Online Business School

What Online Business School does

Online Business School (OBS) is a UK-headquartered private limited company, registered in England and Wales and based in Coventry, that delivers fully online academic and vocational courses ranging from IGCSE to Level 7 (MBA entry). Founded in 2013, OBS packages its curriculum through OFQUAL-recognized awarding organizations (notably OTHM and Qualifi) and serves more than 20,000 students across 150+ countries via a catalogue of 40+ courses. The platform structure relies on regulated qualification frameworks rather than proprietary technology, with delivery occurring through a self-directed online learning environment combined with structured progression pathways.

OBS operates three principal monetization channels: (1) direct tuition fees priced between £145 and £3,500 per course, (2) commissions paid to its network of 100+ international recruitment agents (averaging £1,040 per student), and (3) corporate white-label licensing of its course catalogue. Students completing OBS qualifications typically progress to a "top-up year" at one of 11+ UK university partners (including Northampton, Derby, and Edinburgh Napier), with 83% reportedly graduating from a UK university following the OBS pathway. The company also runs a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module library of 150+ modules across 14 categories serving both individual subscribers and corporate partners.

The go-to-market model combines self-directed online enrolment, a global agent network, and B2B corporate licensing. OBS holds FCA authorization (Firm Reference 687515) for financial operations, ELCAS approval (provider ID 11731) to serve UK military learners, and memberships in professional bodies including CMI, CIPD, and CIM. Operational footprint is anchored in the UK while student distribution is international by design, with the agent network functioning as the primary demand-generation engine outside the home market.

Name

Online Business School

Legal name

Online Business School Limited

Website

https://onlinebusinessschool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Higher Education / E-Learning

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online For-Profit Career Universities (EDAHALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Professional Schools (MBA/MPA/MPH/Etc.) (EDAHALAE), Diploma-to-Degree / Articulation & Credit-Transfer Pathways (EDAIAJAG), Online Teacher Education Universities (Licensure & M.Ed.) (EDAHALAG)

Keywords

• Online education
• Distance learning
• Diploma programmes
• University pathway courses
• Professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

Coventry

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: Primary revenue from course tuition fees paid by students. Fees vary by course level and can be paid upfront in full or through interest-free monthly instalment plans. Examples include Health & Social Care at £3,500 full or £145/month, and Teacher Training at £2,200 full or £89.60/month for 24 months.
2. Agent/Recruiter Commissions: Revenue share with recruitment partners who earn up to £1,040 per student enrolment. Partners earn commissions tracked via their own dashboards.
3. Corporate White Label Licensing: B2B revenue from white-labelled learning platform licensing to businesses for in-house training. Companies can brand the LMS with their own logo and colors for team training.
4. University Top-Up Pathway Fees: Students can progress to full degrees at partner UK universities, with OBS facilitating the pathway. University top-up fees range from £3,000 to £10,250 depending on institution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Online Business School delivers OFQUAL-recognised online diploma programmes from IGCSE through Level 7 MBA entry via a proprietary cloud-based Learning Management System. Students enrol directly online or through a global recruitment agent network and progress to degree top-up years at partner UK universities. The company also licences a white-label version of its learning platform to corporate clients for branded employee training, alongside ELCAS-funded pathways for armed forces personnel.

