About TEO Academy's Journey

Expert Founders for Professional English

About TEO Academy and our founders

Professional English built on real-world expertise.

TEO Academy is a Manchester-based online English learning platform for international professionals, healthcare professionals and university students. Founded by Lisa and James Hourihan, it brings together specialist teaching, professional communication expertise and a fairer model for tutors.

Specialist support across Medical English, Business English and Academic English, with practical learning for the situations that shape careers, study and professional confidence.

TEO Academy Ltd Manchester to the world
Lisa Hourihan, Director and Co-Founder of TEO Academy
Lisa HourihanRegistered Nurse, educator and communication coach
James Hourihan, Director and Co-Founder of TEO Academy
James HourihanExecutive leader, trainer and programme strategist
UK Small Business Awards finalist in 2026
100+International tutors across the platform
14%Flat tutor platform commission
UK registeredTEO Academy Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16483971.
CPD provider #790101Officially listed on The CPD Register, with The CPD Group named as the accreditation organisation.
Adult learningSpecialist online support for careers, university, examinations and professional communication.
Clinical insightHealthcare communication shaped by more than 15 years of registered nursing experience.
Leadership depthMore than 30 years of training, strategic leadership and programme development experience.
Our founders' story

A platform created because communication changes outcomes.

TEO Academy began with a shared belief that English learning should do more than teach grammar. It should help people speak up in meetings, explain complex ideas, communicate safely with patients, contribute at university and progress in international careers.

Lisa's nursing career showed her that confidence is not something people either have or do not have. Communication is a professional skill that can be taught, practised and refined. James brought decades of experience in training, curriculum development, organisational leadership and managing communication during challenge and change.

Our journey so far

Experience first. A platform next. Global impact in progress.

The story connects decades of professional experience with a fast-growing specialist education platform.

Before TEO

Healthcare, education and leadership

Lisa developed her communication expertise through nursing, student mentorship and adult learning. James built a career in specialist training, strategy and programme development.

2025

TEO Academy launched

The platform began with a mission to make specialist English learning globally accessible while maintaining a fair, transparent commission for tutors.

2026

National recognition

TEO Academy and Lisa were named finalists in three UK Small Business Awards categories while the international tutor community continued to grow.

Meet the founders

Expertise across healthcare, education, leadership and organisational development.

TEO Academy's direction is shaped by professional experience in the environments where communication matters most.

Lisa Hourihan, Registered Nurse and Co-Founder of TEO Academy
Director and Co-Founder

Lisa Hourihan

Lisa is a UK Registered Nurse, English communication coach, educator and entrepreneur. She brings more than 15 years of clinical, leadership and mentoring experience to TEO Academy's specialist Medical English and professional communication work.

The strongest communicators are not always the loudest people in the room. They are the people who can explain clearly, listen carefully and adapt when it matters.
James Hourihan, Executive Leader and Co-Founder of TEO Academy
Director and Co-Founder

James Hourihan

James is an executive coach, trainer and organisational leader with more than 30 years of experience across social care, education, professional development and business strategy in the UK and internationally.

Recognition and authority

Independent coverage, professional credentials and community leadership.

Explore external sources and professional profiles that provide further information about the founders, TEO Academy and the wider work that informs our values.

National recognition

Triple UK Small Business Awards finalist

Recognised in 2026 for Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Business Startup and Best Home-Based Business.

Three finalist categories UK recognition · 2026
Read Warrington Worldwide coverage
Founder profile

Warrington-born founder shortlisted nationally

The Warrington Guardian covered Lisa's journey from her North West roots to building an international learning platform from Manchester.

Independent press coverage North West founder story
Read the Warrington Guardian article
Professional development

Registered CPD provider

TEO Academy is listed on The CPD Register as a CPD provider, with The CPD Group named as its accreditation organisation. Our professional learning is designed around practical communication, career progression and real-world application.

The CPD Register Provider number: 790101
Verify our CPD provider listing
Nursing education and communication

Published work and award-winning communication

Lisa's work was published in Nursing Standard to support student nurses using SBAR for structured clinical communication. Her "Nurse Polly” poem separately won the Harold Oakley Award at the University of Chester.

Student nurse SBAR education Harold Oakley Award
View Lisa's professional profile
Community leadership

Leadership at Sale FC Rugby

James serves on the Sale FC Rugby executive as Honorary Secretary, contributing experience in governance, strategy and organisational development at Heywood Road.

