Kaplan Financial

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Kaplan Financial Ltd

Company type	Private
Industry	Education
Founded	1958
Headquarters	179–191 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR England
Key people	Søren Kroon, Managing Director Kaplan Financial, Stacey Fitzimmons, Managing Director Kaplan Professional Education, CEO
Parent	Kaplan, Inc.
Website	Kaplan.co.uk

Kaplan Financial Ltd is a UK-based provider of professional training and qualifications in accountancy, tax, and financial services. Founded in 1958, Kaplan Financial is part of Kaplan Inc., a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company. Kaplan Financial has more than 48,000 students a year. Kaplan Financial prepares students for professional accountancy and tax exams including the AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CTA and ATT, and investment qualifications such as CFA, CAIA, CISI, ESG, FRM, IMC. Kaplan Financial also offers a range of postgraduate courses including MBA, MA and MSc, as well as management and personnel qualifications.

Kaplan Financial delivers training through multiple formats, including classroom-based learning, live online courses, and self-paced study. It works with individuals, businesses, and apprenticeship providers to support career development in the finance sector. The company has training centres across the UK and also provides digital learning solutions for students globally.

Kaplan Financial works with individuals, businesses, and apprenticeship providers to support career development in the finance sector. The company offers apprenticeship programmes in accounting and financial services, combining study with work-based learning. Additionally, Kaplan Financial provides in-house training solutions for businesses, tailoring programmes to meet corporate learning and development needs.

Kaplan Financial was formerly known as the Financial Training Company, then as FTC Kaplan after its acquisition in February 2003 by Kaplan, Inc., a global provider of education and training services. FTC also produced exam-focused study materials, test prep and courses for the American Academy of Financial Management, AAT, ACCA and CIMA that were also used widely in other training institutions in the public and private sectors. These materials are now produced by Kaplan Publishing, another company in the Kaplan group.

Kaplan Financial Ltd, a subsidiary of Kaplan Inc., has established itself as a leading provider of professional training in accountancy, tax, and financial services within the UK. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA, and CFA, delivered through classroom-based learning, live online courses, and self-paced study.

In April 2021, Kathy Walton was appointed as CEO of Kaplan Financial UK, bringing extensive experience in apprenticeships and professional education. In early 2025, Walton stepped down from her role, after a structural review of the leadership team. As a result, Kaplan created the role of Managing Director for Kaplan Professional Education, merging the responsibilities of CEO and COO. Stacey Fitzsimmons, previously Chief Operating Officer, was appointed to this position. Fitzsimmons has been with Kaplan for over 21 years and has held leadership roles in regional operations and delivery, playing a key role in the company’s successful Ofsted review in 2024.

Kaplan Financial continues to update its course offerings to meet industry demands. In recent years, it has introduced programmes focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable finance. Additionally, in November 2024, Ofsted rated Kaplan’s apprenticeship provision as ""Good"" overall, with an ""Outstanding"" rating for personal development, recognising its impact on over 8,000 apprentices.

Kaplan Financial Ltd operates as part of Kaplan Professional Education, which aligns with Kaplan UK’s broader educational objectives. This integration allows Kaplan to leverage global resources and expertise, enhancing its ability to support students and professionals in the UK and internationally.

Major acquisitions in the last decade include:

• 2003—UK Accountancy Tuition Centres Ltd (ATC), provider of accountancy and professional training in the UK^[1]
• 2003—Emile Woolf Colleges Ltd., provider of CIMA and ACCA training^[2]
• 2003—AT Foulks Lynch Ltd., publisher of accountancy training materials for ACCA, CIMA, AAT and CAT syllabi^[2]
• 2003—Portman College of Management, a Newcastle-based professional school offering management training programmes^[3]
• 2008—Hawksmere Limited, a London-based training and conference provider^[4]
• 2009—West of England Language Services Limited (WELS), an international group of English language schools located in the United States, Australia, and the UK^[5]
• 2016 - Osborne Books: An educational publisher specialising in learning resources for accounting qualifications in the UK.

• 2025 - Kaplan was named 'Large Training Provider of the Year' at the AAT Training Provider Awards.
• 2025 - Kaplan won 'Best Use of Technology in Training' at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA) for their Open Question Feedback initiative
• 2024 - Kaplan won two PQ Magazine Awards - Accountancy College of the Year (Private sector) and Podcast of the Year for Kaplan’s Learn Better podcast
• 2024 - Kaplan's Learning Development and Design team won gold at the Learning Technologies Awards 2023, in the category “Excellence in the design of learning content - commercial sector”.
• 2023 - Kaplan tutor, Matt Dean, won Lecturer of the Year at the PQ Awards
• 2022 - PQ Award for Apprentice Training Programme- Deloitte and Kaplan
• 2021 - Kaplan won Learning Technologies Award for Best Learning Game

As of 2025, Kaplan has 16 training centres located up and down the UK as well as Distance Learning, Live Online, OnDemand products. These are:

• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Cambridge
• Cardiff
• Dublin Business School
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• London Bridge
• London Islington
• Manchester
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle
• Norwich
• Nottingham
• Reading
• Southampton

Kaplan Financial Ltd provides training for a range of professional qualifications in accountancy, tax, financial services, and data & technology. Its programmes are delivered through multiple study options, including classroom-based learning, live online courses, self-paced study, and digital learning platforms.

Professional qualifications - Kaplan offers training for several globally recognised qualifications, including:

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – covering financial management, taxation, auditing, and business law.

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) – focusing on management accounting and business strategy.

ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant, ICAEW) – training for those pursuing chartered accountancy with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) – foundational and advanced training for aspiring accountants and bookkeepers.

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – specialised training in investment management and financial analysis.

Apprenticeships and corporate training - Kaplan works with employers to deliver accounting, financial services, and data apprenticeships, offering structured learning alongside work experience. These apprenticeships range from Level 2 (foundation) to Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree). Kaplan also provides in-house corporate training solutions, tailored to organisations' needs in finance, business, leadership, and digital skills.

Data and technology programmes - In response to industry demand, Kaplan has expanded its offering in data and technology, including:

Data analytics and data science – covering data visualisation, Python, SQL, and machine learning applications in finance.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing – training on sustainable finance and responsible investment strategies.

AI and automation in finance – exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming accounting and financial decision-making.

Digital learning and online platforms - Kaplan offers flexible learning options through its MyKaplan platform, which provides:

On-demand video lectures and interactive resources

Progress tracking and adaptive learning tools

Live tutor support and student discussion forums

Kaplan Financial Ltd continues to evolve its services to meet the changing needs of professionals in finance, accountancy, and data-driven industries.

Study Methods - Kaplan Financial Ltd provides a range of study methods to suit different learning preferences and professional schedules. These methods are designed to offer flexibility while ensuring comprehensive coverage of the course material.

1. Classroom-based Learning

Description: Traditional face-to-face teaching in a classroom environment, delivered by experienced tutors.

Benefits:

• Direct interaction with tutors and peers.

• Structured learning with set schedules.

• Immediate feedback and support.

• Encourages discipline and accountability through regular attendance.

2. Live Online Learning

Description: Real-time online classes with tutors, allowing students to interact, ask questions, and participate in discussions from anywhere.

Benefits:

• Flexibility to attend from any location.

• Live interaction with tutors and fellow students.

• Access to recorded sessions for review.

• Suitable for those who prefer live instruction but need more flexibility than classroom-based learning.

3. On-demand Learning

Description: Self-paced online learning, where students access pre-recorded lessons and materials at their convenience.

Benefits:

• Complete flexibility to study at any time and from anywhere.

• Ideal for students with unpredictable schedules or those balancing work and study.

• Access to a wide range of online resources, such as video lectures, interactive content, and quizzes.

• No set class times, allowing for tailored study hours.

4. Blended Learning

Description: A combination of classroom-based learning and online study. Students attend certain sessions in person and complete others online at their own pace.

Benefits:

• Flexibility to balance both structured learning and independent study.

• Allows students to take advantage of in-person interaction while fitting in personal study time.

• Suitable for those who benefit from both types of learning environments.

5. Self-paced Study

Description: Independent study with comprehensive study materials provided, allowing students to progress through the content at their own speed.

Benefits:

• Complete control over the pace of learning.

• Ideal for students with a high level of self-motivation and discipline.

• Flexibility to work around other commitments.

• Access to tutor support when needed, without the need to attend scheduled classes.

6. Corporate Training and In-house Learning

Description: Customised training programmes delivered within organisations to meet specific business needs, either online or in-person.

Benefits:

• Tailored to an organisation’s specific objectives, improving relevancy and efficiency.

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate business operations.

• In-house delivery by expert tutors who understand the business context.

• Often includes post-training support and development for employees.

7. Apprenticeship Programmes

Description: A work-based learning approach that combines practical experience with study for professional qualifications. Apprentices attend training sessions while working full-time in the field.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience combined with academic study.

• Earn while you learn, supporting financial independence.

• Employer-backed development that aligns with career progression.

• Structured pathway to achieving recognised qualifications.

• These study methods are designed to meet the diverse needs of students, offering flexibility and a variety of options to enhance the learning experience.

Kaplan partners with CGMA, ACCA, AAT and ICAEW to deliver qualification training.

ACCA Finance Analyst (Level 3)

Accounts or Finance Assistant (Level 2)

Accountancy or Taxation Professional (Level 7)

Assistant Accountant (Level 3)

Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician (Level 4)

Internal Audit Practitioner (Level 4)

Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist (Level 3)

Credit Controller and Collector (Level 2)

Accountancy or Taxation Professional (Level 7)

Professional Accounting or Taxation Technician (Level 4)

Compliance and Risk Officer (Level 3)

Financial Services Professional (Level 6)

Senior Compliance and Risk Specialist (Level 6)

Business Analyst (Level 4)

Data Analyst (Level 4)

Data User (Level 3)

Digital Product Manager (Level 4)

Information Communications Technician (Level 3)

Kaplan Financial Ltd is dedicated to supporting social responsibility, community engagement, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) through a variety of initiatives and programmes. The company actively participates in apprenticeships and workplace learning opportunities, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds develop the skills necessary to thrive in the financial sector. Kaplan’s EDI strategy focuses on creating an inclusive environment where all employees, learners, and stakeholders feel valued and empowered, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or disability. The company partners with organisations such as The Prince's Trust and Young Enterprise to offer career development and mentoring opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities. Additionally, Kaplan provides tailored support for neurodivergent learners and promotes accessible learning materials to accommodate different learning needs.

Kaplan is also committed to sustainability through initiatives that promote green finance and responsible business practices, integrating these values into its educational offerings. The company works with local communities and non-profits to offer financial literacy programmes, helping individuals better manage their finances. Through these efforts, Kaplan Financial Ltd strives to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce while contributing to the development of a skilled and responsible society.

• Kaplan Financial Ltd. official website
• Kaplan, Inc. official website
• Kaplan Apprenticeships website
• Kaplan Financial Knowledge Bank website