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- AAT Courses
Advance Your Career and Maximise Your Earning Potential with AAT Qualifications
Boost your career and earning potential with AAT qualifications designed to give credit to your bookkeeping and accounting skills. Discover how our flexible home-study AAT courses can support your professional growth while balancing work and personal commitments. Learn why Ideal Schools’ experienced instructors and support make all the difference.
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Autumn Budget 2024: Key Takeaways for Individuals and Businesses
Rachel Reeves unveiled her debut Autumn Budget, marking the first Labour budget in over a decade. From tax hikes to wage increases, these measures could impact everyone—from homeowners and business owners to everyday earners. We’ve highlighted the key changes below, with full details available in our Autumn Budget 2024 Newsletter.
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How Our Family-Run Business Offers Personalised Support in Online Bookkeeping Training
Discover how our family-run business provides personalised support to online bookkeeping students. We combine decades of experience with a personal, hands-on approach to ensure your success in bookkeeping courses. Our tutors and community are dedicated to helping you thrive.
(Image shows some members of the Ideal Schools' family at our 40th anniversary celebration)
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Level Up: Why Advanced Bookkeeping Qualifications Are the Key to Career Growth
To stand out in today's competitive job market, bookkeepers need more than just basic certification. Whether you're looking to advance your career, expand your services, or transition into self-employment, pursuing advanced qualifications—like our ICB Level 4 programme and Level 3 stand-alone Payroll Management qualification — can unlock new opportunities for your future. Read on to find out more.
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Why Bookkeepers Love Our Employee Sponsorship Scheme: Upskilling for the Future
In today’s competitive business environment, having a skilled team is crucial for success. Ideal Schools' Employee Sponsorship Scheme offers a flexible and comprehensive solution for companies looking to invest in their employees’ professional development without disrupting daily operations. Our online courses cater to busy professionals, allowing them to learn at their own pace while maintaining productivity. With a wide range of subjects available—from basic bookkeeping to advanced payroll management—employees gain practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios. Plus, employers benefit from tailored progress reports to track performance and return on investment. Enrol your staff today to future-proof your business, and enjoy a 10% discount using code ESS10.
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Student Showcase: Stephanie Marshall – Building Better Businesses with Ideal Schools
Discover how Stephanie Marshall MICB PM Dip. transformed her passion for business into a thriving bookkeeping career with Ideal Schools. From launching her own business, A B C S UK, to hosting the popular 3Bz podcast, Stephanie's journey showcases the power of expert training, the supportive Ideal Schools community, and her ICB qualifications. Learn how she continues to grow, mentor, and inspire fellow business owners through collaboration, mentorship, and her unwavering dedication to helping businesses succeed.
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Guest Blog: Exploring A Career in Accounting or Bookkeeping? Here’s What To Consider
Are you considering a career in the financial sector? This guide will help you explore the exciting opportunities in accounting and bookkeeping.
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How to Transition from Bookkeeping to Accounting
Today, the role of a professional bookkeeper extends into areas once handled by accountants. Many are drawn to the title of accountant because it can boost career prospects. Transitioning from bookkeeping to accounting can broaden your skills and unlock new opportunities in finance. This journey involves understanding the differences between the two roles, developing advanced accounting skills, obtaining relevant qualifications such as AAT certifications, and gaining practical experience in accounting tasks. Leveraging technology, staying updated on industry trends, and engaging in continuous professional development are also key to making a successful transition. At Ideal Schools, we offer a range of courses and resources to support you in advancing from bookkeeping to accounting, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this evolving field.
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The Benefits of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in 2024
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for staying competitive in today’s evolving job market. In 2024, the benefits of CPD include career advancement, enhanced professional credibility, skill enhancement, staying ahead of industry trends, improved job security, and valuable networking opportunities. Engaging in CPD demonstrates your commitment to professional growth, making you a more valuable asset to employers and positioning you for success. At Ideal Schools, we provide a variety of CPD courses to help you achieve your professional goals.
