info@messyminds.org

Business
Develop your leadership team in neurodivergence Create neurodivergent coaches in-house Understand your neurodivergent clients Business to Business FAQs
Individual
I want to become a coach Find a certified coach Coaching programme Academy FAQs
Community Testimonials

Messy Minds Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're thinking about joining the Academy, already enrolled, or wondering what happens after qualification, we've answered the questions we're asked most often below.

Contents
  1. Before You Join
  1. How the Academy Works
  1. What You'll Learn
  1. Assessment & Qualification
  1. Coaching After Qualification
  1. ILM Level 5 Progression
  1. Fees & Payment

 

Before You Join

What is the Messy Minds Coaching Academy?

The Academy teaches you the Messy Minds coaching framework, tools and approaches, giving you everything you need to start coaching using the Messy Minds programme once you've successfully completed the programme and passed the assessment.

Our approach helps people with neurodivergent conditions better understand who they are, how they work and what they need, and we train coaches to confidently facilitate that journey.

 

Who is the Academy for?

The Academy attracts people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Some delegates work in education, social work, coaching, counselling, wellbeing, leadership or the charity sector. Others are completely new to coaching and are looking for a career change.

Many of our delegates are neurodivergent themselves and want to use their own lived experience alongside professional coaching skills to support others.

 

Do I need previous coaching experience?

No.

Many of our delegates join without any previous coaching qualifications or coaching experience. The Academy is designed to build your confidence, knowledge and coaching skills from the ground up.

 

I've already completed a coaching qualification. Is the Academy still suitable for me?

Yes.

Many qualified and experienced coaches join the Academy because they want to develop specialist knowledge and skills in supporting people with neurodivergent conditions whilst learning the Messy Minds framework and approach.

 

Is the programme suitable for neurodivergent learners?

Absolutely.

Many of our delegates are neurodivergent themselves. The programme has been designed to be practical, accessible and supportive, with recordings, structured resources and flexible assessment timescales.

 

Do I need to be employed to join the Academy?

No.

We welcome delegates from a wide range of backgrounds, including career changers, self-employed professionals, those returning to work and people who are not currently employed.

 

I'd like to know more before enrolling. Can I speak to someone?

Of course.

We're always happy to answer questions and talk through whether the Academy is the right fit for you.

 

How the Academy Works

How is the Academy delivered?

The Academy is delivered online through eight live training sessions.

Alongside the live sessions you'll receive:

  • A comprehensive workbook
  • Downloadable tools and resources
  • Access to session recordings
  • Access to the Members' Hub
  • Ongoing support throughout the programme

 

Can I complete the Academy alongside a full-time job?

Yes.

The vast majority of our delegates complete the Academy alongside work, family life and other commitments.

The programme has been designed to fit around real life.

 

What happens if I can't attend a live session?

All sessions are recorded.

If life gets in the way and you're unable to attend a session live, you'll be able to catch up in your own time.

 

Can I re-watch the recordings?

Yes.

Many delegates revisit recordings after the live sessions to reflect on what they've learned and revisit key concepts.

 

Are session recordings private?

Yes.

Recordings are stored securely within the learning platform and are only available to Academy participants. They are never posted on public social media platforms.

 

Will I become part of a community?

Yes.

One of the things people often value most about the Academy is becoming part of the wider Messy Minds community.

You'll learn alongside like-minded people, build meaningful connections and continue to have access to support and opportunities after qualifying.

 

What You'll Learn

What will I learn?

Across the Academy, we work through the foundations of neurodivergent-informed coaching in a practical, strengths-based way.

Topics include:

  • Goal setting
  • Strengths
  • Executive functioning
  • Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
  • Careers
  • Understanding neurodivergent conditions and profiles
  • The Making Sense of Yourself programme
  • Coaching skills, frameworks and approaches
  • Professional boundaries
  • Ethical practice

You'll learn the Messy Minds framework, tools and approaches that help people understand who they are, how they work and what they need.

 

Will I get practical coaching experience?

Yes.

Practical coaching forms an important part of the Academy. You'll have opportunities to apply your learning, build confidence and develop your coaching skills throughout the programme.

 

Will I work with a real coaching client during the Academy?

Yes.

As part of the Academy, you'll work with a volunteer coaching client. This gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice, gain real coaching experience and develop confidence before qualifying.

 

Does the Academy include safeguarding?

The Academy covers safeguarding awareness, professional boundaries and ethical practice.

If you intend to specialise in working with younger children or young people, we recommend completing additional safeguarding training alongside your coaching qualification.

 

Assessment & Qualification

What does the final assessment involve?

The final assessment has two parts.

Part One: Recorded Coaching Session

You'll submit a recorded coaching session with your volunteer coaching client.

Alongside the recording, you'll complete a reflective write-up exploring what went well, what you learned, the coaching approaches you used and how your practice may continue to develop.

Part Two: Written Assessment

You'll also complete a written assessment of approximately 4,000 words.

This isn't a traditional academic essay. It's designed around reflecting on your learning, demonstrating your understanding of neurodivergent-informed coaching and applying the frameworks and approaches covered throughout the Academy.

The assessment is practical, applied and relevant to real coaching practice.

 

How long do I have to complete the assessment?

We generally ask delegates to submit their assessment within 90 days of completing their final volunteer coaching session.

Everyone progresses at a different pace, so this allows flexibility whilst still providing a clear timeframe to work towards.

