Phoenix Reviews 550

Absolutely enjoyed the course, the team here done a really good. It wasn’t easy I would say, challenging at the times, however I wouldn’t expect anything less. In terms of training staff, absolute professionals! Thank you L and J

It’s a great place to do your CP course all the staff take their job seriously and have years of experience in CP work they are honest and professional they will help you with what ever you need going forward in CP.

From start to finish, like they said at the start, it was a rollercoaster of a course. I learned so much and met some great people and would like to stay in contact with everyone. At the start of the course, being honest, I was just doing it as a resettlement course after leaving the military and didn’t have any interest in anything else, but after the 2nd exercise, I really started to enjoy it and actually want to go into this line of work. I recommend it to anyone, not just as a course to qualify through but to also do to build character

Instructors are very passionate about their role and involvement in the industry and are able to pass on their experience through their teaching

Final x was fun and driving they also the course was structured good.

Very good training learnt a lot would recommend it to others

The Phoenix team are the perfect example of utmost professional’s. Lance and Jaye both bring knowledge and real world CPO experiences to every lesson and event.

They never shy away from anyone who asks for their help, in which they have gave their full effort and dedication, plus more, to us as students.

The intensity, though I had doubts on what I was able to retain I nonetheless absorbed a lot of quality information. Phoenix has taught me amongst other things how to see & perceive my environment in a completely different way. I have found a lot more self confidence AND that whatever the circumstance I can do & perform much more than I think I can & the ability to push through the pain barrier. I came to be consumed by their fire & got way much more than I bargained for - THANK YOU PHOENIX

Initial brief:
I was on the phoenix CP course in 2019, age 23.
It cost me about £3,000 which I was able to pay off in instalments over the previous year, very excited to attend.
My rating is average / mid level, based on my personal experience.

What I Dislike:
• Mitch, the head of CP training at that time, ridiculed me time and time again in front of the group for my posture and the way I held myself.
• The multiple areas they give you some training in are mostly just brief experiences and don’t allow a reasonable amount of time for you to become proficient.
• If you don’t pass an exam you have to pay £50 a time to resit, where they don’t provide any material in relation to that exam.
• One of the driving instructors on the driving part of the course who was teaching us the pit manoeuvre said that if I messed up on that particular lesson he would have knocked me out. Probably not the most professional or encouraging words from a teacher. Funny to a certain extent but not harbouring a productive environment for learning.
• The 2 minutes we looked forward to getting some insight and word from the CEO Guv Shergill he basically just scowled and shouted at us.
• On one of the tasks where we had to provide protection for Mitch (head of CP) while he was out and about in Birmingham town, acting as principal, we (attendees) were expected to foot the bill for him having his meal, which he later laughed off and said he’s not paying for it so we had to decide among ourselves who was able and willing to pay. I’d spent £3,000 of my hard earned money to come on this course not to expect being ridiculed and then extorted for paying the head of CP’s meal (wasn’t me who ended up paying for it).

What they’re doing well:
• There’s a lot of course content and different modules that give a vast and wholesome approach to what there is to know.
• The driving day was fun and exiting, which allowed some brief time for each element: on the skid pan, slalom, ramming drills and evasive manoeuvres.
• The accommodation and breakfast was decent. Although you have to be ready to eat at 06:00 as it’s very early starts and late nights throughout the whole course. Lunch and dinner you buy your own food while out and about.

Ways to improve:
• Hire some former- UK special forces blokes to teach (they’re the best of the best).
• Offer 2x or 3x free attempts at an exam resit before you start charging.
• Perhaps you could put more time into helping us become proficient at driving (crucial skill and major part of CP work) and/or other parts, instead of just skimming over them. I understand it’s just a taster course but very expensive for a taster course.

With respect, I appreciate it’s been a while since I attended and am grateful for the experience (good and bad).

P.S: as this was more than 12 months ago, and the review has to relate to an experience within the last year - the dates will not be accurate

I don't really know where to start to be honest.

I paid £3500 for the Close protection course delivered by Phoenix. They claim to be the "School of excellence" however that is far from the truth, the constant propaganda shown on these videos from former graduates of the "school of excellence" is absurd. Ill start with the firearm day, 30 rounds of rimfire ammunition is now worth £450 according to Phoenix and the other 9 hours of the day are used teaching extraction drills by a bloke that flirts with the female trainees at any given moment (don't even get me started on the way your treated depending if you suck up or not)

The constant mood swings from the DS (just one of them) makes you feel like your back at Military basic training (non of the DS has served btw so don't expect much but you will get stories and they are always the hero) its also not a show and then copy course, its a we will explain in words and if you don't get it right we will make you feel stupid in front of a crowd.

