The 5 best massage schools in Newcastle that could kickstart your client list
I usually squeeze in about 2 to 3 massages a month, but life has a way of getting busy. Still, if I don’t book that appointment, I don’t think my body’s going to function just as well.
That got me thinking. If even a sem-regular like me feels the difference, think about how many people are craving a massage every single day. That’s a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to learn this skill.
So I rounded up my team, and we went on the hunt for the best massage schools in Newcastle. These are the ones we reckon can turn you into a massage pro and help you attract clients non-stop.
How much does massage school cost in Newcastle?
Massage schools in Newcastle usually charge £150– £285 for a one-day accredited diploma, £650–£850 for a level 3 massage certificate, and about £990–£1,450 for a level 3 massage diploma.
1. Essential Thyme – Massage Therapies & Accredited Massage Training
Address: 1 Osborne Rd, Jesmond
Phone: +44 191 691 1039
Business hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Lead trainer Sandra personally runs all the courses at Essential Thyme. Based on what we’ve found, she’s got 12 years of experience and training in over 16 massage modalities.
Many students loved her teaching style. Her courses are well-structured and combine clear theory with practical, hands-on learning. She also gives consistent advice and feedback.
The Swedish Massage Diploma is the school’s flagship course and likely the entry point for most students. It’s designed as a two-day practical program that covers full-body techniques and foundational skills.
She offers solo and group sessions. For groups, classes are capped at four people, which is unusually small compared with many massage schools in Newcastle.
In comparison, some schools have 10–20 students per session. Because of this, we think Essential Thyme’s smaller class size allows for more direct guidance and hands-on correction throughout the training.
Graduates also receive ABT-accredited certification. This allows them to have insurance and start practising professionally once they pass.
Beyond the basics, the school also offers diplomas in Indian head massage, Thai Hand and foot massage, cupping massage, and even pregnancy massage.
Just keep in mind that the more advanced options, like the pregnancy massage, need a Level 3 massage qualification first. Beginners can’t jump straight into those specialised courses.
Sandra was extremely knowledgeable and explained everything thoroughly
“I recently completed the cupping course and had a really positive experience. The course was well structured, combining clear theory with practical, hands-on learning. Sandra was extremely knowledgeable and explained everything thoroughly, making sure everyone felt comfortable and confident. I learned a lot and now feel confident incorporating cupping into my treatments. I would highly recommend this course!”
Beth Pentelow, Google review
The course was extremely interesting and informative
“Completed a Swedish massage training course with Sandra. The course was extremely interesting and informative. Sandra was an excellent tutor and mentor, offering advice and feedback throughout the process, in a professional and supportive manner. Very happy to recommend.”
Lisa Smeaton, Google review
2. Breeze Academy
Address: Floor 4, Royal Quays Business Centre, Centre for Advanced Industry, Coble Dene, North Shields
Phone: +44 7897 033908
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Breeze Academy runs with a small but specialised group of trainers. Each focused on particular areas like sports massage or needling therapies.
Their Level 4 Sports Massage course is very practical. It’s designed to help therapists move quickly into more advanced work, especially in rehabilitation or injury management.
It’s great for people already working in healthcare settings who want to build confidence in treating sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
They also blend different disciplines into their course lineup. Alongside sports massage, they offer training in acupuncture, dry needling, and even clinical yoga.
Students seem to like the hybrid learning model. Online modules cover the fundamentals before in-person sessions. Pre-course videos are simple and clear, making the theory easy to digest.
During in-person sessions, many appreciated the steady pace. They have lots of opportunities to ask questions and practise protocols.
That said, there are a few reports about administrative hiccups. Some students ended up in the wrong class at first. Some also encountered login glitches with online modules.
She made the course incredibly fun, engaging, and easy to follow
“Emma was absolutely wonderful. She made the acupuncture and dry needling course incredibly fun, engaging, and easy to follow. The three days flew by, and the content felt both accessible and high-level at the same time. I was truly impressed by the standard and professionalism of Breeze Academy. The communication from the email and office team was also lovely and efficient throughout.”
Fili Lim, Google review
All the pre course information was always provided in a clear way or answered promptly
“Signed up for the foundation accupuncture course for HCP’s and wasn’t disappointed. All the pre course information was always provided in a clear way or answered promptly. The pre course learning online was very easy provided in easy to understand videos which I found a great way to learn. As for the 3 days of face to face well that was the best part. It was at a pace I found helped me digest this new and obscure topic. It was was run with plenty of time to practice and ask questions and not once did I feel i asking a silly one. Emma the teacher was brilliant. I particularly liked the way we were showed how to build a treatment protocol then given the skills to create our own with some guidance and time to practice. Nothing was rushed into the day.”
