
Why Modern Teen Etiquette Has Very Little to Do with Which Fork to Use
Mention etiquette to many people, and they picture cutlery, posture and formal introductions. Those things have a place, but they
Premium training, certification, and corporate programmes that elevate presence, leadership, and human excellence. For over a decade, The British School of Excellence has set the standard for etiquette, with our internationally accredited Train the Trainer Programmes and Corporate Training with some of the world’s leading brands, across more than 60 countries.
May 31 – June 4, 2027
In-person in London
Live, Online: November 16 – 20, 2026
An international London programme for ambitious professionals seeking to deepen expertise, strengthen credibility, expand influence and develop the confidence and skills to inspire meaningful impact worldwide.
Early 2027
Register now
An advanced programme for certified coaches to refine their niche, strengthen credibility, build market-ready offers, develop effective marketing and client systems, and establish sustainable pricing for long-term growth and success.
October 27 – 29, 2026
Live, Online
Fully Booked – Register now for 2027
Become an internationally certified Children’s Etiquette Coach, equipped to teach confidence, kindness, communication and modern manners through engaging lessons for children aged 3–12.
November 10 – 12, 2026
Live, Online
Become a certified Youth Etiquette Coach and learn to help teenagers build confidence, communication, respect, resilience, emotional intelligence, social awareness and personal presence.
Feel poised, polished and entirely at ease in any company. Refined & Radiant brings together graceful movement, conversation, personal presentation, modern manners and dining etiquette, offered live online.
Live, Online October 15
A refined etiquette programme for men seeking greater confidence, composure and authority. Available in London or live online, it covers personal presentation, communication, social etiquette, emotional intelligence, leadership, relationship-building and dining confidence.
Live, Online October 1
Private coaching in London or live online, covering place settings, cutlery, glassware, napkins, service signals, conversation and wine etiquette, helping you approach formal dining with quiet confidence, composure and polish.
Live, Online September 15 & December 8
A live online programme for young women aged 13 and over, building confidence, polish and social ease through four interactive modules covering real-life situations, interviews, travel, education and formal occasions.
Live, online
November 5
Master the history, customs and etiquette of Afternoon Tea in this practical 90-minute online course, designed to build confidence for luxury hotels, private homes, clubs, garden parties and formal occasions.
Book a Date
A private leadership programme offering 20 sessions with five specialist coaches to strengthen presence, communication, confidence, influence, behavioural intelligence, camera skills, vocal impact and personal style.
Book a Date
Join us for a bespoke 90-day executive development programme that strengthens your confidence, presence, communication, leadership and authority. Learn to present and communicate effectively at C-suite level in executive and board meetings.
Live, in person in London
Thursday, November 26
Step into London at Christmas for an elegant day of personal coaching, social confidence and dining etiquette, designed to help you feel polished, poised and completely at ease in every social setting.
The Polished Professional · United Kingdom
Signature Programme · Poland
Signature Programme · The Bahamas
United Kingdom

Mention etiquette to many people, and they picture cutlery, posture and formal introductions. Those things have a place, but they

We’ve watched thousands of children learn etiquette over the past decade. The ones who thrive aren’t memorising rules. They’re building

We recently saw a thoughtful discussion about name badge placement—left side or right side—and it reminded us why we love

I’ve spent the past four years watching a pattern emerge that most parents don’t want to hear: their children are

Our company’s unique selling point is one I wish wasn’t unique at all: our commitment to child safety. Many of

