Online executive coaching in the UK offers senior leaders a way to develop skills through virtual platforms like Zoom or Teams. Costs typically range from £200 to £1,475 per session, depending on the coach’s experience, session length, and included services. Packages, such as 3–5 or 10+ sessions, provide additional options, often with discounts for upfront payments. High-level programmes for senior executives can cost up to £30,000 annually.
This article outlines hourly rates, package costs, and factors like coach qualifications and session length that influence pricing. It also highlights training courses for internal coaching skills. Use this guide to compare providers and choose the right option for your organisation.
UK Executive Coaching Costs by Experience Level and Package Type
Hourly Rates for Online Executive Coaching in the UK
Online executive coaching rates in the UK are comparable to in-person coaching fees. The average hourly rate for corporate coaching is around £260, but individual fees can vary widely depending on the coach's qualifications and experience.
Executive coaching is typically much more expensive than personal or life coaching - often costing double. This is largely due to the senior-level corporate experience and professional accreditations that executive coaches bring, which are often required by HR departments. Regional differences also impact pricing; for instance, corporate rates in England are often four times higher than those in Wales.
Below is a breakdown of rates based on a coach's level of experience.
Rates for Qualified Coaches
Coaches with 3–5 years of experience charge between £200 and £300 per hour. Many in this category hold certifications from respected organisations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), which justifies their pricing. Coaches with less experience typically charge about half of these rates.
Rates for Highly Experienced Coaches
Coaches with more than 10 years of experience and a background in senior leadership roles charge between £350 and £500 per hour. At the higher end, elite coaches with niche expertise and a proven history of working with C-suite executives may charge between £550 and £740 per hour. However, only about 0.2% of coaches exceed £700 per session. These higher fees reflect their extensive professional experience and the measurable value they deliver to corporate clients.
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Online Coaching Package Costs
When it comes to online executive coaching in the UK, many providers offer structured packages alongside hourly rates. While hourly sessions are flexible, packages often provide a more comprehensive experience, including preparation, materials, and sometimes follow-up support. Pricing generally reflects the duration and level of commitment involved.
Single-Session Costs
For a 60–90 minute session, you can expect to pay between £200 and £300. A standard two-hour session typically costs £500 to £1,475, with the average being £1,110 across the UK. Single sessions are often used for initial consultations or as a way to trial a coach before committing to a longer-term arrangement.
3–5 Session Packages
Short-term packages, such as those covering three sessions, are priced between £650 and £900. For five sessions, costs average around £1,500, though packages for senior executives can range from £4,500 to £7,000, depending on the executive's role and level. Some providers may offer small discounts for upfront payments compared to booking sessions individually.
10+ Session Programmes
For mid-level executives, 10-session programmes usually cost between £2,600 and £3,000. Senior leadership packages are priced higher, typically ranging from £4,500 to £7,000. Some providers also use salary-linked pricing, charging £5,500 for executives earning up to £50,000 and over £14,000 for those earning above £140,000. Annual retainers for ongoing coaching support can go as high as £30,000, though these are usually reserved for C-suite executives requiring long-term access.
What Affects Online Executive Coaching Costs
Various factors influence the cost of online executive coaching in the UK. Understanding these elements can help organisations determine whether pricing aligns with the services offered.
Coach Qualifications and Experience
The qualifications and experience of a coach play a significant role in pricing. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets three levels of credentials that align with different rates:
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC): With 100–499 coaching hours, these coaches typically charge £120–£240 per hour.
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC): With 500–2,499 hours, rates increase to £240–£480 per hour.
- Master Certified Coach (MCC): Representing fewer than 5% of ICF-certified coaches and with over 2,500 hours of experience, MCCs command £400–£800+ per hour.
Beyond certifications, a coach’s professional background also impacts costs. For instance, those with around nine years of external coaching experience and a history in blue-chip organisations often charge £1,050–£1,200 for a two-hour session, particularly when compared to coaches with less extensive corporate experience. These factors not only affect pricing but also influence the quality and depth of the coaching provided.
Session Length and What's Included
The length of sessions and the range of services included also play a part in determining costs. Many coaches incorporate preparation time into their pricing. This preparation - such as reviewing notes, coordinating with HR, and creating session materials - can make up 30–40% of the total engagement time.
Higher-priced packages often include additional services beyond the core coaching sessions. These might feature intake assessments, such as 360-degree feedback or emotional intelligence profiling (EQ-i), stakeholder alignment meetings, and ongoing support via email or messaging platforms like WhatsApp. It's also worth noting that VAT is commonly added to quoted prices. For example, a six-month coaching programme might be priced at £4,495 + VAT, so confirming whether quotes are VAT-inclusive is essential when comparing providers. However, individual coaches who are not VAT-registered can offer a 20% saving for clients paying privately.
Online Executive Coaching Courses and Certifications
Beyond one-to-one coaching sessions, organisations and individuals can build their expertise through online executive coaching courses designed to develop internal coaching skills or earn professional credentials.
In the UK, a wide range of certification programmes caters to different needs, from introductory courses to advanced diplomas. Many of these are accredited by respected bodies such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and Association for Coaching (AC). These programmes vary significantly in cost, duration, and intensity, offering flexible options for learners.
Main UK Programmes
For beginners, entry-level courses include Coaching for High Performance™ from Nicholas Hill Academy (£495) and the Gestalt Coaching Skills Foundation Programme (£995). These courses are delivered online across multiple sessions and provide a solid foundation in coaching principles.