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How to Build a Successful Online Bookkeeping Business
Building a successful online bookkeeping business offers flexibility, a wide client base, and significant income potential. Key steps include developing a solid business plan, selecting the right tools, building a professional website, and effectively marketing your services. Focusing on building strong client relationships and staying updated with industry trends through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are also crucial for success. At Ideal Schools, we offer a range ICB and AAT courses to ensure you are properly qualified, and also CPD courses and resources to help you keep your knowledge up-to-date and relevant.
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Key Accounting Trends to Watch in 2025
As we approach 2025, the accounting field is set to experience significant changes, with key trends including the increased adoption of AI and cloud-based solutions, a greater focus on data security, and the rise of green accounting. Accountants will also need to develop specialised skills and improve soft skills to remain competitive. Staying informed about these trends and investing in professional development through courses and CPD opportunities will help you stay ahead and succeed in this evolving field.
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Re-entering the Workforce: the Bittersweet Journey of Retraining as a Bookkeeper
As children head back to school, many parents face the bittersweet reality of newfound freedom and the question of re-entering the workforce. Are you looking for a flexible, rewarding career that aligns with your family’s needs? Have you considered bookkeeping? Discover how retraining as a bookkeeper can help you embrace this next chapter of your life with confidence and purpose.
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Top 10 Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business Owners
Effective bookkeeping is essential for the success of any small business. Keeping accurate and up-to-date financial records not only helps you manage your finances but also ensures you are prepared for tax time and can make informed business decisions.
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How to Prepare for AAT Exams: A Comprehensive Study Plan
Master your AAT exams with our comprehensive study plan. Learn effective strategies, tips, and resources to help you succeed in your AAT qualifications.
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The Role of Automation in Bookkeeping: Pros and Cons
Explore the role of automation in bookkeeping, including the benefits and potential drawbacks. Learn how to effectively integrate automated solutions to enhance your bookkeeping practice.
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The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Bookkeeping
Discover the ins and outs of freelance bookkeeping with our ultimate guide. Learn how to start, manage, and grow your freelance bookkeeping business effectively.
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Top Accounting Software for Bookkeepers in 2024
Discover the best accounting software for bookkeepers in 2024. Enhance your efficiency and accuracy with these top-rated tools, recommended by Ideal Schools.
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How to Market Your Bookkeeping Services Effectively
Learn how to market your bookkeeping services effectively with our comprehensive guide. Attract more clients and grow your business with these proven strategies.
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Annemarie Vernege's Journey: From Diverse Career Paths to Bookkeeping Success
Annemarie Vernege shares her journey back to her passion for accounting and her acquisition of a bookkeeping practice licence through her study with Ideal Schools. She discusses her strategies for setting up her practice. This post also covers the benefits and challenges of home study and self-employment.
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What is a Portfolio Career, and Do I Want One?
I was talking to an old friend recently who asked me what I was doing these days. I told her I had several small jobs and projects including volunteering. She corrected me and told me that I had a ‘portfolio career’. We laughed about this at the time but afterwards it got me thinking – what is a portfolio career and is it a good thing that I have one?
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Practice Spotlight: Celtic Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services
Leanda Daddow and the team from Celtic Bookkeeping And Accountancy Services discuss their business journey and Ideal Schools’ on-going role in their success
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Jayne Clifford-Greening Discusses Her Career Goals
Jayne Clifford-Greening discusses her career goals, the obstacles she faces and why giving up is not the answer when life gets challenging
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The Power of Belonging: How Ideal Schools’ Virtual Welcome Meetings Enhance Your Study Experience
It was lovely to ‘meet’ everyone and great to know others are studying at the same time! I look forward to connecting with them more in the future.
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Fuel for Focus: How to Keep Motivated to Study in Winter
Introduction You’d be forgiven for thinking that winter is the perfect time to hit the books and power through your coursework, but not everyone finds this to be the case.
