Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5
The Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5 offers staff in schools and Early Years settings the opportunity to develop as confident, evidence-informed coaches—rooted in the realities of education.
Best Practice Network delivers this apprenticeship for colleagues working in schools, Early Years settings, multi-academy trusts, and other educational environments.
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At a glance
Course duration
8 Months
Level 5 Coaching in Education Apprenticeship
Includes
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Online learning
and training events
Monthly coaching sessions
In-house tutor visits
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5 is designed for professionals across the education sector who are involved in supporting and developing others.
Whether you are working in a school, nursery, Early Years setting, or multi-academy trust, this programme is relevant if you help colleagues grow through mentoring, guidance, or coaching.
You might already have some experience in a coaching or leadership role, or perhaps you are looking to build on informal mentoring with a recognised qualification. The apprenticeship supports those who want to strengthen their coaching skills, lead positive change in their teams, and make a tangible difference within their setting.
By completing the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5, you will also achieve the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring—a nationally recognised award that strengthens your coaching credentials and is valued both within education and beyond.
This apprenticeship is designed for:
- Senior leaders, assistant heads, and those with line management responsibilities in schools or Early Years settings
- Experienced teachers, phase or curriculum leaders, and room leaders who support others in their team
- ITT mentors, ECF mentors, and facilitators seeking formal training and recognition
- SEND and inclusion leads aiming to develop staff and drive inclusive practice in their setting
- Early Years managers, practitioners, and childminders who mentor colleagues
- Anyone with some experience of mentoring or coaching in an educational context who wants a nationally recognised, funded qualification
Why choose the Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5?
- Gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring alongside your apprenticeship, with no extra study or cost
- Master advanced coaching models and techniques: You’ll learn evidence-based approaches like GROW, cognitive behavioural coaching, and neurolinguistic techniques—helping you guide colleagues through real challenges, not just theory
- Enhance emotional intelligence and inclusive practice: By understanding theories from Goleman, Maslow, and Salovey & Mayer, you’ll support colleagues’ wellbeing, motivation, and sense of belonging—especially important when working with SEND staff
- Create better coaching relationships: Strong contracting skills, active listening, effective questioning, and rapport-building tools ensure every coaching conversation is purposeful and trustworthy
- Deliver measurable impact: You’ll be able to evaluate coaching outcomes using ROI models—making professional development transparent and aligned to school or Early Years priorities
- Steer professional conversations confidently: Learn to manage difficult conversations and ethical dilemmas in a structured way, with a clear understanding of professional boundaries and safeguarding obligations
- Commit to your own growth: The standard emphasises self-awareness, reflection, and ongoing development, supporting you to evolve as a coach even after the apprenticeship ends
Why should schools and Early Years settings support staff to complete this apprenticeship?
- Apprentices also gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. This well-respected qualification demonstrates their coaching knowledge and skills to a nationally recognised standard
- Embed a consistent coaching culture: Apprentices bring structured coaching techniques (like contracting and active listening) into daily practice, encouraging growth across the whole setting
- Support inclusion and SEND provision: Coaches trained in emotional intelligence and bias awareness are better equipped to guide staff in inclusive practice—supporting diverse learners and colleagues
- Enable staff to solve real problems: With coaching grounded in goal-setting, evaluation, and reflective practice, your staff can tackle issues such as performance, staff workload, or transitions with clarity and confidence
- Strengthen professional standards and ethics: Apprentices leave settings assured in legal, ethical, and safeguarding expectations—building trust among staff and stakeholders
- Drive leadership capacity from within: Participants gain stakeholder management skills and the ability to coach senior colleagues—bolstering leadership pipelines without needing external support
- Produce evidence of coaching impact: With measurable frameworks (e.g., ROI theories) embedded in practice, your setting will have concrete proof of improvement for external reviews and inspections
Gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring alongside your apprenticeship
Alongside the apprenticeship, you will gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. This well-respected qualification demonstrates your coaching knowledge and skills to a nationally recognised standard.
The ILM certificate adds further credibility and flexibility to your professional profile, showing that your coaching practice meets established benchmarks.
This can enhance your standing within your current setting and open doors to new roles and responsibilities. With the ILM Level 5 Certificate included as part of the programme, you benefit from an additional award without the need for extra coursework or fees—making your achievement even more valuable.
What does the apprenticeship cover?
The Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Level 5 is shaped around the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) set out in the national Coaching Professional standard. These KSBs are adapted and contextualised for education, so that everything you learn directly supports your work in a school, Early Years setting, or multi-academy trust.
You will develop and demonstrate:
Knowledge
- Coaching models and approaches: Understand a range of coaching frameworks and how they apply within education and Early Years
- Learning theories and pedagogy: Explore how adults learn and how this shapes effective coaching in your setting
- Organisational culture and context: Learn how coaching supports school improvement, team development, and positive workplace culture
- Diversity, equality and inclusion: Gain knowledge to ensure coaching practice is accessible and effective for all, including supporting SEND
- Safeguarding, ethics, and confidentiality: Understand your professional responsibilities when coaching in an education environment
Skills
- Building rapport and trust: Develop practical skills to establish strong, supportive coaching relationships with colleagues
- Active listening and effective questioning: Use advanced communication techniques to help others reflect and improve their practice
- Setting goals and measuring impact: Support colleagues to set meaningful goals and track progress over time
- Facilitating professional learning: Guide teams and individuals through structured development and reflective practice
- Managing difficult conversations: Handle sensitive or challenging situations with confidence, always focused on positive outcomes
Behaviours
- Professionalism and integrity: Act as a role model for others in your school or Early Years setting
- Self-reflection and commitment to growth: Continuously evaluate and improve your own coaching practice
- Championing inclusion: Promote a positive, supportive environment where every colleague can develop and thrive
Apply now for the next intake
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