In November 2016, age 14, I sat my grade 8 bass exam and was delighted to get a distinction with 96%. It was an enjoyable performance as I had practised the pieces well. The examiner wrote some very positive feedback and gave me marks and comments for each individual piece. For the exam I had to perform three pieces (including one technical piece). I chose Havona, by Weather Report (Jaco Pastorius), Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick by Ian Dury and The Blockheads and finally the technical piece was YYZ by Rush (Geddy Lee), which I managed to get full marks in. I then had the choice of sight reading, or improvisation over a set of unseen chords. I chose the improvisation, which was a samba piece.
I would definitely recommend this exam board for any bass players into Funk, Pop, Jazz and other alternative styles of music as it is extremely suited and the pieces are fantastic. Before my Grade 8 I also did my grades 5 and 7 with trinity too. These grades also offered interesting pieces and technical performance (such as grade 5, using a pick). Tips wise, I would recommend paying great attention to all the dynamics in the pieces and take plenty of time setting up your EQ and effects (where necessary), especially as each exam room will be slightly different acoustically. I sat my exam at the Sound Garage and would recommend for any exams.