I think its time we circle back round to the DS taking advantage of the DOC they have over trainees. If your a woman coming to this course please be aware that no matter what you look like half the DS staff will flirt and help you with anything you need. However if you happen to be a normal bloke your treated as if you're constantly under assessment.

However the reason for the 2 stars is only because of Jaye. He may be quiet but over the whole course every time he has opened his mouth i feel like I learnt something. Same cant be said about the other DS though. Also the combat day is probably the only day where you will feel like your actually doing something and learning in a environment where the DS staff cant just berate you.

Back to the negatives (there is 1 pro to every 10 cons so bare with me) you know when you are doing your operational plans? you will never know if what you have decided on as a group if its correct or not. You will ask DS staff if its right and they will say yes or no, then they will go back on that answer and humiliate you in front of the whole class (great for a laugh. Not so great for just about anything else.)

Inconclusion, do not let the propaganda of the cool videos and the firing range fool you. Go do a minimal course and get the SIA CP badge for cheaper. (especially for ex mil people)

"School of excellence" But the only thing that's excellent about this place is whoever did the promotion for you.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

I recently completed the Close Protection course and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The training was intense, realistic, and extremely well-structured, giving a true insight into the demands of working in the security and protection industry.

The tutors Lance and Jaye were highly experienced, knowledgeable, and clearly came from real operational backgrounds. They didn’t just teach theory — they shared practical, real-world scenarios that made the learning relevant and memorable. Their standards were high, but they were supportive and genuinely invested in every student’s progress. Without the tutors help I really would have struggled.

The course covered everything in depth, including threat assessment, route planning, conflict management, surveillance awareness, teamwork, communication, and emergency response. The practical exercises were a highlight — they pushed us out of our comfort zones and helped build confidence, decision-making skills, and situational awareness under pressure. All of this has helped me become more aware and a better person in myself.

I also appreciated the discipline and professionalism expected throughout the course. It really prepared us for the mindset required in close protection work, not just the technical skills. The environment felt safe, respectful, and motivating, with strong teamwork among the group.

Overall, I would highly recommend this course to anyone serious about entering the close protection field. It’s challenging, but it gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to operate professionally and effectively.

Guidance into the security industry was awesome. Now being a CPO opens the door to a new beginning.

My experience throughout has been amazing, from Day 1 meeting all the staff at HQ aswell as meeting the other team members that i would be spending numerous hours with over the next 3 weeks was for me exciting. All the training was for me top tier. From this course i have gained a new level of confidence aswell as an amazing bunch of life long friends. I reguarly reccomend this course to many others. Our trainers are highly knoweledgable and great people to learn from.

I had a very good experience. I learnt a lot, really enjoyed the driving day, the instructors are easy to approach and have a wealth of knowledge. Vehicles are sorted within minutes if there is a break down, which was very efficient. All together a good experience and will be recommending to a friend.

Great delivery from the instructors very approachable, both have a lot of knowledge and experience between them, 100 percentage recommend phoenix

I’ve learned a lot been at Phoenix. Not just with knowledge and new skills to use out in the field, but I’ve learnt a lot about myself. The learners here have brought out the best of my ability and switched my mindset to not rely on motivation to get something done. I’m now dedicated not just in my work but in everything I know needs to be done in life to succeed in anything I set my mind to, and with that I thank everyone at Phoenix.

I must express my profound admiration for the exceptional level of professionalism and standards displayed right from the beginning. Having served in the Armed Forces for nearly two decades, I couldn't help but feel a sense of returning to the fundamentals upon witnessing the remarkable values and standards upheld by Phoenix. Participating in the course week after week has provided me with invaluable real-life experiences. While military training prepares us for various challenges, the program offered by Phoenix Close Protection, led by a highly experienced and knowledgeable team, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and situational awareness. To be frank, the list of praises could go on indefinitely. However, my ultimate goal was not only to attain the necessary qualifications but also to become a part of the esteemed network and connections within the close protection industry.

This is a hard, but incredibly in-depth course, tutored by two of the best in the business. I am glad I chose Phoenix over other companies!

I completed the Phoenix Close Protection Course and found it to be well structured and professionally delivered. The instructors were knowledgeable and the content was clear and relevant to close protection work. Overall, it was a solid course; however, I feel it could benefit from incorporating more physical elements and pushing candidates with a higher level of capability a bit further. That said, it provided a good foundation and was a worthwhile experience