About The Coaching Academy

Established in 1999, The Coaching Academy is the world’s largest life coaching course provider of its kind and the UK’s leading provider of life coaching training. With over 25 years of experience, we have played a defining role in the development of professional life coaching in the UK and internationally, building a reputation for quality, credibility, and rigorous coach education.

We were among the first training providers in the UK to offer fully accredited life coaching qualifications. Today, we deliver ICF-accredited training, including the Accredited Award in Coach Training (AACT), and remain at the forefront of coach education. Our programmes are chosen by more aspiring professional coaches than any other UK training provider and are designed to meet recognised professional and ethical standards.

Alongside our flagship life coaching diploma, we offer specialist pathways that allow coaches to develop their own niche. These include NLP, business and corporate coaching, and coaching for parents and children, enabling graduates to deepen their expertise and apply coaching skills across a wide range of professional contexts.

Our training is delivered by a carefully selected faculty of experienced, practising coaches. Every trainer runs an active coaching business and brings real-world insight into the learning environment, combining professional expertise with structured, supportive delivery that prioritises both skill development and ethical coaching practice.

The Academy is led by CEO Bev James, who trained with The Coaching Academy herself after attending a free sample coaching course in 2005. Having experienced the training as a student and delegate, Bev brings a strong understanding of the learner journey and a clear commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, governance, and professional integrity.

Our head office is based in Chiswick, London, while all training is delivered live online. This model enables students to access our coaching education from anywhere, without compromising on quality, interaction, or academic rigour.

Bev James, CEO

"One of the things I value most about The Coaching Academy is the calibre of our trainers. Every trainer is an experienced, practising coach, working with real clients across personal, organisational, and business contexts. This ensures our training is grounded in professional practice, not theory alone.

Many of us, myself included, began our coaching journey as students with The Coaching Academy. That shared experience gives our trainers a deep understanding of the learner journey and a clear, practical perspective on building a sustainable coaching career."

Read Bev’s journey from Coaching Academy student to CEO

Accreditations

Our coaching diplomas are independently accredited, providing external assurance of academic quality, professional relevance, and ethical standards. Accreditation confirms our programmes meet recognised benchmarks for coach training and continuing professional development within the global coaching profession.

Explore our accreditations

Trainers

Our trainers are experienced, practising coaches with backgrounds across executive, life, and organisational coaching. They combine professional practice with teaching expertise, ensuring learning is practical, evidence-informed, and grounded in real coaching contexts that support confident, ethical coach development.

Meet our coach trainers

Digital Credentials

We issue secure digital credentials that allow graduates to verify and share their coaching qualifications online. These credentials provide transparent proof of achievement, are easy to share with employers or clients, and help protect trust and credibility in professional coaching certification.

Learn about digital credentials

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of the global coaching community. Our approach promotes fairness, accessibility, and respect, ensuring coaching education is ethical, representative, and relevant to people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.

Read our diversity commitment

Code of Ethics

Our Code of Ethics defines clear expectations for professional conduct, integrity, and responsibility. It underpins our training approach and guides graduate practice, aligning with recognised ethical frameworks to promote accountability, trust, and high standards across the coaching profession.

View our code of ethics