What Real Group does

Real Group Ltd is a UK-based education services company founded in 2004 by three educational psychologists (Dr Mark Turner, Alan Macgregor, and Dr Siobhan Mellor) and headquartered in Essex, operating across five UK offices. The group delivers SEND-focused professional development, educational psychology, assessment, and apprenticeship services through a multi-brand portfolio: Real Training (postgraduate MEd, PgDip, PgCert and NASENCO programmes validated by Middlesex University), Real Psychology (educational psychology services UK-wide and internationally), Dyslexia Action Training, Shop and Guild (acquired 2017, covering SpLD CPD and assessment products including TORE), and Educational and Sporting Futures (Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship provider, joined 2022). Customers are UK education professionals (teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists, school leaders) and schools/further-education settings, served through direct enrollment, partner-led channels (nasen, Whole School SEND, Teach First), and government-funded programmes (DfE-funded Universal SEND Services until 2025, Senior Mental Health Leadership grants). Pricing is predominantly quote-based per programme with DfE scholarship/grant funding for designated state-funded institutions, a freemium tier for the 20 CPD units, and one-time license fees for TORE assessment products sold via the Dyslexia Action Shop.

The core technology stack is the proprietary Campus Online™ Virtual Learning Environment, which delivers postgraduate programmes, NPQ courses, Universal SEND Services CPD units, and Senior Mental Health Leadership training on a blended learning model combining self-paced online modules with live networking and seminars. Proprietary assessment tools include TORE (Test of Retrieval Efficiency), a group-administered retrieval-speed assessment standardised on 916 UK participants aged 13-19. Revenue mechanics combine course enrollment fees (individuals and employing schools), apprenticeship training fees (ESF pathways), DfE/DLUHC funded programme delivery, professional-services fees from Real Psychology, and e-commerce assessment product sales. Distribution is hybrid: direct website enrollment (realtraining.co.uk, dyslexiaactionshop.co.uk, realpsychology.co.uk, esfapprenticeships.co.uk), channel partnerships with nasen/Whole School SEND/T Teach First for government-funded reach, and event-driven demand generation at major UK education conferences.

In November 2025, Real Group transitioned from private ownership to 100% employee ownership via an Employee Ownership Trust, governed by a board including employee trustees, founder Dr Siobhan Mellor as Seller Trustee, and independent trustees David Reuben and Adam Campbell. Dr Mark Turner remains Managing Director. The group has no parent entity or institutional investor backing and no externally disclosed revenue or funding rounds.

Name

Real Group

Legal name

Real Group Ltd

Website

https://realgroup.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Real Group is a UK-based education services group delivering SEND-focused postgraduate programmes, NPQ and CPD qualifications, apprenticeships, assessments, and educational psychology services through its Real Training, Dyslexia Action, Real Psychology, and ESF brands, serving teachers, SENCOs, and schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Educational Needs (SEND) Professional Development and Educational Psychology Services

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Live Class & Webinar Marketplaces/Directories (EDAFAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Remote & Live Online Proctoring Platforms (EDAFADAB), Workshops, Webinars & Live Masterclasses (MPACALAD)

Keywords

• SEND professional development
• Educational psychology services
• Postgraduate teacher training
• Dyslexia assessment training
• School apprenticeships

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Development Course Fees: Revenue from postgraduate programmes (MEd, PgDip, PgCert), NPQ qualifications, and CPD courses delivered through Real Training brand. Courses validated by Middlesex University and accredited by DfE for NPQ programmes. Revenue generated through course enrollment fees paid by individuals or their employing schools/organisations.
2. Apprenticeship Training: Revenue from apprenticeship programmes delivered by Educational and Sporting Futures including Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, various SEND-related apprenticeships. Ofsted Outstanding rated provider offering education, PE, health and wellbeing apprenticeships.
3. Assessment Products: Sale of assessment tools including the Test of Retrieval Efficiency (TORE) through the Dyslexia Action Shop. 10% discount offered to Real Training delegates and Dyslexia Guild members.
4. Educational Psychology Services: Real Psychology brand provides educational psychology services across UK and internationally. Principal and senior EPs work with parents, schools and organisations.
5. DfE-Funded Programme Delivery: Delivery of Universal SEND Services Programme funded by Department for Education until 2025. Free CPD units provided to education professionals. Company receives funding for programme delivery through nasen/Whole School SEND strategic partnership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Real Group operates a multi-brand portfolio delivering SEND-focused professional development to education professionals and schools. Offerings include university-validated postgraduate programmes (MEd, PgDip, PgCert), the DfE-accredited NPQ SENCO qualification, Senior Mental Health Leadership training, Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeships, and educational psychology services, all delivered through the proprietary Campus Online™ learning platform. The group also sells the TORE (Test of Retrieval Efficiency) assessment tool via the Dyslexia Action Shop.

