ILM Approved Centre

ILM Level 5 · Standalone qualification

Diploma in Leadership and Management

A standalone ILM Level 5 for mid-career managers leading teams of teams. Recognised across the public, private and third sector.

6-8Units

370TQT hours

6-18Months

£1,200From / learner

See pricing & book → Book a 25-min discovery call

Ofsted Good Skills England Approved Provider ILM Approved Centre ★ 4.9 / 5 · 690 reviews 72% distinction at EPA on our apprenticeships

Two ways to take this

Standalone, or embedded in an apprenticeship.

You can take ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management as a direct, self-funded or employer-paid qualification. Or you can get it embedded inside a TESS apprenticeship at no extra cost, with Coachy, our 24/7 AI tutor, included free.

Standalone (this page)

Direct qualification

You pay for the qualification only. Suits learners who already have a role and want a formal credential, or organisations not eligible for apprenticeship levy funding.

From £1,200 per learner
6-18 months
MInstLM on completion
Group discounts available

See pricing →

Apprenticeship route

AI for Operations Leaders L4 (CMI L5 embedded, similar pathway)

Same ILM Level 5 qualification, embedded inside a TESS apprenticeship at no extra cost. Adds Coachy AI tutor, a named skills coach, and the apprenticeship credential. 100% levy-funded for employers.

£0 out-of-pocket for levy payers · 5% for SMEs
ILM Level 5 qualification embedded free
Coachy AI tutor included free
Dedicated skills coach from day one through EPA

Apprenticeship route →

What you'll cover

6 units, mapped to Institute of Leadership & Management standards.

Each unit is delivered live online, supported by a named tutor, and assessed against ILM's national framework.

Becoming an Effective Leader

The shift from managing tasks to leading people through influence and clarity.

Managing Improvement

Continuous improvement practices and how to embed them without burning out the team.

Managing Stress and Conflict

Spotting it early, naming it and resolving it before it becomes a problem.

Leading Innovation and Change

Stewarding change at department level, comms, resistance, momentum.

Developing People in the Workplace

Building succession and the next layer of leaders below you.

Managing Financial Resources

Budget responsibility for non-finance leaders.

Investment

Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.

Full price includes all tutor support, ILM registration, assessment fees and certification on successful completion.

ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management · Standalone

£1,200 – £2,200

per learner · price varies with cohort size and delivery model

ILM learner registration and certification
All assessment fees included
Named tutor, live online delivery
MInstLM on successful completion
Group discounts from 5+ learners

Get a tailored quote →

Indicative pricing. Final cost confirmed on your discovery call based on cohort size, delivery model and any group discount. Funding via apprenticeship levy available, see the apprenticeship route above.

Why TESS for ILM

The accreditation, the outcomes, and the AI advantage.

Ofsted

Good provider

Independently inspected. Ofsted Good rating for our overall provision and outcomes for learners.

4.9★

690 verified reviews

Independently verified on Trustpilot (237) and Google (453). Real learners, real outcomes.

10K+

Learners trained

Across 1000+ employers, FTSE 100 to four-person SMEs. Public sector, retail, healthcare and beyond.

Specialist AI provider

The UK's specialist AI apprenticeship provider. Microsoft AI Industry Leader, Coachy AI tutor built in.

ILM Level 5 FAQs

ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management: your questions

The questions learners ask us most. Still unsure? Leave your details and we'll tailor the answer to you.

How much does the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management cost?

The ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management starts from £1,200 per learner as a standalone qualification. Taken inside a TESS apprenticeship it is 100% funded through the apprenticeship levy for levy-paying employers (5% co-investment for SMEs). We confirm your exact price on a short discovery call.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no rigid entry requirements, but the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management suits middle managers and department heads with some practical experience. We confirm the right fit on a quick discovery call.

How long does the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management take?

At TESS the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management typically takes 6–18 months of blended, flexible study (around 370 total qualification hours), built to fit around your role.

Who is the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for?

It is built for middle managers and department heads.

What does the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management lead to?

It is a nationally recognised ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management, part of City & Guilds) qualification, regulated by Ofqual. It is a strong platform to progress to the all ILM levels.

Can it be funded through the apprenticeship levy?

Yes — taken as part of a TESS apprenticeship, the qualification is embedded at no extra cost and fully funded through the apprenticeship levy for levy-paying employers (5% for SMEs), with Coachy (our 24/7 AI tutor) and a named skills coach included. Explore our AI-enabled apprenticeships.

What is ILM Level 5 equivalent to?

ILM Level 5 sits at RQF Level 5 — the same level as a foundation degree, an HND, or the second year of an undergraduate degree. It is a recognised step toward Level 7 (master's level).

Talk to TESS

How do you want to start?

Two ways forward. Pick the one that suits you.

Leave your details

Tell us your level, cohort size and goals. We will send a tailored quote and route map covering the standalone option and the apprenticeship route if you're eligible.

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Book a 25-min discovery call

Speak directly with our ILM specialists. Walk through pricing, content, delivery options and group discounts live. No deck, no pressure.

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