Frequently Asked Questions

Etiquette coaching helps you communicate thoughtfully, build relationships and feel more comfortable in social and professional situations. Depending on your goals, learning may cover introductions, conversation, dining, personal presentation, cultural awareness, business etiquette and professional presence.

The best starting point depends on what you would like to achieve. We offer personal development programmes, private coaching, children’s and youth programmes, professional coach training and tailored corporate training. If you are unsure, we would be pleased to discuss your goals and recommend suitable options.

You do not need previous etiquette training to begin. Our programmes welcome participants from different professional, educational and cultural backgrounds. Please check the individual programme page for any entry requirements, particularly for advanced training.

Our teaching draws on modern British etiquette while recognising that customs and expectations vary. We encourage cultural awareness, thoughtful judgement and consideration for others, helping you adapt appropriately to different people and situations.

Learning combines clear explanations with demonstrations, discussion and practical activities. Depending on the programme, you may take part in role-play, conversation exercises, dining practice, presentations or coached scenarios, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback.

Both formats offer opportunities to learn, practise and receive personal feedback. The right choice depends on your preferences, location and schedule.

In-person programmes offer face-to-face interaction and practical learning in a shared setting. Live online programmes allow you to participate from wherever you are, with trainer-led discussions, demonstrations and interactive exercises.

Our live online teaching includes practical participation, helping you develop your skills with guidance and feedback throughout.

For the same programme, the core learning content and required standards remain consistent across in-person and live online delivery.

Activities may be adapted to suit the format. For example, online dining practice may take place at your own table with live coaching, while an in-person programme may include a shared dining experience. Venue-based activities and other inclusions may differ, so please review the details of your chosen programme.

For the same programme, the certificates and applicable accreditation or recognition are determined by the programme you complete, rather than whether you attend online or in person.

You must meet the relevant attendance, participation and assessment requirements in either format. Please check your programme page for the specific certificates, accreditation and inclusions.

International participants are welcome on our live online programmes. Before booking, please check the session times in your local time zone and make sure you can attend the required teaching hours. UK times may be GMT or British Summer Time, depending on the date.

Our live online programmes involve scheduled sessions with a trainer, including discussion and practical participation. Any recorded or self-paced learning will be identified separately in the programme description, so please check the format before booking.

Please use a reliable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone. A laptop or desktop computer is usually more comfortable for viewing presentations and taking part in activities.

Choose a quiet space where you can participate comfortably. Your joining instructions will explain any additional preparation.

Recording arrangements vary by programme, so please ask before booking if access to a recording is important to you. A recording should not be assumed to replace live attendance, particularly where participation or practical assessment forms part of certification.

Our standard programmes are taught in English. If you need interpretation or delivery in another language, please contact us before booking so we can discuss availability, suitability and any additional costs.

We offer private coaching in London and live online, tailored to your goals. Sessions can focus on social confidence, conversation, dining etiquette, professional communication, interviews or preparation for a particular occasion.

Please contact us to discuss who will attend and what you would like to achieve. We can explore suitable programme content, delivery arrangements and a format that works for your group.

Private coaching can help you prepare for occasions such as a formal dinner, an interview, a networking event or an important business meeting. Tell us about the situation and the areas you would like to practise so we can recommend an appropriate approach.

We offer live online programmes and in-person learning in London. Corporate training and other private programmes may also be arranged at an organisation’s premises or another agreed venue.

Your booking confirmation will provide the location and joining details.

Smart casual clothing is usually appropriate, with an emphasis on being comfortable and suitably presented. If your programme includes a venue or occasion with a particular dress code, we will explain this in your joining instructions.

Please allow approximately ten minutes before the scheduled start so you can settle in or check your online connection. Follow any different arrival guidance provided for your programme.

Please have something available for taking notes and follow the preparation guidance sent before your session. Practical programmes may require particular items, such as a place setting for online dining practice. We will explain what you need.

Please tell us about your requirements before booking so we can discuss suitable support and check the proposed venue or delivery format.

This may include mobility access, hearing or visual requirements, sensory considerations or adjustments to learning activities.

If your programme includes food or a dining experience, please tell us about allergies, dietary requirements and religious preferences before booking. We will discuss the arrangements with you and, where relevant, the venue or catering provider.

Please obtain written permission before photographing or recording any part of a session. We ask all participants to respect the privacy of others and the ownership of teaching materials.

If you have concerns about appearing in promotional photography, please tell us before the session.

Our children’s coach-training curriculum includes learning adapted for ages three to twelve, while our youth curriculum is designed for teaching teenagers aged thirteen to eighteen.

Individual coaching offers, workshops and summer programmes may have narrower age ranges, so please check the specific programme details.

