Why Our Online Celebrant Training Works Better Than Group Classes

Jul 5 / David Willis
If you’ve ever sat through a work training session thinking, “This is so slow, and none of it applies to me,” or found yourself stuck in a room while one or two people dominate the discussion with questions that don’t relate to your needs—you're not alone.

At Celebrant Training School, we’ve designed our online person-centred celebrant training courses precisely to avoid all of that.

As an experienced secondary school teacher and ex-headteacher, I know how challenging mixed ability teaching is. The range of backgrounds, transferable skills and experiences in an adult class can be huge and this makes it even more challenging.  Too often, tutors are focused on a "lovely experience" rather than deep and meaningful learning.

In this blog post we, investigate why so many people are now turning to person-centred online celebrant training in contrast to old fashioned, costly and less effective class-based celebrant training whether this is live online or at a training venue. 

The Problem with Group-Based Celebrant Courses

Whether it’s at a physical venue or taught live online, traditional group celebrant training has some big disadvantages, especially for adults coming into celebrancy as a second or third career.

1. You’re Being Talked At—Not Developed
In a group classroom, the trainer has to teach to the middle. That means hours of content you might already know, delivered at a slow pace, with little opportunity to skip ahead. You end up being talked at, not taught with. “I did so many work courses like that. You sit there watching PowerPoints, counting the minutes.” – Celebrant Training School graduate

2. One or Two People Dominate the Group
We've all experienced it. Someone in the group has lots of questions—or very specific challenges that don’t relate to anyone else’s journey. Before long, their story takes over, and you’re just…waiting. At Celebrant Training School, we avoid this entirely. Our self-paced video content means you are in control—and your training is about your learning, not anyone else’s.

3. Feedback in Group Classes Is Often Shallow or Non-Existent
In a mixed-ability group, real assessment is rare. It’s hard for tutors to give honest, constructive feedback when everyone’s paid to be there, and when time is limited. The result? Everyone gets told they’re “great,” and opportunities to grow are lost.

4. Group Courses Are Inflexible, Costly, and Disruptive
Even if the teaching was good, you still need to: Block out time from work or caring responsibilities, pay for travel, meals, and accommodation.  Rearrange your life to fit someone else’s schedule For many of our students—especially those over 50 who are transitioning from other careers—this just isn’t feasible.

The Celebrant Training School Difference: Flexible, Focused, and Fully Supportive


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At Celebrant Training School, we’ve reimagined what effective celebrant training should look like:

Self-Paced Bite-Sized Videos
Our online celebrant training courses are built around short, engaging videos that: 1) Can be watched—or listened to like a podcast—on your terms
2) Are easy to pause, rewind, and re-watch
3) Can be skipped entirely if you already know the material

See an example here: 
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Real-World Practical Assessments with Individual Feedback
We don’t do vague praise. You’ll complete practical assignments in:
• Essential Business communication
• Eulogy, funeral service and wedding ceremony writing
• Live client meeting practice and ceremony delivery via Zoom
• Live one-to-one coaching around assessment via Zoom

This means you get individual coaching and honest developmental feedback —something that’s simply not possible in a group setting.

Learn more about accreditation after full assessment here:
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No Travel, No Timetables, No Stress
Our courses are 100% online and fully flexible. Whether you’re working, caring for family, or just want to train around your lifestyle, we’ve made it easy.

Start with our free discovery modules and progress through structured, certificated training at your own pace to become an accredited celebrant.

Funeral Celebrant Discovery module: Enrol for FREE
Wedding Celebrant Discovery module: Enrol for FREE

Learn more about how to Become a Celebrant in the UK with our most Comprehensive Guide. Read it here.
A Supportive & Sociable Celebrant Community when it matters
Learning is a personal matter but when it comes to the really tricky bit...going out and applying your learning and getting your first bookings as a celebrant, this is when a supportive and sociable peer group really matters. 

Celebrant Training School will invite you to join our celebrant community once your have completed your certificated course and become an Accredited celebrant. We provide on-going and specialised CPD and it is all FREE.

Learn more about what people say about our community here. 
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