Product overview

Online Business School operates as an integrated online education platform offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses structured across multiple qualification levels. The core product architecture spans IGCSE foundation courses, Level 3 (A-Level equivalent) university entry programmes, Level 4 & 5 undergraduate first and second year diplomas, Level 6 graduate-level courses, and Level 7 MBA-entry postgraduate diplomas. These are complemented by over 150 standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules organised into 14 subject categories including Strategic Management, Professional Skills, Personal Skills, Marketing Management, Management Basics, Advance Computing, Business Finance, Introductory Computing, Interpersonal Skills, Hospitality Management, Healthcare Management, Health & Wellbeing, Education & Training, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. The platform also provides a White Label Learning Management System for corporate clients and ELCAS-approved military learning programmes. Students receive bundled support including tutor assistance, resource hubs, and pathway progression to partner UK universities for degree completion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IGCSE Courses International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses covering Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Environmental Management, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, and Travel and Tourism, providing foundational academic qualifications for learners worldwide.
• IELTS English Language Training English language training course preparing students for IELTS examinations, required for university admission and visa purposes.
• Level 3 University Entry Courses (A-Level Equivalent) Foundation-level diplomas equivalent to A-Levels providing entry onto undergraduate degree courses, including Business Management, People and Organisations, Engineering, Employability and Workplace Skills, Information Technology, Accountancy, and Health and Social Care.
• Level 4 & 5 University First and Second Year Diplomas Undergraduate first and second year equivalent diplomas (120 credits each) enabling progression to final year of UK university degrees, across disciplines including Accounting and Business, Business Management, Cyber Security, Health & Social Care Management, Human Resource Management, IT and Computing, Law, Psychology, and Tourism and Hospitality Management.
• Level 6 Graduate Level Courses Final year undergraduate level courses including Business Management (Postgraduate MBA entry) and Professional Sales Management, enabling progression to complete undergraduate degrees.
• Level 7 MBA Entry Courses Postgraduate-level diplomas providing advanced entry to MBA programmes, including Strategic Management and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Organisational Psychology and Business, Project Management, and Strategic Sales Management.
• Human Resource Management Course (Level 4 & 5) Combined Level 4 and Level 5 diploma in Human Resource Management covering strategic HRM, recruitment, performance management, and organisational structures; £1,995 for both levels or £1,600 per individual level.
• Teacher Training Course (Level 5) Level 5 Qualifi-accredited diploma in Education and Training (120 credits) with 9 online modules, 7 written assignments, and 100 hours of teaching practice requirement; £2,200 or £89.60/month for 24 months interest-free.
• White Label Learning Platform Custom-branded LMS allowing organisations to deliver accredited OBS courses and upskilling programmes under their own brand, including dashboards for tracking progress, add-your-own resources, and themed interface options.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Proprietary online learning platform with features including user-friendly interface, blended learning options, reporting and tracking, course management, social learning resources, certification, tests and assignments, and learner-centric design, accessible on any device.
• CPD Modules Catalogue Over 150 standalone Continuing Professional Development modules across 14 subject areas including Strategic Management, Professional Skills, Personal Skills, Marketing Management, Management Basics, Advance Computing, Business Finance, Healthcare Management, Hospitality Management, and Education & Training.
• University Top-Up Pathways Progression routes enabling diploma graduates to complete full UK university degrees or MBA programmes at partner institutions including Northampton, Derby, Edinburgh Napier, Worcester, Sunderland, Bolton, Anglia Ruskin, Coventry, and Southern Cross University.
• ELCAS Military Learning Credits Programme Approved ELCAS provider (ID: 11731) offering armed forces personnel and veterans access to accredited qualifications with up to 80% funding coverage (maximum £2,000 per year for 6+ years service), including 31 approved courses across Levels 3-7.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83% of OBS Students have graduated from a UK University
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 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

