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Welcome to Ideal Schools
We are a family-run home study college who provide a complete range of bookkeeping, payroll and taxation courses to help you become a self-employed bookkeeper or work within a financial environment. We personalise our support to each individual student to ensure success.
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Make IDEAL Schools your #1 Training Partner

Personalised Tutorial Support
and Flexible Learning

Schedule your learning round your free time
Excellent Pass Rates
With our course pass guarantee!
Professional Certification
Students gain industry leading certifications
Start your journey with Ideal Schools

Our Top Selling Courses

AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
AAT-L1/22/BK
£110
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (SCQF Level 6 in Scotland)
AAT-L2/22
£557
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (SCQF Level 8 in Scotland)
AAT-L4/22
£872

Find your perfect course with Ideal Schools

Change Your Life by becoming a Bookkeeper or an Accountant
Every Business, large or small, is required by law to keep its financial records in good order. This involves recording all business transactions into manual records (ledgers) or, more commonly now, into a computerised accounting package, e.g. Sage.

From these records a qualified bookkeeper is then able to produce the Final Accounts, comprising the Profit & Loss Account and Balance Sheet. Qualified Bookkeepers are in great demand and a career as a part-time or full-time bookkeeper can be financially rewarding.

The UK has over 5 million private sector businesses, a number which is growing by around 250,000 per year.
An even more impressive figure – and one especially relevant for you – is that 99% are micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs).
With our fully accredited ICB and AAT home study courses, Ideal Schools provides a complete range of bookkeeping, payroll and taxation courses to help you become a self-employed bookkeeper or work within a financial environment.

Student Spotlight

Matt Port’s Fast-Track Success with Ideal Schools
If you picture a distance learning success story built on discipline, quiet determination, and a clear sense of purpose, you’ll find it in AAT Accounting student Matt Port. Starting his studies with Ideal Schools in March 2025, Matt has accelerated through Levels 2 and 3 in just months, begun Level 4, and balanced it all alongside running MVP Bookkeeping with his wife, Victoria. With remote invigilation, personalised tutor support, and a thoughtful approach to study, Matt is turning ambitious goals into real progress. His journey shows what’s possible when consistent effort meets the right learning environment.
Fanni Safer
From kitchen-table study sessions to running her own thriving accounting and bookkeeping practice, Fanni Saffer MICB PM Dip proves that determination, support, and practical learning can turn passion into success. Founder of Bee Balanced Accountancy, Fanni has built a business around family, flexibility, and helping local small businesses thrive. Her story highlights how Ideal Schools’ student-focused, practical approach to ICB training empowers learners to turn bookkeeping study into real-world achievement.
Tracy Bland – From Corporate Finance to Business Owner with Brigg Bookkeeping Ltd
At Ideal Schools, we love sharing the real stories behind our students’ journeys—the moments of decision, the challenges, and the triumphs. This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Tracy Bland, a finance professional who walked away from a demanding corporate career to build a flexible, fulfilling bookkeeping business. Her story is one of adaptability, perseverance, and the power of making bold career moves to fit life’s changing priorities.
Becca Hinchliffe's Journey with Payroll Management and the Ideal Schools Difference
Becca's journey in Payroll Management shows how Ideal Schools' flexible, tutor-supported learning empowers real-world career growth.
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