Mid-range options include the Coaching Skills Certificate by the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC), a two-day programme priced at £795. Alternatively, the LEADER COACHING™ programme, recognised by ILM, costs £895 and is also offered by Nicholas Hill Academy.
For those seeking advanced qualifications, professional practitioner diplomas represent a larger commitment. The Professional Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching by AoEC starts at £4,950, while the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching begins at £6,795. These programmes often combine virtual and blended learning formats and are triple-accredited by AC, EMCC, and ICF. Graduates from these programmes can often charge higher coaching rates, ranging from £350 to £2,000 per hour.
Additional options include AoEC Mentor Coaching, priced at £1,800, and Coaching Supervision Support, available for £250. Delivery methods for these programmes vary, with 34% offered via virtual classrooms and 43% tailored as "In Company" training for teams.
The table below provides a quick comparison of key programmes, their durations, and fees.
Cost Comparison Table
| Programme Name | Duration | Delivery Mode | Total Fees (Excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching (AoEC) | Multiple sessions | Blended / Virtual Classroom | £6,795 |
| Professional Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching (AoEC) | Multiple sessions | Virtual Classroom / Blended | £4,950 |
| AoEC Mentor Coaching | Not specified | Virtual Classroom | £1,800 |
| Gestalt Coaching Skills Foundation Programme | Multiple sessions | Virtual Classroom | £995 |
| LEADER COACHING™ (ILM Recognised) | Multiple sessions | Virtual Classroom | £895 |
| Coaching Skills Certificate (AoEC) | 2 Days | Virtual Classroom / Blended | £795 |
| Effective Coaching Skills (Palladium Training) | Multiple sessions | Flexible Start | £600 |
| Coaching for High Performance™ (Nicholas Hill Academy) | Multiple sessions | Virtual Classroom | £495 |
Certification programmes are priced significantly higher than entry-level courses, reflecting their comprehensive accreditation and extended duration. To help prospective learners make informed decisions, many high-level programmes include free one-hour introductory sessions.
Finding Providers Through Leadership Training Hub
When navigating executive coaching options, understanding both costs and delivery methods is essential. Leadership Training Hub simplifies this process by serving as a UK-focused directory, helping organisations compare providers based on criteria that matter most to their decisions.
How Leadership Training Hub Works
The platform allows users to filter providers by delivery format, such as virtual coaching programmes, and by specific areas of expertise, including emotional intelligence, data-driven approaches, or industry-specific knowledge. For example, some providers focus on niche sectors, making it easier for organisations to narrow their choices to just two or three options. This targeted approach streamlines the decision-making process.
Providers with verified profiles, available for £495 per year, include interview-based insights that highlight their value. These profiles are prioritised in search results and category listings, making them more visible when filtering by factors like cost or delivery format. The detailed insights help buyers focus on what truly matters, enabling more informed decisions.
The directory features a diverse selection of providers, from independent consultants to established training companies. For instance, Hemsley Fraser offers scalable digital programmes, MTD Training provides UK-wide leadership and management courses accredited by ILM and CPD, and Beyond Unity operates globally, supporting CEOs and executive teams. This variety ensures that organisations can compare options across different price points and delivery methods, making it easier to shortlist with confidence. The range of choices also promotes clarity in understanding executive coaching costs.
Conclusion
Executive coaching in the UK generally costs between £850 and £1,250 for a two-hour session. Rates below £850 often indicate less experienced coaches, typically suited for junior management, while fees exceeding £1,250 are usually charged by large consultancies. However, higher prices don’t necessarily guarantee better results. Lequin suggests that a fair rate for experienced executive coaches falls between £1,050 and £1,200 per session, with no evidence linking higher fees to superior coaching outcomes.
Several factors influence pricing, including the coach’s qualifications, their experience, and the seniority of the coachee. Importantly, higher fees don’t always mean better coaching, as some providers focus more on mentoring rather than genuine coaching practices.
When selecting a provider, it’s essential to check coaching credentials, request sample sessions, and clearly identify which leaders will benefit most from coaching. This ensures that budgets are allocated effectively to achieve maximum impact. Leadership Training Hub simplifies this process by allowing organisations to filter providers based on delivery format, specialism, and cost. It also offers verified profiles and interview-based insights to help narrow options down to two or three providers, making procurement decisions more efficient and aligned with leadership priorities.
FAQs
How many coaching sessions do I actually need?
The number of coaching sessions you’ll need varies based on your goals and the structure of the programme. Short-term coaching often spans a few months, while longer-term programmes may run for six months or more to support ongoing development and deeper transformation. The timeframe should match your specific objectives and what you aim to achieve.
What should an online executive coaching package include?
Online executive coaching packages usually offer personalised coaching sessions designed to fit organisational requirements. These sessions can range from one-off meetings to short-term or long-term engagements. They often include an initial assessment to understand needs, regular progress reviews, and follow-up sessions to ensure continued development. Additional features might involve tailored materials, such as training on leadership skills or emotional intelligence, alongside resources like workbooks or detailed feedback reports. Transparent pricing and adaptable options are crucial to aligning with changing objectives.
How can I check if a coach is properly accredited in the UK?
To confirm whether a coach is accredited in the UK, refer to respected organisations such as APECS, which accredits executive coaches. Alternatively, you can use the UK Coaching Federation's Education Search Service (ESS) to locate training providers accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). These organisations help ensure that coaches adhere to established professional standards.