Executive committee Heywood Road
View the executive committee
Social impact

Sale FC Foundation

James worked with fellow club staff to launch the Sale FC Foundation, widening access to sport, supporting young people and reducing financial barriers across Trafford and Greater Manchester.

Community access Youth development
Explore the Sale FC Foundation
What guides us

A specialist platform with human values.

Our decisions are shaped by the needs of adult learners, the expertise of tutors and the real situations in which communication is used.

Expertise before volume

We help learners identify tutors whose professional knowledge, qualifications and teaching experience match their actual goals.

Fair tutor partnership

Our flat 14% platform commission is designed to give independent tutors a transparent, sustainable way to grow their online teaching work.

Practical adult learning

Lessons can focus on meetings, interviews, clinical conversations, university work, examinations and the communication required for international careers.

Accessible and human

TEO was built from home with flexibility and accessibility at its core. Learners and tutors receive support from real people who understand the platform.

Explore TEO Academy

Your starting point for specialist English and professional communication.

Use this About hub to move directly into our core specialisms, tutor directory, professional learning resources and current company insights.

MED

Medical English and Clinical Communication

Specialist communication coaching for international doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals working across English-speaking systems.

Explore Medical Communication →
BUS

Global Business English

Develop clear, confident communication for meetings, interviews, presentations, leadership, negotiation and international teamwork.

Explore Business English →
ACA

Academic English for University

Prepare for university entry, academic writing, seminars, presentations, research communication and English language tests.

Explore Academic English →
HUB

Professional Learning Hub

Access free guides and tools covering Medical English, Business English, Academic English, examinations, visas and career communication.

Visit the Learning Hub →
1:1

Find an English Tutor

Compare tutor expertise, qualifications, reviews, prices and live availability to choose the right specialist for your goals.

Browse specialist tutors →
TEO

Teach with TEO Academy

Join a professional learning platform with a transparent 14% commission and the freedom to set your own availability and prices.

Explore tutor opportunities →
Insights and company news

Read more about our thinking, mission and specialist work.

Browse all TEO blogs
TEO news

Founder finalist in the UK Small Business Awards

Read how the recognition reflects TEO Academy's mission to combine specialist learning with ethical tutor pay.

Read the article →
EdTech leadership

The women behind the screens

An exploration of female leadership, expertise and the role of women in building more equitable education technology.

Read the article →
Medical English

English for UK medical practice

A practical guide to OET, IELTS and communication preparation for international doctors planning a UK healthcare career.

Read the guide →
Our values

The TEO Academy difference

Discover why specialist tutors, fair partnership and career-focused learning sit at the centre of our platform model.

Read the article →
Connect with TEO Academy

Follow the people, ideas and community behind the platform.

Find practical English guidance, founder insights, tutor introductions, company news, videos and free professional learning resources across our social channels.

About TEO Academy FAQs

Questions about our platform, founders and specialist learning.

These answers provide a clear overview for learners, tutors, recruiters, universities, healthcare organisations and potential partners.

What is TEO Academy?
TEO Academy is a UK-based online English learning platform for adults. It connects international professionals, healthcare professionals and university students with specialist tutors for Medical English, Business English, Academic English, examinations and professional communication.
Who founded TEO Academy?
TEO Academy was founded by Lisa Hourihan and James Hourihan. Lisa brings more than 15 years of registered nursing, mentoring and communication experience. James brings more than 30 years of training, leadership, curriculum development and organisational strategy experience.
What makes TEO Academy different?
TEO Academy focuses on specialist adult learning and real-world communication. Learners can choose tutors with relevant qualifications and professional expertise, while tutors work through a transparent platform model with a flat 14% commission.
Is TEO Academy a registered CPD provider?
Yes. TEO Academy is listed on The CPD Register as a CPD provider, with The CPD Group named as its accreditation organisation. Our official provider number is 790101.
What professional recognition supports TEO Academy's founder story?
TEO Academy and Lisa were named finalists in three UK Small Business Awards categories in 2026. Explore the recognition and press coverage, including Lisa's Nursing Standard work supporting student nurses using SBAR and the Harold Oakley Award won by her Nurse Polly poem at the University of Chester.
Where is TEO Academy based?
TEO Academy Ltd is based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and supports tutors and learners internationally through its online platform.
What does TEO Academy specialise in?
The three core specialisms are Medical English, Business English and Academic English for university study. Tutors also support IELTS, OET, PTE, professional interviews, workplace communication and English for other international industries.

Learn with people who understand where communication can take you.

Browse specialist tutors, explore free professional English resources or speak with TEO Academy about learning, recruitment, partnerships and professional communication programmes.