Chair Yoga on a Tuesday morning is now closed until September
BWYQ Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (rQF) COURSE
The 500 hour BWYQ Level 4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (RQF) that I’m running here in the North is now underway. If you missed out this time the next intake will be in 2026 with applications open from early in the year. Watch this space for more details or email me jacquigunnionyoga@gmail.com to go on the waiting list.
Why the British Wheel Diploma?
Whilst most other teaching organisations offer their own internal accreditation, the BWYQ Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by Ofqual and it sits on the National Framework at level 4.
The link to the course is here on the gov.uk site .
It covers a wide range of knowledge and skills required to become a safe and effective Yoga teacher including:
- Roles and responsibilities of a Yoga teacher,
- Lesson planning and teaching skills,
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Asana, breathing and relaxation
It also allows for personal as well as professional development with advanced modules on
- Meditation
- Pranayama
- Philosophy.
What does it involve?
It takes 500 hours to complete the course which consists of at least 255 tutor led guided learning hours and a minimum of 245 hours of private study.
The course focuses on teaching skills and is a blend of assessed written work and micro teaching assessments.
It is made up of 7 units which are designed to take students from foundational knowledge and skills right through to an advanced level of teaching and practice.
As part of that process students will set up and teach a course of between six and ten classes.
Two full classes are observed and formally assessed.
A minimum of 80% attendance at tutor led events is required to achieve the final qualification.
Students are required to continue to attend a weekly Yoga class with a suitably qualified teacher and provide evidence of that attendance. They are also expected to have and to maintain their own personal practice throughout.
Earn while you Learn!
BWY Student Membership also includes teaching insurance and I’ll be encouraging students to get out there and set up their own general classes as soon as they are competent to do so. For most people this is towards the end of their first year and once they have completed an approved First Aid course. It’s a great way of gaining experience while still having tutor support and it can help cover the cost of the training too.
Eligibility - What Qualifications Do I need to Apply?
You need to have at least a GCSE or equivalent pass in English Language or Literature. The course is at QSF level 4 and all written work will be assessed to that standard.
You must be currently attending a Yoga class and have at least 2 years experience of regular attendance at classes.This can be with any “school” - not just BWY. References will be required to confirm this.
Completion of the The British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course is desirable but not essential.
You also need to be sure you have the time and resources to commit to this course and the desire to become a Yoga teacher - it is very different from attending a Yoga class!
Course Details
The next course will start in 2026..
Sessions will be a blend of “face to face” tuition and remote tutor led sessions via Zoom.
Face to face sessions are monthly full days on a Saturday with an additional half day on a Sunday on Zoom every three months.
There are also shorter 1.5 - 2 hr small group review sessions every 3 months on Zoom. These are arranged around mutually convenient times.
Location
Face to Face sessions are held in Castleside Village Hall DH8 9RE which is central for the Region and just off the main A68 trunk road. There is free parking at the venue. Zoom sessions are from the comfort of your own home!
Still Interested ?
Get in touch at jacquigunnionyoga@gmail.com to arrange a Zoom chat to learn more about the course and discuss the application process
A Bit About Me
I’m Jacqui and I’m a Diploma Course Tutor with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY). I qualified as a Yoga teacher back in 2009 and I’ve been teaching classes in the local community ever since.
I’m also a “Continued Professional Development” (CPD) tutor with the BWY so I deliver training days to qualified teachers to help them keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
As a qualified A1 Assessor I have over 15 years of experience guiding students through NVQ and QSF qualification. I’ve also completed extensive extra training to be approved to deliver the BWY course.
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