 

Will I receive support with the assessment?

Absolutely.

We don't just disappear once the live sessions finish. Guidance and support are available throughout the programme, and we're always happy to answer questions and help if you get stuck along the way.

  

When can I start coaching?

Once you have successfully completed the Academy and passed the assessment, you'll become a certified Neurodivergent Coach and can begin coaching using the Messy Minds programme.

 

Can I charge for coaching after qualifying?

Yes.

Once qualified, you can begin charging for coaching and building your coaching practice.

 

Do I need another coaching qualification before I can coach?

No.

The Academy is a professional coaching certificate programme. Many people are completely happy coaching with their Messy Minds certification and choose not to take any further qualifications.

  

Coaching After Qualification

Who can I support as a coach?

Many of our coaches work with:

  • Adults with neurodivergent conditions
  • Secondary school-aged young people
  • Parents and carers
  • Individuals navigating education, employment and life transitions
  • Professionals and leaders

The coaching skills and understanding you gain are highly transferable across a range of settings.

 

What do people do after completing the Academy?

Everyone joins for different reasons.

Some people start their own coaching practice.

Others use coaching skills within existing roles in education, leadership, wellbeing, social work, family support and other people-focused professions.

Some are looking for career development, whilst others are making a complete career change.

 

Will I be listed on the Messy Minds website?

Yes.

Successful graduates are featured on our Find a Coach directory, helping potential clients discover and connect with Messy Minds coaches.

  

Coach Membership

What is the Coach Membership?

Once you've qualified, you'll have the option to join the Messy Minds Coach Membership.

The membership is designed to support you as you move from learning how to coach to building confidence as a practising coach.

Many coaches tell us that one of the things they value most is knowing they don't have to do it alone. Coaching can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when you're building experience, growing a business or navigating challenging client situations.

The Coach Membership provides an affordable way to access ongoing supervision, professional development and support from the wider Messy Minds community.

 

Do I have to join the Coach Membership?

No.

The Coach Membership is entirely optional.

Once you've qualified, you're free to coach independently. However, many coaches choose to join because they value the supervision, ongoing support, updated resources and sense of community that membership provides.

 

Why is supervision important?

Supervision is an important part of being a great coach.

It provides a safe space to reflect on your coaching practice, discuss challenges, learn from others and continue developing your skills.

Regular supervision helps coaches maintain professional standards, work ethically and ensure they are providing the best possible support to their clients.

For many coaches, supervision isn't just about solving problems. It's about continuing to grow, learn and build confidence throughout their coaching journey.

  

What is included in the Coach Membership?

Coach Membership includes:

  • Monthly group supervision
  • Ongoing support from the Messy Minds team
  • Access to updated tools and resources
  • Continued professional development opportunities
  • Listing on the Messy Minds Find a Coach directory
  • Access to the wider Messy Minds coach community
  • A supervised coach badge displayed on your Find a Coach profile

The supervised coach badge helps potential clients identify coaches who are actively participating in supervision, continuing their professional development and remaining engaged with the Messy Minds coaching community.

 

How will clients know I am actively supervised?

Coaches who are active members of the Coach Membership receive a supervised coach badge on their Find a Coach profile.

This provides additional reassurance to potential clients that their coach is committed to ongoing supervision, professional development and best practice.

 

How much does the Coach Membership cost?

Current membership fees are:

  • Individuals: £25 + VAT per month
  • Businesses: £50 + VAT per person, per month

Membership includes monthly supervision, ongoing support, updated resources, professional development opportunities and access to the wider Messy Minds coaching community.

 

Can I cancel my Coach Membership?

Yes.

The Coach Membership is entirely optional and can be cancelled at any time.

  • Individuals can cancel with 30 days' notice
  • Businesses can cancel with 90 days' notice

There are no long-term tie-ins. We want coaches to remain part of the community because they find value in it, not because they have to.

 

What insurance will I need as a coach?

All practising coaches should hold Professional Indemnity Insurance before working with clients.

Some coaches also choose to hold Public Liability Insurance, particularly if they deliver workshops, training or face-to-face sessions.

 

Does Messy Minds take a percentage of my coaching income?

No.

Any income you earn through your coaching practice remains yours.

  

ILM Level 5 Progression

Do I have to complete the ILM Level 5 qualification?

No.

The ILM Level 5 is entirely optional.

 

What happens if I want to progress to the ILM Level 5?

Once you've successfully completed the Academy, you'll be eligible to progress onto the ILM Level 5 pathway should you choose to continue your studies.

 

Does the Academy count towards the ILM Level 5?

Yes.

Your Academy assessment counts as your first ILM Level 5 assignment through the Recognition of Prior Learning route, meaning you'll already have made progress towards the qualification.

 

Do I need to decide about the ILM Level 5 now?

No.

Many delegates complete the Academy first and decide afterwards whether progressing to the ILM Level 5 is right for them.

  

Fees & Payment

How much does the Academy cost?

The Academy investment is £895 + VAT.

 

Are payment options available?

Payment options may be available through Klarna at checkout, subject to eligibility and availability.

 

Are funded or sponsored places available?

At present, we don't offer funded, sponsored or partnership-funded places on the Academy.

 

Does any of the fee go to charity?

Yes.

We donate £100 from every Academy place to The Brain Charity, helping support people living with neurodivergent conditions.