What Reed Business School does

Reed Business School is the professional qualifications and apprenticeships arm of Reed Group, a UK-headquartered private recruitment company founded in 1960 that positions itself as the UK's #1 specialist recruitment company. Operating with 11-50 employees, Reed Business School delivers accredited qualifications in accounting (AAT Levels 2-4, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW), human resources (CIPD Levels 3, 5, and 7), and management/leadership (CMI), plus a portfolio of apprenticeship programmes, in-company training, managed learning services, executive coaching, eLearning, and graduate programmes. The school holds top-tier accreditations including CIPD Platinum Centre status, ACCA Approved Learning Partner, ICAEW Partner in Learning, AAT Approved Centre, CMI Centre, and Ofsted Good Provider registration, serving both individual learners seeking career advancement and employer organisations funding workforce development.

The business operates a multi-channel delivery model spanning on-demand online, live online, classroom venues across major UK cities, and a residential campus at a 17th-century Cotswolds manor, supported by a 24/7 Virtual Learning Environment and Microsoft Teams-based tutoring. Pricing ranges from £450 (AAT Level 2) and £1,080 per CIPD unit, through £3,600-£6,000 for full CIPD Level 5/7 programmes, to £21,000 for the ACCA Level 7 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship. Interest-free monthly payment plans and unit-by-unit pricing broaden accessibility for individual learners, while employer-funded apprenticeships are delivered through UK apprenticeship levy mechanisms and government co-funding.

The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer self-service enrolment with sales-led learning adviser engagement and consultative employer sales for apprenticeships and managed learning services. The school's reported outcomes (100% AAT pass rates, 99% CIPD pass rates, 4.8-4.9/5 review ratings across Google, Coursecheck, and Trustpilot) are central to its value proposition, which is further amplified by parent-group distribution through Reed.co.uk (22 million candidate CVs, 366,000+ temporary workers) and flagship apprenticeship partnerships with employers including John Lewis, Centrica, and HART. AI capability is nascent and concentrated in parent-group recruitment tools rather than the core learning product.

Name

Reed Business School

Legal name

Reed

Website

https://reed.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Reed Business School is the professional qualifications and apprenticeships division of UK recruitment group Reed, delivering accredited programmes in accounting (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW), HR (CIPD), and management (CMI) to individual learners and employer organisations via online, classroom, and residential formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Education and Qualifications

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Credentialing, Certification Prep & Exam Training (BPACANAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

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

Keywords

• Professional qualifications training
• Apprenticeship programmes
• Corporate learning services
• Vocational education providers
• Accountancy HR training

Headquarters

HQ city

Glos

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Qualification Courses: Revenue from individual learners enrolling in professional qualification programmes including AAT, CIPD, CIMA, ACCA, and ICAEW courses. Pricing varies by level and delivery format with options for interest-free payment plans.
2. Apprenticeship Programmes: Government-funded and employer-funded apprenticeship programmes for organisations. Revenue derived from apprenticeship levy funds (for levy-paying employers) and direct employer payments (for non-levy payers at 95% government funding). ACCA Level 7 Apprenticeship priced at £21,000.
3. Corporate Training & Managed Learning Services: Customised in-company training, executive coaching, and managed learning services for organisations seeking bespoke workforce development solutions.
4. Interest-free Payment Plans: Flexible payment options allowing learners to spread course costs over monthly instalments, generating processing fees and improving accessibility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Reed Business School delivers accredited professional qualifications (AAT, CIPD, ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, CMI) and government-funded apprenticeship programmes to individual learners and employers across the UK. Courses are offered via online, live online, classroom, and residential formats, with interest-free payment plans available for individual learners. Complementary corporate offerings include in-company training, managed learning services, executive coaching, eLearning, and graduate development programmes.

