⚠️ This apprenticeship standard is being withdrawn from September 2026. New starts can still be enrolled until 17 December 2026, after which no new funded starts will be possible. Existing learners on programme will continue to be levy-funded to completion.
This Standard Is Being Defunded
Looking for the AI-Powered Replacement?
Our AI for Coaching Professionals L4 builds coaching capability with AI integration. Includes supervised practice, GROW and OSKAR frameworks, plus CMI credentials. 100% levy-funded.
View the AI-Powered ProgrammeCoaching Professional
This isn't just for leaders. Whether someone manages a team, mentors colleagues, supports clients, or simply wants to coach others to be their best - this programme gives them the skills, models, and confidence to transform performance through powerful coaching conversations.
Built for Coaching Leaders & Professionals
Managers & Team Leaders
Develop coaching leadership style. Coach your team to be their best and drive performance.
HR & L&D Professionals
Add coaching expertise to HR toolkit. Support talent development and engagement through coaching.
Aspiring Coaches
Build professional coaching capability. Transition into coaching roles or add coaching to current role.
Mentors & Support Roles
Professionalise mentoring practice. Develop structured approaches to mentoring and support.
Subject-Matter Experts
Develop others through coaching. Support colleagues in developing expertise and capability.
Anyone Who Develops Others
Whether you lead a team or mentor colleagues - build coaching skills to transform performance.
Coaching Qualifications
Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard
Coaching Professional
DfE-approved standard for coaching professionals. 14-month structured programme with coaching practice.
ILM Level 5 Certificate
Optional Add-On
Add optional ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring (additional cost and time).
9 Core Coaching Workshops
Coaching Fundamentals & Context
What is coaching? Coaching vs mentoring, motivation, self-awareness, building coaching relationships.
Self-Awareness & Motivation
Your coaching style, values, emotional intelligence, personal development as coach.
Coaching Behaviours & Values
Core coaching behaviours: active listening, questioning, presence, non-judgment, building trust.
Coaching Models & Goal Setting
GROW model, OSKAR, Thinking Environment, CLEAR framework, goal-setting and action planning.
Coaching Needs Analysis & Progress
Identify coaching needs, design coaching interventions, track progress, demonstrate impact.
Advanced Tools & Techniques
NLP in coaching, solution-focused approaches, CBT in coaching, metaphor and reframing.
Peer, Group & Specialist Coaching
Peer coaching, team coaching, group coaching, coaching across difference, specialist contexts.
Relationship Engagement & Evaluation
Building coaching relationships, managing expectations, evaluation, impact measurement.
Coaching Culture, Legislation & Data
Building coaching cultures, GDPR and data protection, confidentiality, ethics and standards.
Your 14-Month Pathway
Coaching Foundations
Coaching fundamentals, coaching context, self-awareness, motivation, values, building relationships.
Core Coaching Skills
Coaching behaviours, active listening, questioning, GROW and models, goal-setting.
Advanced Coaching
Advanced techniques, NLP, solution-focused, specialist coaching, group coaching, evaluation.
Coaching Practice & Integration
Supervised practice coaching, feedback, reflection, portfolio building, application to role.
Gateway & EPA Preparation
Knowledge consolidation, mock assessments, EPA preparation, readiness confirmation.
Optional: ILM Level 5 Certificate
ILM Level 5 Option
Add optional ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring (additional investment and time).
Enhanced Credential
ILM certification strengthens coaching credentials. Recognised across coaching and development sectors.
Additional Modules
ILM coaching theory, reflective practice, advanced assignments, professional development.
Career Enhancement
ILM qualification opens specialist coaching roles and coaching leadership positions.
Professional Coaching Pathways
EMCC Membership
European Mentoring and Coaching Council. Work towards EMCC Practitioner or Senior Practitioner credential.
ICF Credentialing
International Coach Federation. Pathway to ICF ACC, PCC, or MCC coaching credentials.
Association for Coaching
UK coaching body. Join AC and work towards AC coaching credentials and professional development.
End-Point Assessment 4-Method Evaluation
Knowledge Test
90-minute written assessment. 40 multiple-choice questions covering coaching knowledge, theory, and practice.
Practical Observation
2x 1-hour coaching sessions observed by assessor. Assessor observes your coaching in action.
Questioning
20-minute structured questioning. Assessor probes your knowledge and understanding of coaching practice.
Professional Interview
60-minute interview with portfolio. Discuss your coaching practice, learning, and professional development. Pass or Distinction grade.
Why TESS Group
Practical Coaching Focus
Learn through doing. Real coaching practice, peer coaching, and supervised coaching throughout.
Flexible Credentials
Level 5 standard included. Optional ILM add-on. Multiple professional pathway options (EMCC, ICF, AC).
9 Core Workshops
9 interactive workshops covering all aspects of coaching: fundamentals through advanced techniques.
Coaching Community
Learn in cohort with other coaching professionals. Peer learning, shared experience, professional network.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Programme suits complete beginners through to experienced coaches wanting formal qualification.
Perfect for managers and leaders wanting to develop coaching leadership style. Core programme for managers who coach.
Significant supervised coaching practice throughout. 9.8/10 learner rating for practical focus and coaching application.
14 months on-programme. Approximately 10-12 hours per week including workshops, practice, and self-directed learning.
Yes. Optional ILM Level 5 add-on available (additional investment and time). Enhances credentials significantly.
100% levy funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. TESS Group helps employers access and maximise funding.
Develop Your Coaching Capability
Build professional coaching skills. 9 workshops, supervised practice, multiple pathway options. 14 months. 100% funded.