The Progress Group Recognised as One of the Top 200 Women-Powered U.K. Businesses

The Progress Group is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the prestigious “Top 200 Women-Powered U.K. Businesses Report” from J.P. Morgan Private Bank for 2025. This annual report celebrates organisations across the United Kingdom that exemplify the power of women’s leadership, significant impact, and remarkable growth, innovation, and social value.

At the helm is Jayne Worthington, who joined as Deputy CEO in 2019 before becoming Group CEO in 2020, succeeding founder and former MD Sandra Kirkham. Jayne has built upon a strong foundation, accelerating the organisation’s growth and expanding its positive influence. Under her leadership, The Progress Group’s Senior Leadership Team is now predominantly female, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to gender parity and opportunity at every level.

Over the past five years, The Progress Group has driven strategic growth through acquisitions, including Grey Matter Learning, AC Education, and MyWorkMode (now collectively known as Flourish), and the recent acquisition of Nugent House School (now Progress Arc). These actions have significantly broadened The Progress Group’s provision and sectoral impact in education and training.

Official Companies House records and independent reviews confirm that The Progress Group continues to achieve strong financial results, with sustained turnover growth and year-on-year expansion. Importantly, social value analysis illustrates that for every £1 invested, the organisation creates £4.09 in social value—demonstrating a purposeful and innovative approach to business.

The Group has also been recognised by The Times as one of the 100 Best Places to Work for two consecutive years—a testament to the commitment to people, culture, and excellence that has defined The Progress Group during Jayne’s tenure.

Celebrating the achievement, Jayne Worthington commented:

“I am immensely proud of this achievement. To be benchmarked against some of the leading businesses across the UK in the Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses Report is testament to the passion and dedication of our team. Together, we have shown what’s possible when we put purpose, people and progress at the heart of everything we do. This recognition inspires us to keep breaking new ground and making an even greater impact for our learners, communities and future leaders.”

The Progress Group’s inclusion in the J.P. Morgan Top 200 Women-Powered U.K. Businesses cements its status as a national leader in women-powered business, social innovation, and inclusive growth—setting the pace for sector-wide impact in the years ahead.

For more information about The Progress Group, visit theprogress-group.co.uk.