What Real Training does

Real Training, trading as a brand within UK-based Real Group Ltd (Company No. 06556128), provides specialist continuing professional development and postgraduate training for education professionals with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), assessment, inclusion, mental health, and educational leadership. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in the UK, the company serves UK schools and colleges alongside an expanding base of international schools, with delegates confirmed across Asia and Africa.

The core technology is Campus Online, a proprietary learning management environment through which all 30+ Level 7-accredited courses are delivered. The catalogue spans standalone certificates (NASENCO, NPQ SENCO, iSENCO, CPT3A, CCET, AAC, ELSA Supervision, Senior Mental Health Leadership), four 180-credit Masters programmes quality assured by Middlesex University (MEd SEND & Inclusion with multiple pathways, MEd Inclusive Educational Leadership, MEd Autism, MEd Educational Assessment, MEd Mental Health and Wellbeing), Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships, and regulated assessment tools (Cognitive Abilities Profile toolkit, newly SASC-approved TORE). Courses are designed and delivered by specialist educational psychologists with practitioner experience.

Revenue is generated through individual delegate fees on the Campus Online platform (one-off or instalment payment for perpetual module access), Apprenticeship Levy-funded contracts via sister company ESF Apprenticeships, recurring supervision packages (e.g., ELSA at £515 per ELSA across a 12-month cycle), and bespoke in-school training for multi-academy trusts. Channel partners include Teach First (NPQ SENCO delivery), Dyslexia Action (literacy and maths modules), FOBISIA (international school outreach), and Middlesex University (postgraduate quality assurance). The company operates with 11-50 employees as part of a broader Real Group portfolio that also encompasses Dyslexia Action Training, ESF Apprenticeships, and Real Psychology.

Name

Real Training

Legal name

Real Group Ltd

Website

https://realtraining.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Real Training is a UK-based specialist CPD provider delivering Level 7 SEND, inclusion, mental health, and educational leadership courses to education professionals globally via its Campus Online platform and Middlesex University-assured Masters programmes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Professional Development and Training

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Applied Skills Noncredit Certificates (Non-licensure) (EDAAAEAD)

Keywords

• SEND training courses
• Education professional development
• Educational psychology qualifications
• SENCO certification programmes
• Inclusive education training

Headquarters

HQ city

Canterbury

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Postgraduate Programme Modules: Individual 30-credit modules from Masters programmes offered for standalone study with option to stack toward full Masters degree. Modules include SEND and Inclusion, Autism, Educational Assessment, Inclusive Educational Leadership, and Mental Health and Wellbeing.
2. Professional Qualifications: Full qualification programmes including NASENCO, NPQ SENCO, iSENCO, CPT3A, and other professional certifications for education professionals.
3. Apprenticeship Programmes: Level 3 and Level 5 teaching assistant apprenticeships with additional SEND training, funded through Apprenticeship Levy.
4. Supervision Packages: Ongoing supervision services for ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) with regular group sessions over 12-month period.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Real Training provides specialist continuing professional development and training for education professionals, focused on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), inclusion, educational assessment, mental health, leadership and dyslexia. Its offering spans individual certificate/diploma courses, five Masters programmes (MEd SEND & Inclusion, Inclusive Educational Leadership, Autism, Educational Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing), national qualifications (NASENCO, NPQ SENCO, iSENCO, CPT3A, CCET), Senior Mental Health Leadership qualifications, apprenticeships and ELSA supervision, all delivered online through its proprietary Campus Online platform and quality-assured by Middlesex University for postgraduate awards.

