Introduction

In 2020, we received an enquiry from a potential learner who asked whether we offered a group-based programme for any of our teaching qualifications.

The answer, at the time, was simple: “No, sorry.”

She replied, “That’s a shame,” said goodbye, and left.

It was only a couple of days later that the conversation was mentioned to me in passing, just a casual note that someone had asked about group programmes. But the question stuck with me.

The more I thought about it, the more the idea started to grow.

I remembered back to when I completed my Level 3 Award in Education and Training in 2011. I was part of a group then. I didn’t engage as much as I probably should have, but I still remember the feeling of being on that journey with others. We were all from different walks of life, but at that particular time and place, we shared something important: a goal. A purpose. We were all preparing to teach or train others in something that mattered.

The support we offered each other wasn’t necessarily academic or technical – it was emotional. It was human. There was a mutual understanding of where we were in life and where we hoped to go. Strangers at the start; a team by the end. I often wonder where some of them are now.

The First Group Programme Back to 2020. I made the decision: we would launch our first group-based programme for the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.

We opened up for a November cohort and capped it at 24 learners. To break even, we needed 14. We got 12.

I ran it anyway, and I’m so glad I did.

That first group was one of the most supportive, committed, and collaborative cohorts I’ve ever seen. Teachers from every background came together, lifting each other up, sharing challenges, and celebrating wins. All 12 graduated a year later. I still keep in touch with most of them – and a few have gone on to achieve some truly amazing things.

From there, we launched a new cohort every six months. Six groups in total, until our last in October 2023 – when we learned the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training was being replaced.

Introducing the New Programme

Now, it has been. The new qualification is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, and with it, we’re proud to launch our most refined and supportive group programme yet – starting in October 2025.

This time, we’ve taken everything we learned from previous cohorts – what worked, what didn’t, and what could be even better – and created something we truly believe is world-class.

We’re placing community at the heart of the experience. This isn’t just about ticking boxes or passing units. It’s about shared growth, peer collaboration, and building something that goes beyond the qualification.

What’s New This Time?

Here’s what’s different and exciting about our 2025 group programme:

• Every participant will receive two 1:1 coaching sessions with one of our expert teachers, focused on developing your individual teaching strategy.
• Live webinars will run on Sunday evenings, making them accessible and easy to attend no matter your schedule.
• We’re aiming for closer collaboration with your organisation, aligning your learning with your curriculum, systems, and goals.
• We’re bringing in guest speakers – experienced education professionals you can talk to, ask questions, and learn from directly.
• And we’re embedding two additional qualifications into the programme: – The Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, and The Level 4 Award in the  Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA)

By the end of the programme, learners won’t just graduate with a single qualification –  they’ll walk away with three. But more than that, they’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a community behind them.

Our Vision Moving Forward This isn’t just about completing another course. It’s about professional development, personal growth, and real-world impact. We’re setting out to support the development of some of the best newly qualified teachers in the UK  – and we’re not aiming for anything less.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, a career changer, or someone looking to formalise their existing experience, this programme is built to help you succeed – and to do it with others by your side.

Ready to Join Us?

Our next group cohort starts on October 6th 2025, and places are limited to just 16 participants.

If you want a qualification that comes with a community, coaching, and real career support,  this is your opportunity.

Click here to apply now or find out more about the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching: Online Group Programme.

Let’s raise the standard of new teachers in the UK, together.