Course summary

Aimed at:
Those wishing to lead coaching in an organisation or work freelance

Duration:
Approximately 12 months, depending on work commitments

Accreditation:
ILM, City & Guilds

Qualification:
Level 7

The ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring programme is designed for experienced professionals who want to develop advanced coaching and mentoring skills at executive and senior level.

It is ideal for senior leaders, HR and OD professionals, consultants, headteachers and experienced coaches who want to work confidently with senior leaders and organisational decision-makers.

The programme combines advanced coaching theory, practical coaching experience, reflective learning, supervision and personalised tutor support. Learners develop the confidence and professional credibility needed to coach effectively in complex leadership and organisational settings.

You can choose between the ILM Level 7 Certificate and the ILM Level 7 Diploma in Executive and Senior Level Coaching and Mentoring.

Read Article: ILM Level 5 vs Level 7 Coaching Qualification: Which Coaching Qualification Is Right for You?

Who is the programme for?

The programme is suitable for professionals who want to:

  • Develop or strengthen an executive coaching practice
  • Coach senior leaders and executives more effectively
  • Lead coaching or mentoring within an organisation
  • Build a sustainable coaching culture
  • Develop advanced leadership and organisational coaching skills
  • Progress their professional coaching practice to Level 7

You do not need to have completed the ILM Level 5 qualification first. However, we expect applicants to have experience at a strategic or leadership level and some previous coaching experience.

You will also need access to suitable clients who operate at executive or senior level for your coaching practice.

Course Overview

The ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring programme develops advanced coaching knowledge, professional practice and reflective capability.

You will explore the strategic role of coaching and mentoring at executive and senior level. This includes organisational context, ethics, evaluation and professional practice.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on practical coaching. You will apply your learning with real clients while receiving support through personal tutoring and coaching supervision.

We run several cohorts throughout the year. Please contact us for upcoming programme dates.

Course Features

  • Six interactive workshop days
  • 20 hours of coaching or mentoring practice for the Certificate
  • 60 hours of coaching or mentoring practice for the Diploma
  • Three assessed assignments
  • Personal Tutor support throughout the programme
  • Supervision of selected coaching sessions
  • Feedback on draft assignments
  • One-to-one guidance from experienced BSC faculty
  • Programme handbooks, workbooks and supporting resources
  • An internationally recognised ILM Level 7 qualification on successful completion

Certificate or Diploma?

The Certificate requires 20 hours of executive or senior-level coaching or mentoring practice.

The Diploma requires 60 hours of practice and provides greater depth through extended coaching experience and reflective learning.

Learners may apply directly to the Diploma. It is not necessary to complete the Certificate first.

Certificate learners may also choose to progress to the Diploma later, subject to the relevant programme requirements.

How the Course Works

The programme begins with taught workshop days that combine advanced coaching theory with practical application.

During the programme, you will develop your understanding of executive and senior-level coaching, practise key approaches and prepare for your assessed work.

You will complete three main areas of assessment:

  1. Understanding the Principles and Practice of Effective Coaching and Mentoring at an Executive or Senior Level
    A written assignment exploring the role, purpose and strategic application of coaching and mentoring.
  2. Undertaking Coaching or Mentoring at a Senior or Executive Level
    A portfolio of coaching practice, including logs and supporting documentation.
  3. Reflecting on Your Ability to Perform as a Coach or Mentor at a Senior or Executive Level
    A reflective journal exploring your development, learning and effectiveness as a coach or mentor.

Personal Tutor support and coaching supervision continue throughout the programme.

Programme Duration

The programme normally takes approximately 12 to 14 months to complete. The exact timeframe will depend on your work commitments and the pace of your coaching practice.

We run several cohorts throughout the year, with online workshop dates available across different start points.

Course Tutors

Our programmes reflect BSC’s core values of respect, rigour, integrity, professionalism and quality. Our tutors are experienced practising coaches, mentors and supervisors. They bring both professional and programme experience to the learning environment. Throughout the qualification, tutors provide practical support, constructive challenge and guidance.

Progression and Professional Development

The ILM Level 7 Diploma provides an opportunity to deepen your executive coaching practice through extended client work and reflective learning.

After completing the programme, learners can continue their development through BSC coaching supervision, CPD events, networking and other professional development opportunities.

Those interested in developing as coaching supervisors may also wish to explore our Level 7 Coaching Supervision qualification.

How to Apply

You will need to provide your CV and a short coaching biography outlining your current coaching experience.

If you are unsure whether the Certificate or Diploma is the right route for you, please contact the BSC team. We will be happy to discuss your experience, goals and intended coaching practice.

To apply for the ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring programme, please complete and return the application form to info@britishschoolofcoaching.com.

Internal Link

Jan 20, 2027

9am - 5:00pm

Cert: 14 QCF Credits; Dip: 37 QCF Credits

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Programme Review

I was impressed with the thoroughly professional approach of the course tutor(s)… enabling me to understand at a deeper level the principles involved in successful coaching. The course was good mixture of practical and theory and was enjoyable and informative. It also challenged me to think of how I can use my new skills at executive and strategic level which I will certainly do - Headteacher, Primary School