Could someone tell me whereabouts the exam centres are in Manchester and Stockport? I'm just thinking about the details of entering my private pupils for the first time here and realised I don't actually know where the exams take place!

I can't help with Manchester, but the Stockport centre is on the junction of Beech Road and Heath Road, Cale Green - though the house being used is currently up for sale so may not be available much longer.

I *think* the Manchester centre is the Friend's Meeting House in the town centre.

For Manchester we've been to the Friends Meeting House just off Albert Square. Nightmare to park. The venue is big and a bit intimidating to tinies and new examees.

Stockport is nice but the waiting room is freezing in winter and roasting in summer.

It's worth getting together with others to arrange a Special Visit, you only need 3 hours of exams. I'll probably run one in Cheadle in July so PM me if you want to join in! That will be on a Saturday at the school where I teach, nice place to go for exams, lollipops for all!

Yes there was a nice light dusting of snow when I was there in December. I kept my oboe stuffed down the front of my duvet jacket while I waited.

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go for the Manchester venue as I know where it is and some of my pupils have done exams there before. I'll definitely keep the July Special Visit in mind; I may have a couple of pupils ready for exams then, thanks

Does anyone know which of these 2 centres has better pianos?

I can't remember the Manchester one but as far as I can remember from a few weeks ago the Stockport one was fine (for me!). It did take me a while to find the Stockport one, and the waiting room didn't hold much space!

I found the Manchester piano fine when I was accompanying a couple of weeks ago. Nothing very special but nothing difficult about it!