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.
Lisa HourihanRegistered Nurse, educator and communication coach
James HourihanExecutive leader, trainer and programme strategist
3×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.
Expertise across healthcare, education, leadership and organisational development.
TEO Academy's direction is shaped by professional experience in the environments where communication matters most.
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 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.
"Clear strategy and clear communication give people practical ways to lead through challenge, change and uncertainty.
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.
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.
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.
James serves on the Sale FC Rugby executive as Honorary Secretary, contributing experience in governance, strategy and organisational development at Heywood Road.
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.
Our decisions are shaped by the needs of adult learners, the expertise of tutors and the real situations in which communication is used.
01
Expertise before volume
We help learners identify tutors whose professional knowledge, qualifications and teaching experience match their actual goals.
02
Fair tutor partnership
Our flat 14% platform commission is designed to give independent tutors a transparent, sustainable way to grow their online teaching work.
03
Practical adult learning
Lessons can focus on meetings, interviews, clinical conversations, university work, examinations and the communication required for international careers.
04
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.
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.
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.
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.
TEO Academy Ltd. Company number 16483971. Registered office: 82 King Street, Manchester, England, M2 4WQ.
The website uses cookies to provide the best user experience while browsing safely. You can read more about cookies in the Privacy Policy. Cookies Policy