Please speak to us about your child’s personality, interests and concerns. We can discuss whether private coaching or a group programme would be the more comfortable starting point, with opportunities to build confidence through manageable practice.

Depending on their age and programme, learning may include introductions, conversation, listening, kindness, teamwork, emotional awareness, dining etiquette and responsible digital communication.

Teen programmes may also explore presentations, interviews, leadership and preparation for greater independence.

We welcome enquiries about workshops, enrichment activities and longer programmes for children and teenagers. Content can be developed around the age group, learning priorities and delivery setting.

We welcome enquiries from schools, educational organisations and prospective hosts interested in summer programmes internationally.

Activities can combine communication, character development, cultural awareness, dining etiquette and young leadership, with the age range, duration and arrangements agreed for each programme.

We begin by discussing your people, working environment, customers and priorities. We then propose training with relevant examples, practical exercises and agreed learning outcomes, whether you need a focused workshop or a longer development programme.

Our programmes can support professional presence, confident communication, emotional intelligence and relationship building. Training may also cover public speaking, networking, conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication and corporate entertaining.

Our tailored programmes can cover professional presentation, client welcomes, attentive listening, rapport, cultural awareness, discreet service, complaint handling and thoughtful follow-up.

Learning reflects your brand and the situations your team encounters.

We provide training in guest communication, professional conduct, dining etiquette, table presentation and service awareness.

We also develop hospitality programmes for care settings, with particular attention to dignity, individual preferences and considerate dining experiences for residents and families.

We can discuss programmes that equip managers and internal trainers to demonstrate good practice, coach colleagues and reinforce agreed standards.

Teaching resources, refresher sessions and ongoing support can be included in the agreed proposal.

Our professional training includes the Signature Programme, the Children’s Etiquette Certified Coach Programme and the Youth Etiquette Certified Coach Programme.

The most suitable pathway depends on the audience you wish to teach and your professional goals.

The British School of Excellence is listed as an accredited training provider by The CPD Standards Office, and selected programmes carry ILM recognition.

Recognition and certification vary by programme. Please review the individual course page and our Accreditation and Recognition page for the current details.

The certificate available depends on your chosen programme and its completion requirements.

A certificate of attendance records participation, while professional coach certification requires successful completion of the relevant assessment. Please check what is included before registering.

Professional coach programmes include assessment appropriate to the course. This may involve practical teaching, a lesson plan or written work.

Your programme information will explain the attendance requirements, assessment tasks and submission arrangements.

Resources vary by programme and may include a coach manual, lesson plans, presentation slides, worksheets, activities and practical teaching guidance.

Please review the programme description for the resources included and the conditions governing their use.

Support arrangements vary by programme. These may include group coaching, alumni connections, networking opportunities and guidance on planning your first workshops.

Please check the duration and scope of support included in your chosen course.

Coach certification and a licensed partnership are separate arrangements.

Completing a programme does not automatically authorise you to represent The British School of Excellence, use its branding or deliver a named programme under licence. Please discuss the relevant pathway with us.

Please contact us to discuss your experience, intended audience, operating region and programmes of interest.

We will explain the application process, eligibility requirements and terms relevant to the opportunity.

Depending on the agreement, support may include programme materials, teaching resources, brand guidance and operational support.

The agreement will set out the authorised programmes, delivery requirements, territory, fees and renewal arrangements.

Use of the name, logo and materials of The British School of Excellence requires the appropriate written authorisation.

Any permission is subject to the terms provided, including brand standards and restrictions on sharing or reproducing resources.

Enquiries and bookings for approved partner activity are managed through the central website and systems of The British School of Excellence.

The partnership agreement explains the responsibilities of each party and the arrangements for administration and delivery.

Fees depend on the programme, format and level of personalisation. Scheduled programme pages show the relevant fee and inclusions, while private and corporate training are quoted individually.

Please check whether materials, meals, venue costs, certification and VAT are included.

Please ask whether an instalment plan is available for your chosen programme. Where agreed, the payment schedule and conditions will be confirmed in writing before you commit.

Please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation, transfer and refund arrangements depend on your booking, the notice provided and the applicable terms.

Please read our Terms and Conditions alongside your booking confirmation.

We will contact you to explain the available arrangements.

If we cancel and cannot provide the contracted service, you may choose an appropriate alternative or a refund for the service we cannot provide. If we postpone and the alternative date is not reasonably suitable, you may request a refund for the part of the service that has not been supplied, as set out in our Terms and Conditions.

We would be pleased to hear what you are hoping to achieve, answer your questions and help you choose a suitable programme.

Email hello@thebritishschoolofexcellence.com or book a complimentary call using the button below.