Product overview

Reed Business School is a professional qualifications and apprenticeships provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses and corporate training services. The offering consists of professional qualifications in accounting (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW), human resources (CIPD at Levels 3, 5, and 7), and management leadership (CMI), delivered through flexible study options including online, classroom, live online, and residential formats. Alongside qualifications, the portfolio includes apprenticeships at multiple levels, in-company training, managed learning services, executive coaching, eLearning courses, and graduate programmes. The school operates The Manor in the Cotswolds as a residential training venue and provides 24/7 access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for all learners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AAT Qualifications Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) professional accounting qualifications at Levels 2, 3, and 4, including Certificates in Bookkeeping and Diplomas in Accounting and Professional Accounting. Designed for aspiring accountants, bookkeepers, and career changers seeking recognised entry-level to professional accounting certifications. Delivered via online, on-demand, live online, classroom, and residential formats with interest-free payment plans from £90/month.
• CIPD Qualifications Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) qualifications at Levels 3, 5, and 7 covering HR and Learning & Development, including Foundation Certificate in People Practice, Associate Diploma in People Management, and Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management. Designed for HR practitioners from entry-level to senior strategic roles. Achieves 99% pass rate. Optional CMI dual accreditation available. From £97/month on interest-free plans.
• CIMA Qualifications Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualifications providing skills and knowledge for strategic management and financial expertise. Designed for management accountants and finance professionals seeking globally recognised management accounting certifications at Operational and Management levels.
• ACCA Qualifications Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional accountancy qualifications covering advanced knowledge and skills in accounting and business for senior finance roles. Includes the ACCA Level 7 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship priced at £21,000 for employers. Designed for aspiring chartered certified accountants and senior finance professionals.
• ICAEW Qualifications Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) qualifications providing chartered accountancy training and certifications, including the Level 4 and Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeships. Designed for aspiring chartered accountants seeking the ACA designation.
• CMI Qualifications Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications in management and leadership, including Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. Offered as dual accreditation with CIPD programmes at Levels 5 and 7. Designed for current and aspiring managers seeking leadership development.
• Apprenticeships Government-approved apprenticeship programmes spanning HR, Accounting, Learning & Development, and Leadership & Management at Levels 2 through 7, including AAT, CIPD, ICAEW, and ACCA apprenticeships. Funded through apprenticeship levy for levy-paying employers and 95% government funded for non-levy payers. Designed for employer organisations seeking workforce development.
• In-Company Training Tailored in-house training programmes designed to build capability, confidence, and healthy culture within organisations, covering leadership development and digital upskilling. Designed for employer organisations seeking customised workforce development solutions.
• Managed Learning Services Comprehensive managed learning services providing organisations with streamlined training operations, improved learner experience, and strategic alignment of learning with business goals. Designed for organisations seeking to outsource L&D operations with dedicated account management.
• Executive Coaching Executive coaching, career coaching, and team development services to unlock team potential and address business challenges. Designed for senior leaders, executives, and management teams in organisations seeking personalized leadership development.
• eLearning Online courses addressing skills gaps in project management, leadership & management, HR management, and other business areas, designed for easy sharing with teams. Designed for organisations seeking scalable online training content.
• Graduate Programmes Customizable graduate development programmes enabling organisations to identify, develop, and nurture talented graduates. Designed for employer organisations seeking structured early-career talent development.
• Residential Learning (The Manor) Immersive residential learning experience at a 17th-century manor in the Cotswolds, offering first-class accommodation, meals, and a distraction-free study environment. Designed for learners seeking intensive residential study alongside their qualification programme.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% pass rates across AAT assessments
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary, flagship and minor.

• Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)coreTechnology or IntegrationCIPD Platinum Centre status - highest accreditation level. Reed Business School delivers CIPD qualifications at Levels 3, 5, and 7, providing HR and L&D professionals with globally recognised certifications leading to CIPD membership (Foundation, Associate, Chartered).
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)coreTechnology or IntegrationAAT Approved Centre delivering qualifications at Levels 2, 3, and 4 (Foundation, Advanced, Professional). Qualifications recognised globally as pathways to ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW memberships.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)coreTechnology or IntegrationACCA Approved Learning Partner delivering ACCA qualifications at all levels including Level 7 Professional Accountant Apprenticeship. ACCA membership accessible upon completion.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)coreTechnology or IntegrationICAEW Partner in Learning delivering ICAEW ACA qualifications including Level 4 and Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeships.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationCMI Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications offered as dual accreditation with CIPD programmes. Fast-track CMI certificates available alongside CIPD Associate and Advanced Diplomas.
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationCIMA qualification programmes offered at Operational and Management levels, providing globally recognised management accounting certifications.
• John Lewis and PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship partnership where Reed Learning delivers training programmes for John Lewis employees. Graduate testimonial highlighting positive apprenticeship experience and career development.
• CentricaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGraduate scheme partnership with positive feedback from graduates and excellent results demonstrating high level of coaching received from Reed Learning.
• Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable organisation partnership focusing on team cohesion development and organisational objectives. Testimonial praising Reed Learning's patient and creative approach.
• Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP)coreTechnology or IntegrationGovernment-approved apprenticeship training provider register. Reed Learning is approved on RoATP, enabling delivery of apprenticeship programmes with access to government funding.
• Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)coreTechnology or IntegrationGovernment body providing funding framework for apprenticeship monitoring and reporting. Reed Learning delivers programmes in line with ESFA requirements.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mindful Education: Mindful Education is a UK digital-first provider of AAT, ACCA, CIMA and apprenticeship programmes using blended learning. It is a direct competitor in the online accountancy qualification prep space where Reed Business School also competes.
• Pitman Training: Pitman Training is a UK vocational and professional training provider offering accountancy, bookkeeping, and office-skills courses via a national franchise network. It is comparable to Reed Business School's AAT/bookkeeping learner segment.
• Open Study College: Open Study College is a UK distance-learning college offering AAT, ACCA, CIPD, CIMA and bookkeeping qualifications. It is a direct competitor to Reed Business School in the online, self-paced professional qualification segment.
• Avado (BPP Avado): Avado is a UK online professional qualification provider (CIPD, ACCA, AAT, CIMA, CMI) with strong apprenticeship delivery and a digital-first model. Following acquisition by BPP, it competes directly with Reed Business School's online subscription tier.
• Kaplan UK: Kaplan UK is one of the largest UK providers of ACCA, AAT, CIMA, and ICAEW exam preparation courses, delivered online and in classrooms. It is the closest direct competitor to Reed Business School in professional accountancy qualification prep, with a comparable multi-awarding-body model.
• ICS Learn: ICS Learn is a UK distance-learning provider of AAT, ACCA, CIMA, CIPD and CMI qualifications, with a 130+ year heritage. It competes head-to-head with Reed Business School on online, subscription-based professional qualification prep.
• The Knowledge Academy: The Knowledge Academy is a UK provider of accredited professional training and certification courses across accountancy, HR, project management, and management. It competes with Reed Business School in the broader professional certification prep market.
• London School of Business and Finance (LSBF): LSBF delivers ACCA, CIMA, and online professional qualifications globally, including in the UK market. It overlaps with Reed Business School's accountancy portfolio and offers both online and classroom formats.
• BPP (BPP University / BPP Professional Education): BPP delivers ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and CIPD programmes through classroom, online, and apprenticeship routes and is a major competitor for Reed Business School's flagship offerings. It is significantly larger by headcount and offers a degree-granting pathway (BPP University) that Reed Business School does not.

Broad incumbents

• QA (QA Training): QA is one of the UK's largest commercial training and apprenticeship providers, offering CIPD, ACCA, and broader technology/management apprenticeships. While much larger and broader in scope, it overlaps with Reed Business School's apprenticeship and corporate managed learning services offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ReedBusinessSch
• Facebookfacebook.com/reedbusinessschool

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries9 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 Reed Business School