Product overview

Real Group is an education services company operating a multi-brand portfolio focused on professional development, educational psychology, and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services. The offering consists of several sub-brands: Real Training (postgraduate programmes and NPQ qualifications validated by Middlesex University, delivered via Campus Online™ VLE), Real Psychology (educational psychology services), Dyslexia Action Training/Shop/Guild (acquired in 2017), and Educational and Sporting Futures (Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship provider, joined in 2022). Products include assessment tools (TORE - Test of Retrieval Efficiency), professional qualifications (MEd SEND & Inclusion, NPQ SENCO, Senior Mental Health Leadership), apprenticeship programmes (Level 5 Teaching Assistant), and the Universal SEND Services CPD Programme delivered in partnership with nasen. The portfolio serves education professionals across the UK and internationally, offering training, assessment, and consultancy services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MEd SEND and Inclusion Programme Master of Education programme validated by Middlesex University covering SEND and Inclusion with specialist pathways in Autism, Assessment and Pastoral care. Delegates can achieve PgCert, PgDip or full MEd. For practising teachers, SENCOs and education professionals.
• MEd Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme Postgraduate programme for current and aspiring school leaders focused on inclusive educational leadership. Delegates choose from core and recommended leadership modules with options to include SEND and Inclusion modules. Validated by Middlesex University.
• NPQ SENCO National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Mandatory qualification for SENCOs in state schools from September 2024. Delivered in partnership with Teach First with blended learning, online seminars and in-person conferences. DfE funding available.
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) PgCert qualification for SENCOs forming part of the MEd SEND and Inclusion programme, validated by Middlesex University. For practising and aspiring SENCOs in schools.
• Senior Mental Health Leadership Courses Two courses (Certificate and Advanced Award) in Senior Mental Health Leadership, quality-assured through a DfE process. Flexible online training delivered by practising educational psychologists. DfE grant funding available for state-funded schools and colleges in England.
• Level 5 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Apprenticeship delivered by Educational and Sporting Futures (ESF) for teaching assistants, with four specialised pathways: SEND, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Literacy, and Language and Literacy. Ofsted Outstanding rated provision.
• Auditing and Leading Improvement (ALI) Module 60-credit postgraduate module equipping SEND leaders with the knowledge to conduct data-driven audits of SEND provision and lead whole-school improvement projects. Part of the postgraduate SEND programme validated by Middlesex University.
• Test of Retrieval Efficiency (TORE) Assessment test measuring an individual's ability to quickly retrieve simple information from long-term memory for use in exam access arrangements. Can be administered to groups or individuals. Standardised on 916 UK participants aged 13-19. Sold exclusively via the Dyslexia Action Shop; 10% discount for Real Training delegates and Dyslexia Guild members.
• Universal SEND Services Programme CPD series of 20 free online units developed in collaboration with nasen and Whole School SEND, funded by the Department for Education. Designed to support education professionals working with learners with SEND in schools and further education settings. Delivered via Campus Online VLE with bronze, silver, gold and platinum certificate progression.
• Professional Tutoring Partnership Tutoring partnership delivering dedicated tuition to disadvantaged pupils under the National Tutoring Programme. Run by Real Group with Patoss, British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Action, The Dyslexia Guild and Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity. Reaches pupils across 7 English regions.
• Real Psychology Educational Psychology Services Educational psychology services delivered by experienced educational psychologists (EPs) across the UK and internationally. Principal and senior EPs work with parents, schools and organisations to help children fulfil their potential.
• Dyslexia Action Training (CPD Courses) Innovative online courses strengthening the expertise and confidence of education professionals who support students with literacy difficulties, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLDs). Brand acquired by Real Group in June 2017.
• The Dyslexia Guild Membership Open membership group for professionals with an interest in dyslexia/SpLD. Offers discussion, information, best-practice resources and an array of member resources. Acts as a SASC-approved assessment practising certification body.
• Dyslexia Action Shop (Assessment Products) Online shop (established November 1995) offering carefully selected products for educators and the public to improve outcomes for those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Sells TORE assessment materials and other SpLD resources. 10% discount for Real Training delegates and Dyslexia Guild members.
• Educational and Sporting Futures Apprenticeships Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship training provider creating opportunities and raising aspirations through apprenticeship pathways in education, PE, health and wellbeing. Founded in 2011; over 2,000 learners supported since inception.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 18,000 Universal SEND Services CPD courses accessed
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Educate Ventures ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2024Partnership to develop Safeguarding AI courses for schools. Courses shortlisted for School Business and Procurement category in Teach Secondary Awards 2024. Equips schools with knowledge and resources to safely implement AI technology.
• Teach FirstcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2024Partnership to deliver new NPQ SENCO qualification becoming mandatory for SENCOs in state schools from 1 September 2024. Real Group involved in curriculum design process and team of course facilitators support programme delivery. Partnership based on aligned values of making education accessible for all and developing high quality teachers. Teach First have established track record as accredited NPQ provider with excellent feedback.
• Whole School SENDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2023Strategic partnership to deliver Universal SEND Services Programme - ambitious DfE-funded initiative to develop education workforce so more children and young people have SEND needs identified and met effectively. Real Group developed interactive e-learning suite of 20 CPD units in collaboration with Whole School SEND. Programme won double award at 2024 Teach Awards in CPD and SEND categories. Over 18,000 courses accessed to date.
• nasencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2023Delivery partner for Universal SEND Services Programme. Nasen leads the programme funded until 2025 by DfE, working with Whole School SEND, Education and Training Foundation, and Autism Education Trust. Strategic partnership for whole-school SEND transformation across UK schools.
• Department for EducationcoreOthers · 11 December 2023DfE provides funding for Universal SEND Services Programme until 2025 and Senior Mental Health Leadership courses. Created quality criteria for Senior Mental Health Lead training courses. Accredited Real Training as NPQ provider through tendering process.
• Education and Training FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2023Strategic partner in Universal SEND Services Programme delivery alongside nasen, Whole School SEND, and Autism Education Trust. Part of DfE-funded initiative for education workforce development.
• Autism Education TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2023Strategic partner in Universal SEND Services Programme delivery. Partnership contributes to DfE-funded education workforce development initiative targeting improved Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
• Professional Tutoring Partnership ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2020Professional Tutoring Partnership run by Real Group in collaboration with Patoss, British Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Action, The Dyslexia Guild, and Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity. Appointed to deliver dedicated tuition to over 4,500 disadvantaged children through National Tutoring Programme. Partnership brings together extensive experience in education of pupils with special educational needs. Works with 31 other organisations across East England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands.
• PatosscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2020Professional association for teachers and assessors working with SpLD (dyslexia), part of Professional Tutoring Partnership delivering National Tutoring Programme. Contributes expertise in special educational needs to partnership.
• British Dyslexia AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2020Leading dyslexia charity, part of Professional Tutoring Partnership consortium. Contributes extensive experience in dyslexia assessment and support to National Tutoring Programme delivery.
• Helen Arkell Dyslexia CharitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2020Dyslexia charity part of Professional Tutoring Partnership delivering National Tutoring Programme. Contributes to tutoring provision for disadvantaged pupils with specific learning difficulties.
• Erasmus Plus POPULART Project PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 May 2019European partnership on POPULART project (2017-2019) developing training methodology combining art-based learning within Popular University tradition of adult education. Community Psychology course piloted in Athens, Barcelona, and Cyprus. Project aims include promotion of social inclusion, intercultural skills, and democratic values.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Teach First: Major UK teacher training charity that delivers NPQs (including the NPQ SENCO partnership with Real Group) and broader teacher leadership development. Overlaps directly with Real Group on NPQ delivery but operates a wider portfolio including initial teacher training and leadership programmes.
• UCL Institute of Education: Leading UK provider of postgraduate teacher education and SEND qualifications, offering NASENCO awards that compete with Real Group's MEd SEND & Inclusion programme. Operates at much larger scale and academic research intensity, but addresses the same professional SENCO audience.
• Pearson: Global education publishing and assessment group with BNAT, Edexcel, and clinical assessment products. Overlaps with Real Group in educational assessment (TORE sits in a market Pearson dominates) and broader CPD/digital learning, though Real Group operates in a much more specialised SEND niche.
• Cambridge Assessment: University of Cambridge's assessment arm providing standardised testing, credentials, and educational measurement tools. Competes in the broader standardised-assessment and exam-access-arrangements space where Real Group's TORE is positioned, though Cambridge Assessment operates at significantly greater scale and across more geographies.

