ABRSM chief examiner John Holmes to step down

ABRSM has announced that its chief examiner John Holmes is to step down in August. 

Holmes has led ABRSM through a number developments over the past 12 years, including the move from on-paper examinations to iPad-based assessments. 

A representative from ABRSM told MT: ‘We want to take this opportunity to reflect on John’s significant achievements in his 12 years as chief examiner and to say thank you for his huge commitment and contribution to ABRSM during that time.

‘For many teachers and learners his passion, energy and brilliant presentation skills have been an important part of the role, as well as a real focus on trying to make ABRSM exams and examining the best they can be.

‘We now have an opportunity to put in place plans that achieve continuity and that build strongly upon John’s legacy after his many years in post. More news will follow on plans as they progress.’

Holmes spoke at the Music & Drama Education Expo 2021 in September, where he ran a session on integrating aspects of performance into the classroom and ABRSM’s performance grades.

Read the full announcement on the ABRSM website.