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Sharon Morris discusses how her bookkeeping training with Ideal Schools has given her the work-life balance she craves
My work-life balance is exactly where I wanted it to be when I set out, and I probably work part-time hours for a full-time wage now. We recently spoke to...
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Ideal Schools Student Denise Gibson is ICB Student of the Year 2023
Our college has always been about our people which is why we are so delighted with our 2023 Institute of Certified Bookkeepers LUCA Awards success. Denise Gibson started with us...
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Sarah Povey’s Ideal Schools Experience: A Springboard to a Successful Accountancy Practice
Getting started Sarah started training with Ideal Schools in early 2013 and with their help and her own commitment and hard work, achieved distinctions in ICB Level 2, 3 and...
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Emma MacPherson’s Career Development Journey with Ideal Schools
Introduction Recent Ideal Schools student Emma MacPherson has had quite the professional and training journey over her time with Ideal Schools. In this article, we share her experiences.
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Ideal Schools Founder, Elias van den Akker, talks to The Herald about his retirement
As was recently reported both on our site and elsewhere, our college recently celebrated forty years in business. Off the back of this milestone event, we are undergoing some restructuring.
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Celebration of Ideal Schools 40 Years in Business
We’re pleased that our recent celebration and plans for the future have been written about, as well as the restructuring at the top of our organisation.
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“I’m Too Old to Change Career”
Are you really though? People are no longer sticking to one career for life and that shows no sign of changing anytime soon. So what might that mean for you?
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Course Spotlight – Study ICB Level 2 and 3 with Ideal Schools and get Free Level 4 Self-Assessment Taxation Course in September
Introduction: In today’s constantly changing job market, it is vital to remain flexible and future-proof your career where possible. If you can ensure the qualifications you acquire are versatile, this...
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Cheers to 40 Years – Ideal Schools celebrates 40 Years in business
We recently celebrated our 40 years in business with a reception and dinner at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. The event was attended by students past and present...
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Top 7 Benefits of Studying AAT Courses at Ideal Schools for a Rewarding Career in Accounting and Finance
Introduction: Considering a career in accounting and finance? Studying an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) course at Ideal Schools is the perfect way to kickstart your journey. AAT qualifications are...
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Conquer Your Bookkeeping Goals with the AAT Level 2 Certificate at Ideal Schools
Dive into the world of bookkeeping and accounting with our AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, a qualification offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Ideal Schools, leading UK...
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Nicola Tennant’s Courageous Leap into Bookkeeping: A Tale of Resilience and Success
Introduction: The Emergence of a Dream “Being self-employed and working from home,” was a distant dream for Nicola Tennant until she made the bold decision to step out of her...
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ICB Bookkeeping Course with Ideal Schools Can Create New Career Opportunities
Introduction: The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest bookkeeping institute in the world, offering professional qualifications for individuals looking to enter or advance in the bookkeeping and accounting...
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How to Choose the Right Bookkeeping Course for Your Career Goals
Introduction: Launching a bookkeeping career can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, with a variety of courses available, choosing the right one to suit your career goals can be...
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Balancing Work, Life and Study: Ideal Schools’ Tips for Students
Introduction: Setting off on a new educational journey can be both interesting and challenging. For many Ideal Schools students, juggling work, personal life, and study can be a daunting task.
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Lisa Cresswell’s Inspiring Journey to Bookkeeping Success
Introduction: Embarking on a new career path can be both exciting and challenging. In this article, we share the inspirational story of Lisa Cresswell, who transformed her passion for finance
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Student Success Webinar with ICB re Level 4 – Supercharge Your Earning Potential
On Tuesday 25th April, IDEAL Schools took part in a webinar, hosted by ICB’s CEO Ami Copeland and ICB’s Director of Learning, Peter Stewart, which looked at the advantages of adding ICB’s Level
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Success Story
As we creep towards our official 40th Birthday celebrations, a reporter kindly penned a piece, to acknowledge our recent Luca Awards success. This was picked up by a number of renowned business websites, who were delighted to share our story
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ICB LUCA Award Success
We are delighted to have been awarded the following at the ICB 2022 LUCA awards, held 7th November. A testament to the expertise, dedication and hard work of all staff,
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Stay Connected
We have always prided ourselves on how friendly and approachable we are as a college and we are always looking at ways that increase the connectivity between college and student.