Product overview

Real Training is an award-winning provider of continuing professional development and specialist training for education professionals, operating a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core platform is Campus Online, Real Training's proprietary online learning environment through which all courses are delivered. The product portfolio spans over 30 Level 7 courses across multiple programme types: individual certificate and diploma courses (e.g., CPT3A, iSENCO, NASENCO, NPQ SENCO, CCET, AAC, AA-Coord, ELSA Supervision Package, Dyslexia Professional Report Writing, Enhancing Assessment Practice, ATU); Masters programmes quality assured by Middlesex University (MEd SEND & Inclusion, MEd SEND & Inclusion: Autism, MEd SEND & Inclusion: Assessment, MEd SEND & Inclusion: Mental Health and Wellbeing, MEd Inclusive Educational Leadership); Senior Mental Health Leadership qualifications (Certificate and Advanced Award); Apprenticeships (Level 3 TA with SEND Training, Level 5 Specialist TA Apprenticeship); and assessment tools (Cognitive Abilities Profile toolkit, TORE). Courses are also available through sister company Dyslexia Action Training. All programmes are developed and led by educational psychologists, SENCOs and SEND experts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NPQ SENCO (National Professional Qualification for SENCOs) The mandatory qualification for UK SENCOs, delivered in partnership with Teach First on Real Training's Campus Online platform for current and aspiring SENCOs in primary, secondary and specialist settings.
• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) Highly respected qualification for practising SENCOs in UK schools, now offered alongside the newer NPQ SENCO qualification for those preferring or requiring the NASENCO pathway.
• International Award in SEN Coordination (iSENCO) A qualification designed for educators working in international schools who do not hold UK QTS, covering key knowledge and practical skills for SEND provision management and leadership in overseas contexts.
• CPT3A (Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements) A combined course meeting JCQ criteria for access arrangements assessor practice, conferring the BPS Test User Educational qualification and eligibility to join the BPS Register of Qualifications in Test Use.
• CCET (Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing) A course leading to the British Psychological Society Test User Educational qualification, embedding good assessment practice and enabling appropriate use of psychometric tools in educational settings.
• Access Arrangements Course (AAC) A Level 7 course meeting JCQ requirements for access arrangements assessment, designed to be taken after completing the CCET qualification.
• Access Arrangements Coordination Course (AA-Coord) A course training professionals to coordinate exam access arrangements in support of the SENCO, covering the full process before, during, and after applying for arrangements.
• Senior Mental Health Leadership Certificate A DfE quality-assured course enabling educators to become confident, knowledgeable Senior Mental Health Leads, available as self-paced online study or blended learning for up to 6 months.
• Senior Mental Health Leadership Advanced Award An advanced qualification for experienced or previously trained Senior Mental Health Leads, deepening understanding of the SMHL role and supporting transformational change in educational settings.
• ELSA Supervision Package An ongoing supervision package for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) delivered by experienced Educational Psychologists via six two-hour live online sessions over a 12-month period.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with additional SEND Training A Level 3 apprenticeship providing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required in the classroom, with additional SEND expertise covering Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Dyslexia, funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and delivered with ESF Apprenticeships.
• Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship A Level 5 apprenticeship enabling teaching assistants to develop specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide specialist support to learners, with a focus on SEND, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, or Literacy.
• Strategic SEND Leader A programme enabling senior leaders to strategically lead their setting's SEND provision, achieve operational excellence and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Assistant SENCO Programme A programme for Assistant SENCos developing deep understanding of national policies and legislation, skills to support school improvement plans and deliver effective projects.
• Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP) Course A course training professionals to use the Cognitive Abilities Profile tool for structured consultation, dynamic assessment, and individualized student assessment.
• Maths Teaching and Intervention Planning A 30-credit module developed in partnership with Dyslexia Action, training teachers to use informal non-standardised methods to appraise maths-related difficulties and develop tailored teaching interventions.
• Mathematical Understanding and Teaching Methods A module examining the research on acquisition of mathematical understanding and appraising teaching approaches and resources, serving as a prerequisite for Maths Teaching and Intervention Planning.
• International Diploma in Inclusive Classroom Support A specialist course for international teaching assistants and learning support staff, building expertise to drive student success through inclusive practices and practice-based tasks with an in-school mentor.
• MEd SEND & Inclusion (Masters Programme) A 180-credit Masters programme quality-assured by Middlesex University, allowing delegates to tailor their studies from modules covering SEND topics such as Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs.
• MEd Inclusive Educational Leadership (Masters Programme) A 180-credit Masters programme designed for those looking to develop leadership skills within an inclusive setting, tailored to previous experience, qualifications and career aspirations.
• MEd Autism / MEd SEND & Inclusion: Autism (Masters Programme) A Masters programme focused on gaining specialist knowledge and skills to support autistic students of all ages, combining theoretical and practical learning.
