Live, Learn, Teach, Inspire
At the core of The British School of Excellence is an unwavering belief: that kindness, respect, and human-centred skills have the power to transform lives.
Founded by Dr Philip Sykes, our institution stands as a global champion of the timeless principle that etiquette is not a privilege, but a universal life skill—essential for all, regardless of background, culture, or status.
Our Guiding Values
- Etiquette is Empowerment – It instils confidence, nurtures self-respect, and refines communication with purpose and poise.
- Excellence Through Manners – Graceful conduct and polished behaviour elevate every personal and professional interaction.
- Authenticity with Elegance – True success is rooted in the ability to connect, lead and inspire—while remaining entirely oneself.
A Global Standard of Inclusivity
With students from every corner of the world, our reach is truly international. Each programme is thoughtfully designed to honour cultural nuance while delivering a consistent standard of excellence. Whether training individuals or teams, we tailor every experience to ensure it is inclusive, relevant, and transformational.
At The British School of Excellence, we don’t just teach etiquette—we inspire a global movement of emotionally intelligent, socially fluent, and beautifully human professionals.
Dr Philip Sykes
Founder & CEO, The British School of Excellence
Doctorate in Business Administration (Honoris Causa), EIMT
Dr Philip Sykes is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The British School of Excellence, the world’s foremost institution dedicated to modern etiquette, emotional intelligence, and excellence in human skills. Initially launched as The British School of Etiquette in 2013, the school was reimagined in 2021 as The British School of Excellence—a name that reflects its expansive global mission and holistic approach to human development.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the fields of leadership, education, and societal transformation, Dr Sykes was awarded the Doctorate in Business Administration (Honoris Causa) by the European Institute of Management & Technology (EIMT). As stated by the institution’s Board of Trustees:
“This highest honour issued by our institution recognises scholarly and social achievements and highlights enduring and profound contributions to society at large.”
Under Dr Sykes’ visionary leadership, the school has expanded its international presence, forming strategic alliances in Bermuda, Brazil, The Bahamas, Pakistan, Poland, and Oman. His mission is rooted in a belief that kindness, respect, and cultural intelligence are essential to modern leadership and global citizenship.
Sought after by royalty, diplomats, government officials, and celebrities, Dr Sykes has become a globally recognised authority on modern manners, interpersonal excellence, and service culture.
He is a regular contributor to international media and has been featured by the BBC, NBC, Channel 5 Star, RTL German News, Dutch TV’s Trippers, and Mexico’s Televisa. His insights have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Mirror, Mayfair Magazine, USA Global TV and Radio, and Gentleman Mexico, among many others.
Live, Learn, Teach, Inspire
From Hospitality to High Society – The Journey of Philip Sykes
In this inspiring episode of the Vinci Hair Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable Philip Sykes, a South African visionary whose career spans decades and industries—from the vibrant energy of the Hard Rock Cafe to the fast-paced world of Sky, fine dining establishments, and ultimately, the creation of a globally respected institution: The British School of Excellence.Philip shares his captivating journey of transformation—from hospitality and customer service to founding a world-renowned etiquette academy in London, offering training and coaching in personal development, social intelligence, and professional etiquette across the globe. You’ll hear how his passion for uplifting others has led him to become not just an educator, but also a voice in media as a podcaster for USA Global TV & Radio on YouTube.We also get a glimpse into his personal life, including his support of his wife’s flourishing swimwear brand, BAYE London (@bayelondon), which blends luxury and sustainability in every stitch.✨ Explore more about Philip’s work at:https://thebritishschoolofexcellence....👙 Discover BAYE London at:https://www.bayelondon.com/