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Tax Filer Webinars - March 2022
5 FREE webinars highlighting the benefits of Tax Filer software
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How to apply for a New Agent Code
Louise Woodhouse guides you through the process of becoming a self-assessment tax agent....
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ICB Luca Awards (2021) - Tutor of the Year
Louise has become our 5th tutor to win this award. She's brilliant and her student love her.
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Clare Lee
Clare’s fight-back from ill-health led her to a new career in bookkeeping with assistance from Ideal Schools
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Bookkeeping Training Provider of the Year
Best Bookkeeping Training Provider – Scotland in the 2021 Education & Training Awards from Corporate Vision Magazine
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Tracy Irvine
A former shop worker in South Wales has seen her business take off after retraining as a bookkeeper.
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Nicola Fallon
Pandemic has been life-changing chance to learn for Salford mum
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The Bookkeepers' Oscars
This Sunday 25th April sees the 93rd Academy Awards take place......
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ICB Luca Awards - 2020
It was a night to remember.......
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Clare Kendall
A year to remember for Lincolnshire bookkeeping business
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Susan Lang & Juliet McKenna
Tyneside bookkeeping business is on a growth curve
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Mental Health Week
The third week of May each year means the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.....
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Kate Dell
Wiltshire farm bookkeeper plants seeds of new enterprise with Ideal Schools
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Naomi Harris
Manchester Mum finds mojo to go it alone after home study course with Ideal Schools......
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Rosie Clarke
GB Athlete Partners with Ideal Schools in Training for Life after Sporting Career.....
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The importance of continued professional development (CPD)
Why is CPD important? Why does it matter?
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Jane Gray
Major Career Switch has Ideal Schools Student on Path to Grow Her Own Business
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Helen Armstrong
Businesswoman Chooses Ideal Schools to Formalise her Bookkeeping Credentials and Launch Her New Business Faster
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Ann Edwards
Bookkeeper Looks to Pay It Forward After Studying with Ideal Schools
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Mike Wadham
It is never too late to start rebuilding your career......
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ICB LUCA Awards (2018) - Student of the Year
Louise's journey from student to successful bookkeeper has been amazing and we are so proud of her and pleased that her efforts have been awarded.....
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How mum, Emi, finds the right balance.....
Two of our students and ICB members are featured in this article from the national press. #betterbookkeeping
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Tatsiana Sviatsets
"Ideal Schools had the best reviews and some very attractive portfolios of courses."
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Rasa DAlton
"I would recommend Ideal Schools to anyone wishing to qualify as a well-trained bookkeeper.”
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Emily Darnton
"I decided that the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers’ (ICB) qualification was best for me...."
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Jason Dalton
Jason so valued his Ideal Schools’ experience he’s putting two of his qualified employees through its payroll course.
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Samantha Shipley
ICB definitely had the best way to go into business for myself....
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Christine Aplin
Continuing to learn is important to me, and I think it is great that Ideal Schools....
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Louise Woodhouse
within 14 months, I had fully qualified with my practice licence....
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Alessandra Lanzalaco
Ideal Schools’ online learning support helps London woman secure her dream job in the world of finance....
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Nicola Hutchings
I want my business to have the same sort of approachability, and the same friendliness....
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Business Confidence - Part 4
It isn't easy to make the leap from a bookkeeping student...
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David Cavanagh
I am a big believer in small businesses, and helping their owners to see the bigger picture, and what can be done to help them grow....
