSM's published schedule, the 2025 UK summer Practical Grades session opened on June 9 and concluded on July 12. Scotland and Northern Ireland finished even earlier, wrapping up by late June.

The autumn exam window comes next. ABRSM has not yet announced exact dates, but registration is expected to open sometime in August or September.

Meanwhile, Performance Grades — the online exam format available year-round — remains open for registration and submission at any time. With no fixed exam periods or limited slots, it's a valuable option for taking your exam in the second half of the year without the usual scheduling pressure.

### The Overlap Period Is Still Active — You Can Use the Old Repertoire Until the End of 2025

ABRSM piano exams follow a two-year syllabus cycle, and the current one is the 2025 & 2026 edition. To help candidates transition smoothly, ABRSM has established a one-year overlap period.

This means that until December 31, 2025, candidates can still choose to use repertoire from the previous 2023 & 2024 syllabus for their exams.

One important rule: the three (or four) pieces you perform **must all come from the same syllabus edition — you cannot mix pieces from the old and new syllabuses**. This applies to all exam formats, including in-person Practical Grades and online Performance Grades.

Additionally, this syllabus update did not change the requirements for scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, or aural tests. Candidates can continue using their existing technical training materials without needing to purchase new ones.

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#### Three Types of Candidates — Which Exam Strategy Fits You?

With five months still remaining in 2025, the syllabus policy is clear and exam formats are flexible. This is an ideal time to reassess your plan or pick up the pace. Here are recommendations based on where you currently stand:

##### Candidates planning to complete their exam between September and December

If this is you, it's best to stick with the old syllabus repertoire to finish your exam. This is especially true if you've already polished your current pieces — switching to new repertoire would only add unnecessary preparation burden. Performance Grades is particularly well-suited here, since you can register and submit at any time without worrying about session dates or limited slots.

##### Students planning to take their exam in early 2026 or later

For these students, it makes sense to start preparing with the new syllabus repertoire now. This avoids a last-minute repertoire switch at year-end when the old syllabus expires, and gives you more time to adapt to the new pieces. The 2025 & 2026 syllabus features a wider range of styles — classical, contemporary, jazz, and film music — which is great for broadening your playing range and expressiveness.

##### Beginners just starting their exam journey

The best strategy here is to **go straight into the 2025 & 2026 syllabus**. This avoids confusion from mid-preparation syllabus changes and ensures consistency across teaching materials, resources, and lesson planning — saving both effort and money.

##### Practical vs. Performance Grades — Which Format Should You Choose?

ABRSM currently offers two exam formats: in-person Practical Grades and online Performance Grades. Both are officially certified with equivalent recognition, but they differ in format and content.

Practical Grades is the traditional format where an examiner assesses the candidate at a testing center. The exam covers three set pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests. This format suits students who want a comprehensive assessment and can coordinate exam scheduling. However, Practical exams require advance registration and a reserved slot, which can be limiting depending on timing and location.

Performance Grades, launched in 2020, has become a popular choice for candidates worldwide. It does not include technical tests — candidates simply submit a complete performance video of four pieces, three from the syllabus and one free-choice or from a selected list. After registering, candidates have 28 days to submit their video. The process is straightforward, feedback is quick, and it's ideal for students with busy schedules or those who perform better in a familiar environment.

Overall, if you missed the in-person registration window or want to complete your exam before year-end, Performance Grades is currently the best option.

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##### A Checklist for Teachers and Parents

To navigate the overlap period and syllabus transition smoothly, here are five things worth keeping in mind:

**Confirm your exam timeline** so you can decide whether to use old or new repertoire.

**Keep all pieces from the same syllabus** to avoid mid-preparation switches or invalid entries from mixing editions.

**Set different lesson schedules for different goals** — manage sprint-to-exam and long-term preparation tracks separately.

**Take advantage of the online exam's flexibility** to reduce stress from limited slots or scheduling conflicts.

**Stay updated on ABRSM's official announcements and syllabus materials** to keep your exam strategy aligned with current policy.

##### Exams Are About Pacing, Not Chasing the Latest Trend

ABRSM's overlap period was never designed to create anxiety about switching materials. It exists so that candidates, parents, and teachers can **adjust their pace thoughtfully** and align their teaching plans. The period after July is one of the year's rare calm windows — no scrambling for exam slots, no year-end rush. It's the perfect time to **review your goals and refine your path forward**.

Every choice you make about exam timing reflects how you value the learning process itself. Rather than following trends or rushing through, choosing the right exam format and planning your repertoire transition wisely is the most solid investment you can make in your musical education.