About the School

About Sarah Presley

I am one of the co‑owners of the British School of Meditation and the author of Making Friends with Yourself: A Practical Guide on How Meditation Can Take You From Overwhelm to an Inner Calm.

My meditation journey began in the early 2000s after discovering a book on Buddhism. A few years earlier I had been diagnosed with M.E., and I was determined to find a path back to health and wellbeing. At the time, I wasn’t sure meditation was for me — I assumed you had to already be calm and serene, and I saw myself as quite the opposite.

My first practice was mantra meditation. I chose three simple English words I longed to embody: happy, healthy, strong. In the beginning it felt challenging, but gradually I found myself looking forward to my daily practice. I became more focused, more grounded, and noticeably calmer.

A couple of years later, I was enjoying optimum health — I truly felt happy, healthy and strong. Inspired by my own transformation, I set up a holistic business to support others navigating difficult periods in their lives. Over time, this grew into a full‑time training business dedicated to empowering individuals in both their personal and professional development.

Clients often asked if I would teach them to meditate, but I wanted to do so with a recognised qualification. The British School of Meditation was the perfect fit: externally accredited, face‑to‑face, professional and deeply supportive. The training gave me everything I needed — not only to teach meditation confidently, but also to integrate it into a business setting. After qualifying with distinction, I went on to teach in schools, workplaces, and most importantly within my local community, offering regular beginners, intermediate and advanced courses. I also now offer my sessions online.

In 2014, I was honoured to be invited to join the British School of Meditation as a Meditation Teacher Trainer. Since then, I have supported many people in realising their dream of becoming externally accredited meditation teachers. It is a privilege to witness graduates take what they’ve learned and bring life‑changing meditation practices into the lives of others.

I have also undertaken specialist training in meditation for neurodiversity and trauma‑sensitive mindfulness, which underpin my inclusive approach to teaching.

Alongside meditation, I am also a Reiki Master Teacher and a Kundalini Yoga Teacher. I begin each morning with what I call my “daily devotion” — a blend of breathing meditations, mantra, chanting and loving‑kindness. It is the perfect foundation for the day. I weave gratitude and mindfulness into regular moments too, as meditation continues to be my steady companion through life’s ups and downs.

I am very much looking forward to supporting you as you take your next steps toward becoming an externally accredited Meditation Teacher.

“Sarah is a truly beautiful soul who teaches with never-ending knowledge and genuine, friendly encouragement and support. She is always there for you every step of the way, if you need her, and she inspires you to build self-confidence in your skills without you even realising it. I totally loved this course” ~ Louise online student 2021.

In 2024 Sarah's Book 'Making Friends with yourself' was selected as a winner in the Platinum Awards for 'Best Book' Category. You can read more about Sarah's book and purchase a copy via her website here: https://sarahpresley.co.uk/making-friends-with-yourself/

About Catherine Banks

In 2016, I trained with the British School of Meditation, earning this externally accredited qualification, and began my own business as a meditation teacher and holistic therapist. Since then, I have also obtained a diploma in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, become a Reiki practitioner and EFT therapist, and earned a master’s degree in psychology — all of which inform my teaching and understanding of meditation’s impact on wellbeing.

My work has taken me into hospices, where I taught meditation to patients and staff, as well as to charities such as Barnardo’s UK and organisations including ITV, LADbible, and Volvo UK. I have also undertaken specialist training in meditation for neurodiversity and trauma-sensitive mindfulness, which underpin my inclusive approach to teaching.

Since qualifying as a meditation teacher with the British School of Meditation, I have truly found my passion in life. Sharing the gift of meditation with others is a privilege and a joy. Now, as a trainer and co-owner of the school, my purpose is to guide others in finding their own calling as meditation teachers.

Our teacher training course, accredited by Ascentis, is designed to provide both a deep understanding of the theory and the practical skills needed to teach meditation effectively. Becoming part of the British School of Meditation also means joining a supportive and inspiring community. I am honoured to teach this course in Manchester and online, helping others share the life-changing gift of meditation with the world.

Testimonials

I am very impressed with the British School of Meditation’s course, for several reasons. The content of the course was extensive and has given me the ability to go and run meditation courses confidently and with an in depth understanding of all the fundamental aspects of meditation. The professionalism of both the school and the individual teacher was to a very high standard. The school has clearly put a lot of effort into developing a brilliant course and it was delivered in an inspiring, interesting and varied way in terms of teaching methods. Catherine Banks as a teacher is a definite asset to the school and her knowledge, support, encouragement and all round kindness and compassion is a testimonial to what meditation can do for you, she clearly “practices what she preaches” as the saying goes. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone wishes to learn about meditation, as their ethos, professionalism, passion and knowledge is exemplary. - Janice Thompson, Manchester student