Direct peers

• nasen: UK membership organisation for SEND professionals and lead delivery partner of Universal SEND Services Programme alongside Real Group. Operates an overlapping audience of SENCOs, EPs, and inclusion leaders with shared subject-matter focus and similar event/conference-driven engagement model.
• Ambition Institute: One of the largest UK providers of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for teachers and school leaders, directly competing with Real Group in the NPQ SENCO space. Both are accredited NPQ delivery organisations serving the same state-school leadership audience.
• Patoss: Professional association for teachers and assessors working with SpLD/dyslexia, part of Real Group's Professional Tutoring Partnership. Comparable audience of specialist assessors and educational psychologists, with overlapping CPD and assessment training offerings.
• Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre: Dyslexia charity offering assessment, training, and qualifications comparable to Dyslexia Action's programmes and part of the Professional Tutoring Partnership with Real Group. Serves the same SpLD teaching and assessment market with comparable CPD and accredited qualifications.
• Realise Apprenticeships: UK apprenticeship training provider delivering education and childcare apprenticeships directly competing with Real Group's ESF brand. Operates in the same apprenticeship levy-funded market with comparable SEND and Teaching Assistant pathways and similar engagement to schools and colleges.
• British Dyslexia Association: UK membership and accreditation body for dyslexia/SpLD professionals, partner of Real Group in the Professional Tutoring Partnership. Both serve the same community of specialist teachers, assessors, and parents and offer training, accreditation, and resources in SpLD.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RealTrainingUK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/real-group-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Real Group