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ICB LUCA Awards (2017) - Employed Bookkeeper of the Year
Our student, Emma Jauncey, joins a long list of IDEAL students who've gone on to achieve great things on the back of their study.
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Joanne Turner
I’ve done almost every course offered by Ideal Schools, and each one brought me more skills....
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Business Confidence - Part 3
It isn't easy to make the leap from a bookkeeping student...
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Joanne Osborne
I want to provide more than just accounting, and to do it with style, with passion and with optimism.....
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ICB LUCA Awards (2017 - New Practice of the Year
Following on from his 2016 Student of the Year success, Terry Ramm has made a fantastic success in his new career as a Bookkeeper...
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ICB LUCA Awards (2017) - Tutor of the Year
Our proud history in this category continues as Eszter Petrinovics becomes our fourth tutor to be awarded this accolade....
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Business Confidence - Part 2
How do you eat an elephant?
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Tracey Crewdson
I thought, ‘well, I can add up!’ So I looked into bookkeeping.....
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Lisa MacLeod
Motherhood starts some women down the path to training as bookkeepers......
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Theresa (Terry) Peers
Her life-long gift for numbers stood her in good stead....
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From farming to finance...
Kathryn Cowin merges her passion for animals and numbers to forge a successful career as a bookkeeper.
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Paul Maddison
Everyone who comes to bookkeeping later in life brings the expertise of their former profession.....
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Business Confidence - Part 1
It isn't easy to make the leap from a bookkeeping student with all the relevant theory to being a practicing bookkeeper.
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Jessica Harrison
I wanted to be able to run my own business around the kids....
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ICB LUCA Awards (2017)
IDEAL Schools were proud to have an impressive representation at the 2017 LUCA wards, where our tutors and students picked up prestigious awards.
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IDEALs Top Ten Study Tips
Home study offers great flexibility to fit study around family and work commitments. However, if you follow our study tips, you'll be on the to exam success in no time at all.
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Yet more student exposure...
Ideal Schools' expertise lies in specialist bookkeeping & accounting training, via home study. However, we continue to support students after study is completed and this includes helping to promote their new business ventures.
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Jonathan Kemp
Everyone I spoke to had the knowledge at their fingertips
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Bookkeeping business goes from strength to strength
This is yet another example of Ideal Schools supporting their students who have gone onto practice, by distributing news of their successes in their local media.
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Ricardo Pereira
I knew that Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) certification was what I wanted!
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Mark Williams
Mark wanted more control over his own career!
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ICB LUca Awards - 2016
On 29th November 2016 IDEAL Schools and their students enjoyed one of their most successful nights at the prestigious ICB Luca awards,
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ICB LUCA Awards (2016) - Most Effective use of Social Media
Our private Facebook group pages also take away the feeling of isolation that can sometimes be felt with home study, providing the chance to communicate with other students and tutors, creating a true feeling of community. The huge success of these groups is a great credit to all involved.
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ICB LUCA Awards (2016) - Best Large Practice
Our association with Michelle goes back many years and during this time she has shown a first class dedication in her study, carrying this forward with focused determination as she set up her very successful practice, ValueAdd Business Solutions.
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ICB LUCA Awards (2016) - Student of the Year
When joining Ideal Schools in October 2015 he had a clear goal of qualifying by the summer of 2017. Since then, not only has he completed his original training package....
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Marie Wells
Marie Launches new Antrim bookkeeping business
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Vip Patel
Restlessness, and a desire to give back
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S1 Jobs
When asking a question about preparing properly for a career in bookkeeping& account, who better to ask than a college with 33 years of experience in guiding their students toward a successful career path.
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Eszter Petrinovics
Our student successes are very pleasing and in Eszter's case we also able to benefit from her vast business experience, where she not only runs her own successful business, but she also helps to tutor our students toward exam success.
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The Herald - Small Business Focus
Our reputation for offering high quality bookkeeping and accounting training via home study, covering the entire UK and beyond, was recently highlighted in Scotland's leading broadsheet.