A person entering a room, greeting a colleague, or simply listening across a table is already transmitting signals through posture,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my first edition of Letters from a Lady.
Each letter is penned with care to share insights, reflections, and gentle guidance on the art of etiquette, gracious living, and those small but meaningful touches that elevate daily life. I hope you find these musings both thoughtful and quietly inspiring.
You are most welcome to write to me with any questions you may have about the world of exquisite etiquette and request topics of interest that you would like me to discuss.
Lady Arabella presents the Hero of Civility Award to Dr Philip Sykes, Founder of The British School of Excellence, on behalf of the Etiquette Africa Initiative. The award, given in June this year, honours Dr Sykes’ exceptional efforts in championing civility, emotional intelligence, and social harmony across Africa through his ongoing work and leadership.
Lady Arabella made a surprise guest appearance in London recently, joining students of Train the Trainer at The British School of Excellence. The group gathered at the distinguished Carlton Club in Mayfair, with participants attending both in person and online from around the world.
I simply must share a little joy that found its way to me over coffee — quite literally! I came across the most charming espresso set recently, and it sparked such a delightful discussion that I felt compelled to write to you all, as if we were gathered in my garden room with the sun gently warming the china and laughter bubbling over petit fours.
We’re proud to share this powerful and timely piece penned by one of The British School of Excellence’s distinguished alumni, Javed Bolah. Based in the idyllic setting of Mauritius, Javed brings a wealth of experience in Communication & PR, Brand Revitalisation, International Protocol, and Etiquette.
A most thoughtful conversation recently unfolded among our etiquette consultants and members of our Alumni Community—one that I felt deserved to be preserved and shared as a reflection of our collective wisdom. The topic? Whether to include alcohol in Dining Etiquette Masterclasses for adults.
Hear what our incredible customers have to say!
I really enjoyed the course. It was comprehensive, engaging, and gave me useful insights that I can apply in my daily life. The online format was convenient, and I felt supported throughout.
Thank you so much, this course answered all of my questions and more! The practical tips and mock interview sessions really helped me gain confidence for my job search. Highly recommended!
The course offered the right amount of information to learn about and practice Etiquette. It showed the real reason for Etiquette and how advantageous these principles are when put into practice. Thank you.
This was absolutely helpful! I have learnt in a short time all I have not known about dining manners in my entire life. I highly recommend.
I feel very equipped and grateful for being a part of such an endearing, professional course.
It is a real honour to be a participant in this course. I found myself so lucky to take the course provided by BSE, with Philip, Leanne, and other marvellous guest lecturers, and also other fabulous classmates. The content and opportunity are far better than my expectations, such as the DISC analysis, USA Global TV, and so on, are extraordinary!
The Train the Trainer programme was a life-changing experience for me. I am confident BSE delivers the most cohesive and comprehensive training to help you position yourself as a professional in the field of Etiquette, Manners and EQ education.
Great Course that covers all the aspects of Etiquette & manners, amazing community and support.
Taking this course was a great experience that allowed me to learn the importance of good manners in all circumstances. I would have liked to learn more about cultural differences in the work environment, how to behave (such as in awkward situations), but I understand the time available is limited.
It was a great experience for me to be a part of this amazing course and deal with the professional coaches. The duration and the timing of the course is very good. The materials are clear and to the point, the course runs lively, full of information and useful discussions. The follow-up emails and tests represent the care and concern for the trainer. Thank You
Business School of Etiquette is one of the best investments I made when it comes to additional education and self-improvement. It is a life-changing experience indeed with positive outcomes on many levels. The lessons I got from Philip and a team of experts are very valuable and will shape my future work and career better, and what I am planning to do.
Overall, I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate all your team members who worked on this course. It was such an amazing journey you have taken us through. I wish you all the best.
I would like to thank you again for an invaluable experience. It was the stepping stone I needed to make now my dream a reality.
The Train the Train course has absolutely met my expectations and even exceeded them. After taking the course, I have more confidence, and I feel I’m connected with the world in a meaningful way. I hope I’ll be able to share my experience with the world in the future.
Thank you for guiding me on my journey to becoming a trainer. It was a privilege learning with you, your wonderful team, and our group of the fabulous Milene and the lovable Zach. I cannot wait to announce everything to my friends about your school formally. It was so much fun.
was amazing, and so sad it had to end
This was a great added value to my overall life as a coach. I am proud of myself to have been able to invest in courses such as "Train the Trainer " by the British School of Excellence. I can't fail to mention the importance of joining the alumni group of other Trainers who BSE and further assistance and facilitation from the school trained. This is going to help my career grow exponentially.
The course was terrific. I did not want it to come to an end. I just wanted to sit there and be taught more life skills. I'll certainly sign up for another training with BSE.
It was amazing and wonderful. Proud to be part!
I enjoyed the Train the Trainer course. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in my personal and business life with this training. Philip was professional, informative and interesting in his teaching.
Philip was an excellent trainer. We could see his passion throughout the days we had the course. Very happy to have finally chosen BSE.
Excellent and interesting course which kept us captivated.
The course was very interesting, very informative, and Philip is a great teacher! I am very happy to have chosen The British School of Etiquette. I have learned a lot, cleared up all my doubts and opened my mind for new skills and ways of teaching. Thank you for the time well spent.
It has been a beautiful week learning the very basics and some unknown facts about etiquette. I really appreciate Philip and his team for the meticulous effort to bring back the beauty of basics from kids to elders to international understanding of different cultures. It has been more than just a learning that I’d take back, an experience to cherish.
The course content was loaded and of good quality, and the delivery was excellent. The venue was also top-notch. I will recommend this course any day! Thank you, BSE
I can't express how pleased I am to have taken part in this course. It was an easy and the right decision. Thank you
I can't rate the Train the Trainer course highly enough. Philip is an energetic coach who embodies etiquette. The guest coaches are all highly relevant. Every day was packed with actionable content for developing myself and my etiquette modules. I finished the week well prepared to start teaching etiquette courses and wishing the course would never end.
What an incredible course; Philip is an outstanding and wonderfully inspiring teacher. His knowledge and support are unparalleled. It was such a wonderful week, mixing with so many inspiring people; it is such a shame it had to end!
I truly enjoyed all of it and I will definitely go back as soon as I can. Philip is an amazing teacher and what he shares is priceless. Investing in myself by taking the Train the Trainer certification with The British School of Etiquette is one of the best investments I have ever made.
Overall, a very positive experience with excellent content and superb support with a built-in presentation workshop. Superb venue and excellent views.
Philip Sykes is fantastic! The course was exceptional and so was Philip and his team.
Such a great and wonderful experience. Sir Philip was amazing. Learnt a lot from him.
The British School of Etiquette conducted a Train the Trainer Course in Pakistan on the 1st December 2018. It touched the core of my being and showed me what Etiquette and manners encompass. It motivated my soul to bring a positive change within me and to those around me. The Trainer held us captive in a beautiful space. Thank you.
It was the most exhilarating experience of my life. I wish I had known all those golden nuggets that Mr. Philip Sykes shared with us a long time ago. I would have modulated my life in a much better way; I could have availed myself to change the trajectory of my future. But I believe it's never too late, and we learn each day. Thank you, Mr. Philip. My son quotes you every now and then. You are not just an integral part of my life, but rather our whole house. Wish you all the best.
The best investment I have made in my life.
It’s a very knowledgeable and helpful course that puts you out of the crowd and gives you the power to start your business and the power of selling the etiquette classes you have to affect others
I am inspired, and my confidence and potential are brought out. This is an incredible experience and training. I love the course and all the coaches.
It is an intensive course, and we got so much information and knowledge. It takes time to digest all and makes us study more in the future. It will be perfect if we have one more day to study more details about the materials for Train the Trainer.
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