About the School

Meditation, for me, is a wonderful practice of letting go, being present and allowing awareness of who I really am to permeate. It’s always been a big part of my life as my parents were students of advaita philosophy and started to meditate in the early 60s before I was born. 

 My mum remembers an occasion when she was practising one day and could hear me as a toddler going in and out of the room. When she opened her eyes, I had arranged all my teddies and dollies in a circle around her to join in the meditation.

Then when I was 9, I asked if I could learn how to meditate and can still vividly remember skipping down the Talgarth Road after being introduced to mantra meditation by Dr Roles at the Study Society.

Growing up, especially in my teenage years, I didn’t always sit and practice – in fact I hardly ever did! But it did form the backdrop of my life and underpin many of my interests.

I grew up in London and became a primary school teacher and then a Headteacher and was lucky to work primarily in a school in London that valued meditation; we practised a short pause before and after every lesson and had a dedicated meditation room where teachers could go if they wanted when they were free during the day.

In 2020, I left full time teaching and had time to explore some of my other passions alongside being a Consultant for the Independent Association of Prep Schools and a mentor to new Headteachers.

I love chanting and have studied Sanskrit for many years and so I embarked on becoming a Sound Healing with the Voice Practitioner with the College of Sound Healing. I took up qigong and a deeper enquiry into energy work using Tibetan bowls, tuning forks and humming!

I also took the BSoM meditation teacher training course, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I loved every minute, even the course work! My own practice was revitalized and the qualification gave me the tools and support I needed to launch my own business as a meditation teacher. I was then invited to become a BSoM trainer, teaching the course in London, and in 2023 became co-owner of the school with my wonderful colleagues, Catherine and Sarah.

Life has ways of challenging us; it has its bumps in the road! But I am so grateful for the practice of meditation.

Testimonial

‘Catherine is one of those people everyone wants to be around. She's a unique mix of calm, quiet confidence, and curiosity, which results in a confidante of immense insight, serene reflection and infectious, instinctive optimism. When she told us she was becoming an accredited meditation teacher, it felt like the perfect next step. After all, she was wildly successful in living and teaching mindfulness to school children (and their parents), so using that talent for a wider audience seems like the obvious way for Catherine to put her calling to good use.’ John

About Sarah Presley

Clients often asked me if I would teach them to meditate, however I was reluctant without an official qualification. The British School of Meditation fitted the bill with its external accreditation and face-to-face training. I enjoyed the whole experience and found the training to be both professional and supportive. The course content had all the components for supporting me to be a meditation teacher but also how to incorporate it into a business setting too, in fact I felt it helped me to set down great foundations to go out and teach straight away. After qualifying, with distinction, I have worked in schools, businesses, but most importantly within my local community running regular beginners, intermediate and advanced courses as well as providing weekly meditation videos.

Testimonial

“Sarah is a truly beautiful soul who teaches with never-ending knowledge and genuine, friendly encouragement and support. She is always there for you every step of the way, if you need her, and she inspires you to build self-confidence in your skills without you even realising it. I totally loved this course” ~ Louise online student 2021.

In 2024 Sarah's Book 'Making Friends with yourself' was selected as a winner in the Platinum Awards for 'Best Book' Category. You can read more about Sarah's book and purchase a copy via her website here: https://sarahpresley.co.uk/making-friends-with-yourself/

About Catherine Banks

My daily meditation practice has helped me to help cope with grief and associated anxiety and depression, as well as a variety of other huge benefits, emotional, physical and spiritual. Meditation has most definitely been a wonderful gift for me, changing my life for the better in so many wonderful ways. For me, meditation is not just a practice, it’s a way of life.

After training with the British School of meditation in 2016 and receiving my externally accredited qualification, I began my own business as a meditation teacher and holistic therapist. I have since obtained a diploma in Mindfulness Based Stress reduction and am also a Reiki practitioner and EFT therapist. I have also studied for a Masters degree in Psychology, all of which inform my teaching and understanding of meditation and the wider impact of wellbeing.

My work as a meditation teacher has also allowed me to work within hospices, teaching meditation techniques to patients and staff and with various charities, including Barnardos UK, as well as with different corporations including ITV, LadBible and Volvo UK. I also am now honoured to specialise in working with people in bereavement, offering grief retreats and support thought meditation.  Over the years, I have worked with various clients, both private and corporate. With a background in law, I have been able to utilise my skills to help those suffering from stress in the workplace, as I have first-hand knowledge of how meditation can help in coping with high pressure at work.

Since becoming a meditation teacher with the British School of Meditation, I can honestly say that I have now found my passion in life, being able to share the gift of meditation with others is such a blessing. Now, as a trainer for the school and co-owner, my purpose is to help others to do the same; to follow their own passion in teaching meditation and share this gift further. As the teacher training course is externally accredited by Ascentis, enrolling on this course is definitely the best option for those wishing to teach meditation as a skill to others. The course allows you to delve into the theory behind meditation as well as the practicalities, helping you to become the best teacher you can be. Becoming part of the British School of Meditation will also be an invaluable support network along your journey. I am so grateful to be able to teach the BSoM course in Manchester, London and online.

Testimonials

I am very impressed with the British School of Meditation’s course, for several reasons. The content of the course was extensive and has given me the ability to go and run meditation courses confidently and with an in depth understanding of all the fundamental aspects of meditation. The professionalism of both the school and the individual teacher was to a very high standard. The school has clearly put a lot of effort into developing a brilliant course and it was delivered in an inspiring, interesting and varied way in terms of teaching methods. Catherine Banks as a teacher is a definite asset to the school and her knowledge, support, encouragement and all round kindness and compassion is a testimonial to what meditation can do for you, she clearly “practices what she preaches” as the saying goes. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone wishes to learn about meditation, as their ethos, professionalism, passion and knowledge is exemplary. - Janice Thompson, Manchester student