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ICB Training Provider of the year 2009/10
The night of Thursday 26th of November 2009 was a very special night indeed for all involved with Ideal Schools.
Part of the highly successful ICB International Conference involved an awards dinner where we received the ICB Tuition Provider of the Year award and one of our students, Shirley Atterbury, won the Student of the Year award.
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ICB Student of the Year 2009/10
This year, as well as winning the Provider of the Year award, we were delighted to have involvement in the Student of the Year category.
The story of Shirley Atterbury is one that should inspire us all. In spite of a serious illness, Shirley used her studies to help her through her treatment, and still managed distinction passes. It was a pleasure to meet her at the dinner, and I don’t think anyone could argue that her award was fully deserved.
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ICB Student of the Year 2011
In November (2011) ICB hosted another very successful conference, which included an awards dinner, where two of our students were nominated for Student of the Year.
Mr Moolchand Dubey and Mrs Leisa Turnbull should be very proud of themselves to have been shortlisted in the final 5, from thousands of students.
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BKN Training Provider of the Year 2011
On 1st November 2011 we were delighted to be awarded the BKN Training Provider of the Year award. We are honoured to receive this valuable recognition for the hard work put in by all our tutorial and administrative staff. Our sincere thanks go to all those who voted for us.
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ICB Student of the Year 2012
We are absolutely delighted to announce that our student, Edward Brenninkmeijer, has been awarded the ICB LUCA award for Student of the Year 2012, at ICB Awards dinner held at the Savoy Hotel, London, this November. This is the third year running that an Ideal Schools student has won this award, which should give hope to all students starting out on the studies.
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ICB Tutor of the Year 2012
On Tuesday 6th November 2012 we watched with great pride as our tutor, Jo Tester-Wilson, was awarded the ICB LUCA award for Tutor of the Year 2012. In her years tutoring for Ideal Schools Jo has shown a fantastic enthusiasm for her work, sharing her knowledge and experiences with students and helping them achieve their exam successes with flying colours.
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BKN Training Provider of the Year 2012
On 2nd October 2012 we were delighted to hear that we’d been awarded the BKN Training Provider of the Year 2012 award, for the second year running,
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ICB Tutor of the Year 2013
For the second year in a row, one of our tutors has been awarded ICB Tutor of the Year, which is further proof that our tutorial services are of the highest quality. Brian McVean received his award on Monday 9th December from HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the very impressive Lancaster House, London.
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BKN Training Provider of the Year 2013
On 2nd October 2013, for the third year in a row, we are delighted to have been awarded the BKN Training Provider of the Year award. As our college was founded in October 1983 we could not have asked for a better start to our 30th Anniversary celebrations.
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ICB Outstanding Achievement Award 2014
On Wednesday 19th November 2014 the ICB held their annual awards dinner. At the end of the evening, two special LUCAs were announced.
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ICB Student of the Year 2015
Alison Duncan
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Nicky Hagenbeek
Back to work on her own terms
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Veronica Vladiuc
AAT Member & Student
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Sandra Douglas
My practice is increasingly successful!
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Lynda Smith
CIMA to ICB
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Age is no barrier
Our student, Terry Ramm, has done fantastically well in achieving his goals well ahead of schedule. We will use our own contacts to maximise his exposure as a practicing bookkeeper.
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A move that really adds up!
Leisa Turnbull, 39, is a self-employed bookkeeper. She lives in Horsham, West Sussex with her husband Andy and two daughters, Jessica 12 and Katie 9.
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A move that really adds up – Home Study experts’ bookkeeping success
Looking for a career you can count on? The IDEAL Schools can ensure your future isn’t left in the balance.
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Karen Cain
Karen's story
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Terry Ramm
Age is no Barrier!
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ICB LUCA Awards (2016) - Tutor of the Year
We are all very proud that Scot has become the third IDEAL tutor to be presented with this prestigious award.
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