Level 7 — Postgraduate Equivalent — ILM Accredited

Master the Art of Executive Coaching

A rigorous 6–12 month postgraduate-equivalent programme for experienced coaches and senior leaders, integrating advanced coaching psychology, neuroscience, and strategic organisational impact. The pinnacle of coaching accreditation from the UK's foremost leadership body.

6–12 Months
20 Hours Executive Coaching 4 Hours Professional Supervision Masters Equivalent Level
Book a Discovery Call
Advanced coaching psychology & neuroscience
Strategic organisational impact
20 hours executive coaching delivery
Professional supervision & reflection
Highest UK coaching credential

For Those Operating at the Highest Level

This qualification is designed for experienced professionals ready to master executive-level coaching.

Senior Leaders

Coaching board-level peers and developing the next generation of leaders within your organisation

Professional Executive Coaches

Building premium credentials and commanding executive coaching fees with accredited expertise

L&D Directors

Designing comprehensive coaching strategy and building in-house executive coaching capability

Experienced Coaches

Seeking the highest UK coaching accreditation and specialising in complex, strategic challenges

Who Is This For?

  • Experienced coaches with existing Level 5 or equivalent qualification
  • Senior leaders who coach other senior leaders
  • Professional coaches wanting the highest UK coaching accreditation
  • Those who understand that executive coaching requires different skills than operational coaching

What You'll Achieve

  • Executive coaching capability retained in-house
  • Board-level leaders who can coach through complexity and ambiguity
  • A senior coaching cadre that develops the next generation of leaders
  • Credible, accredited coaching that stands up to external scrutiny
  • Coaching that integrates with strategic organisational objectives

    • What Sets ILM Level 7 Apart

    This is not an introductory coaching course. It's the pinnacle of UK coaching accreditation.

    20 Hours of Executive Coaching

    Not operational-level coaching. Genuine senior individuals, board-level challenges, complex organisational dynamics. Real executive experience embedded in the qualification.

    4 Hours of Professional Supervision

    Quadruple the Level 5 requirement. Dedicated supervision to ensure executive-level practice integrity and professional development.

    Advanced Coaching Psychology

    Positive psychology, strengths-based coaching, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural coaching, and neuroscience applications—not basics, but advanced frameworks.

    Strategic Organisational Context

    Coaching that connects to business outcomes, systemic thinking, and organisational impact. Not just individual development, but strategic capability building.

    The Curriculum: Three Integrated Modules

    A rigorous, integrated programme that builds executive coaching mastery.

    1

    Understanding Principles & Practice at Executive/Senior Level

  • Strategic context of executive coaching
  • Advanced coaching models beyond GROW
  • Ethical complexity at senior level
  • Contracting with sponsors and coachees
  • Coaching in politically sensitive environments
  • Understanding power dynamics and organisational systems
    • 2

    Undertaking Coaching at Executive/Senior Level

  • 20 hours of coaching with 2–3 senior individuals
  • Maintaining auditable coaching records
  • Navigating confidentiality at board level
  • Adapting to executive schedules and pressures
  • 4 hours professional supervision (individual or group)
  • Building relationships in complex environments
    • 3

    Reflecting on Ability at Executive/Senior Level

  • Critical review of communication skills and emotional intelligence
  • Building relationships in diverse senior environments
  • Advanced reflective practice and self-awareness
  • Personal coaching philosophy development
  • Creating a professional coaching profile
  • Evaluating impact at organisational level

    • Advanced Techniques You'll Master

    The frameworks and approaches that define executive-level coaching.

    Positive Psychology & Strengths-Based Approaches

    Building on strengths rather than fixing deficits. Creating resilience and sustainable change at senior level.

    Motivational Interviewing

    Eliciting intrinsic motivation and commitment to change through expert questioning and active listening.

    Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (CBC)

    Addressing limiting beliefs and patterns. Practical, evidence-based approaches to executive challenges.

    Neuroscience in Coaching

    Understanding the brain science behind stress, decision-making, and habit change. Coaching with neuroscience principles.

    Systems Thinking & Organisational Dynamics

    Viewing the organisation as a complex system. Coaching that influences beyond the individual.

    Resilience & Wellbeing Coaching

    Supporting leaders through complexity, ambiguity, and high-stakes decisions. Building sustainable performance.

    Assessment & Accreditation

    Postgraduate-standard assessment. Recognised by ILM and City & Guilds.

    Assessment Method

  • Written assignments at postgraduate standard
  • 20-hour coaching log with detailed case studies
  • 4-hour professional supervision record
  • Critical reflective portfolio
  • Assessment against executive-level competency framework

    • Your Qualification

  • ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive Coaching
  • City & Guilds accredited
  • Highest coaching accreditation available through ILM
  • Pathway to Fellow of ILM (FInstLM)
  • Internationally recognised credential

    • Important Funding Update

    Apprenticeship Funding Status: Level 7 apprenticeship funding was withdrawn in January 2026 for those aged 22+. This qualification is now delivered commercially. TESS Group offers flexible payment plans to meet your organisation's needs.

    Investment in Executive Coaching Excellence

    An investment in your organisation's most senior coaching capability.

    £3,000 – £5,000

    Complete ILM Level 7 qualification, delivered over 6–12 months

    Comparable to just 10 hours of external executive coaching fees—but with a permanent, accredited internal resource.

    Flexible payment plans available. Contact TESS Group for bespoke pricing and options.

    Ready to Build Executive Coaching Excellence?

    Transform your organisation's coaching capability with the UK's highest coaching accreditation. Speak to TESS Group about how Level 7 can elevate your senior leadership development.

    Book a Discovery Call
    TESS GROUP
    01604 210 500
    ️ [email protected]
    www.tessgroup.co.uk