• MEd Educational Assessment (Masters Programme) A Masters programme developing knowledge and understanding of theory, policy and legislation surrounding assessment and testing, enabling professionals to carry out effective assessments.
• MEd Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education (Masters Programme) A Masters programme exploring pastoral challenges including mental health, wellbeing, and additional needs, available as a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, or full MEd.
• Dyslexia – Professional Report Writing A course qualifying delegates to assess and identify individuals with dyslexia, serving as the gateway to the SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) for those with CCET and BDA Approved Teacher Status.
• Enhancing Assessment Practice A course building on assessment skills from CCET or CPT3A, training professionals to combine results from multiple sources for a holistic understanding of students' needs.
• Assistant Test User (ATU) A cost-effective online or intensive course enabling teaching assistants or teachers to help administer tests, building a professionally qualified team around a setting's assessment practice.
• TORE (Test of Retrieval Efficiency) A newly released assessment tool developed by Dyslexia Action (part of Real Group), approved by SASC and now included on the approved list of tests, designed to support educational assessment.
• Campus Online Learning Platform Real Training's proprietary online learning environment through which all courses and qualifications are delivered, allowing delegates to study at their own pace, access resources, submit assignments, and connect with tutors and peers globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of SENCOs trained in the UK
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Middlesex UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPostgraduate level programmes awarded and quality assured by Middlesex University. Degrees include MEd SEND and Inclusion, MEd Inclusive Educational Leadership, MEd Autism, MEd Educational Assessment, and MEd Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• Dyslexia ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaths Teaching and Intervention Planning module developed and delivered in partnership with Dyslexia Action. PGCert Specialist Teaching for Maths-Related Difficulties awarded by Dyslexia Action. Literacy and maths courses delivered jointly.
• Teach FirstcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNPQ SENCO qualification delivered in partnership with Teach First. The NPQ for SENCOs is the mandatory qualification for anyone wishing to qualify and work as a SENCO in the UK.
• ESF ApprenticeshipscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprenticeship delivery partnership with Educational and Sporting Futures (ESF) for Level 3 and Level 5 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships with additional SEND training. Sister company within Real Group.
• FOBISIAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Federation of British International Schools in Asia for webinar on Best Practices in Inclusive Teaching. Collaborative content delivery with international school networks.
• ELSA NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with ELSA Network for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant supervision package. Educational Psychologists trained in ELSA methodology provide ongoing supervision.
• Whole School SENDminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Whole School SEND to create free-to-access CPD course on Effective SEN Support Provision for Middle Leaders.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• nasen: National Association for Special Educational Needs, the leading UK membership and training organisation for SEND practitioners. Directly comparable to Real Training in serving SENCOs, teachers and schools with SEND-focused CPD, resources and qualifications.
• Elklan: UK provider of accredited training for education support staff, with a strong focus on speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and ELSA programmes. Overlaps directly with Real Training's ELSA supervision and SEND modules for TAs and LSAs.
• The Key (formerly Optimus Education): Major UK provider of CPD, compliance and leadership training to school leaders, SENCOs and governors. Competes with Real Training for school training budgets, especially on SEND and whole-school leadership content.
• The National College: UK online training platform delivering CPD webinars, courses and leadership programmes to school staff. Directly comparable in delivery model (online self-paced CPD) and target buyer (UK schools and MATs) to Real Training's Campus Online catalogue.
• British Dyslexia Association: UK national body for dyslexia that accredits training and offers CPD for specialist SpLD teachers. Closely comparable to Real Training's Level 7 dyslexia and literacy portfolio, including Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing.
• Learning Curve Group: Large UK training and apprenticeship provider with significant education sector apprenticeships (including teaching assistant and SEND pathways). Comparable as a competitor in funded apprenticeship programmes that anchor Real Training's levy-funded revenue.
• Ambition Institute: UK charity and DfE-licensed provider of NPQ qualifications (including NPQ SENCO) and teacher development programmes. A direct competitor in the same NPQ/CPD space and a fellow Teach First partner.
• Dyslexia Action Training: Sister-company brand within Real Group offering Level 5 and Level 7 SpLD teacher/assessor training and CPD short courses. Operates an overlapping curriculum to Real Training's literacy and dyslexia modules, jointly delivering PGCert qualifications.

Broad incumbents

• Teach First: Major UK education charity and DfE-licensed NPQ provider that partners with Real Training to deliver the NPQ SENCO. A comparable channel partner and broader incumbent in teacher development, with wider mission and scale.

Regional players

• UCL Institute of Education: UK university offering NASENCO, MEd SEND and specialist teacher training qualifications, in direct competition with Real Training's Middlesex-quality-assured postgraduate programmes for the same UK school buyer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/realtraininguk
• Facebookfacebook.com/RealTrainingUK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/real-training

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries3 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 Training