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)coreOthersOnline Business School Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference number 687515). The FCA is the UK's top financial regulator ensuring financial markets are fair and protecting consumers.
• OFQUAL Recognised Awarding OrganisationscoreOthersAll learning materials are designed and written by professional academic authors aligned against specific learning criteria specified by OFQUAL. OBS works with OFQUAL recognised awarding organisations for program verification.
• OTHM (Organisation for Tourism and Hospitality Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual. OTHM has a network of delivery centres globally to deliver approved qualifications.
• QualificoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfqual recognised organisation providing accreditation for courses such as Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
• Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe British Chambers of Commerce is the UK's largest independent business voice, representing and promoting businesses while lobbying for the right conditions for the economy to thrive.
• Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved ELCAS provider (ID 11731). MoD initiative supporting lifelong learning for Armed Forces members with financial support up to 80% of course costs.
• Institute of DirectorsminorOthersProfessional body for company directors, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs - UK's longest-running organisation of its kind.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)coreOthersProfessional body membership included free with courses for career development and industry recognition.
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)minorOthersUK's independent authority for information rights ensuring organisations comply with data protection laws.
• Institute of HospitalityminorOthersProfessional body for managers working and studying in hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)minorOthersProfessional body for marketers offering free student membership with courses.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)minorOthersProfessional body for procurement and supply chain professionals.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)minorOthersProfessional body for HR and people development professionals.
• The Institute of Leadership (ILM)minorOthersLeadership and management professional body offering free student membership.
• TOTUMminorOthersStudent discount card offering discounts on products and services including food, travel, and entertainment for UK and Ireland students.
• Armed Forces CovenantminorOthersCovenant focusing on helping members of armed forces community have same access to government and commercial services as other citizens.
• University of NorthamptoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Business and Management Top up - £3,800; BSc (Hons) International Accounting Top up - £3,800 (distance learning).
• University of DerbycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. Undergraduate Top up to BA - £4,400 (online).
• Edinburgh Napier UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner offering BA in Business Management, Business and Enterprise, Sales Management - £4,600 each (online).
• University of WorcestercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Business Administration Final Year Top up - £4,000.
• University of SunderlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Business and Management (Year 3) - £9,250 (on campus).
• University of GlendywrcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Business & Management - Online - £3,950.
• University of BoltoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Top-up - £10,250, duration 2 semesters.
• Buckinghamshire New UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Top-up - £3,000.
• Anglia Ruskin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BSc (Hons) Business Management Final Year - £4,450; BA (Hons) Management (Top-Up) - £4,450.
• Coventry UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-up degree partner. BA (Hons) Top-up from ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma - £9,560.
• Southern Cross UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational top-up degree partner offering Bachelor of Business, Business Administration, and sector-specific degrees in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management.
• University of Nicosia, CypruscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational top-up degree partner. Undergraduate Top up to BA - €6,000.
• StripecoreTechnology or IntegrationPayment Service Provider processing payments through secure payment gateway (Level 1 PCI DSS). Stripe is the largest independent PSP in UK and Ireland.
• T15 InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to help Teacher Training students find jobs within the teaching sector upon completion.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Oxford Home Study Centre: UK-based online distance learning provider offering accredited courses and diplomas across multiple disciplines. Closely comparable to OBS as a UK-based online education provider offering accredited qualifications with flexible study models.
• Kaplan International: Provides international education pathways and pathway programmes to UK and US universities. Comparable to OBS in offering preparatory and diploma pathways that enable international students to enter degree programmes.
• FutureLearn: UK-based online course platform offering short courses, microcredentials, and degree programmes from leading universities. Comparable to OBS as a UK-headquartered online education provider with pathway-style offerings.
• Coursera: Global online learning platform offering accredited professional certificates, diplomas, and degree pathways from university partners. Directly competes with OBS in the online professional education space, though at significantly larger scale.
• NCC Education: UK-based awarding organisation providing IT and business qualifications with university progression pathways. Closely comparable to OBS in offering OFQUAL-aligned diplomas with university top-up routes, particularly in IT and business disciplines.

Emerging players

• Udacity: Online education platform focused on technology and career-focused nanodegree programmes. Comparable to OBS in its career-oriented, online-first approach, though Udacity focuses more on tech and AI specialisations.

Broad incumbents

• The Open University: UK-based distance-learning university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Comparable to OBS as a UK online education provider, though Open University degree-grants directly and operates at massive scale.
• BPP University: UK-based for-profit higher education institution offering professional degrees and pathways. Comparable to OBS as a for-profit UK professional education provider, though BPP operates at significantly larger scale and offers degree-granting programmes.
• EdX: Global online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT offering university-level courses and degree programmes. Comparable to OBS in offering online professional and accredited courses with global reach, though at much larger scale.
• QA Higher Education: UK-based higher education provider offering pathway, foundation, and degree programmes through partnerships with universities. Comparable to OBS in serving international students seeking UK university progression.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Online Business School