Sash Hauzaree, Google review
3. Blooming Births Hypnobirthing Antenatal and Baby Massage Courses
Address: Institute, Walbottle
Phone: +44 7715 857265
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Blooming Births is a specialised provider focused on pregnancy, birth preparation, and early parenting. This shows in how their massage classes are run.
Emma Thompson leads the sessions. She’s an award-winning antenatal educator and accredited baby massage instructor.
Their main offering is the Baby Massage Course. It’s a five-week program made up of weekly one-hour sessions. Parents learn head-to-toe massage techniques to help with common infant discomforts.
We loved that the sessions are flexible. Everything moves at the babies’ pace instead of sticking to a rigid schedule.
One parent even mentioned that even when her baby wanted to feed throughout the session, there was no pressure to participate constantly. She still learned a lot from the class simply by listening and observing.
Classes usually allow a support person to join in with the main caregiver without additional cost. Private sessions are also available.
Parents also mentioned that the digital resources and ongoing support from Emma are a huge help. It helps them continue the routines at home long after the five weeks end.
That said, for those who are looking for other types of massage courses, this isn’t the place for it.
I learnt so much from Emma
“My daughter and I went to Emma’s baby massage course in autumn 2025 and I couldn’t recommend it more for your first encounter with baby massage. The welcoming atmosphere is what made it for me. Having a baby who feeds a lot, I never felt pressure to join in with the massage if she wasn’t feeling it (taking it at your pace was actively encouraged), and I still got a lot from the class in these cases. The thoughtful little touches are lovely – the chance to share about your week and hear from others, the post-massage cups of teas and chats, the massage oils and professional photographer. I learnt so much from Emma and my little one still loves her massages now – especially the tummy massage that does wonders for her digestion and wind. Emma’s classes have been the highlight of our week.”
Carly Walker-Dawson, Google review
The class was so lovely and supportive
“I have just completed Emma’s baby massage class with my 9 week old baby boy and we both absolutely loved it. The class was so lovely and supportive and having something to look forward to each week makes the long days and sleepless nights a little bit more bearable. Being able to learn a skill which we now incorporate into our evening routine is amazing, and those cute little smiles and sounds we get back are priceless. Thank you Emma!”
Katy Johnson, Google review
4. Body Aid Solutions
Phone: +44 845 340 0167
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Body Aid Solutions’ standout program is its Combined Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage Therapy Diploma.
The course bundles foundational and advanced techniques together. This prepares graduates for working independently.
We really loved how student-friendly the structure is. They offer free retakes if something doesn’t go to plan, plus a personal tutor throughout the course.
It’s also flexible. The courses are arranged in blocks rather than spread out across months. It’s great for students who want to progress quickly without taking long breaks between qualifications.
From what we’ve heard, scheduling is adaptable. Training dates can be arranged around jobs or family commitments.
We also noticed many positive comments about the support structure. Students receive study materials early. The personal tutors also answer questions ahead of the training days.
However, their gym is slightly smaller than those we’ve reviewed. Some might tolerate it, and some might find this a turn-off.
The knowledge and experience from the tutors was great
“I have recently completed my Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy with BodyAid Solutions and I was very pleased with the entire experience. From the course materials, the tutors, and the equipment, everything was presented in a professional way. The knowledge and experience from the tutors was great and the teachings were very thorough. I left both courses feeling very positive and confident in my abilities. I intend to enrol in some upcoming CPD’s with BodyAid Solutions to further improve my skills as a massage therapist.”
Ironman Josh, Google review
I’ve had experience with a fair few courses now and this was one of the best
“I just finished my Level 4 Sports Massage course with these guys and I absolutely loved it. We had Sam for the first weekend and then Dan for the other 2 and I loved both their styles of teaching ! I’ve had experience with a fair few courses now and this was one of the best. I can’t wait for them to bring out a level 5 so that I can get on that one too!!! 😍 thanks again guys! It was a pleasure!”
Sarah Robinson, Google review
5. Coast Holistic Training
Address: 2 Barrington Ave, North Shields
Phone: +44 7719 470476
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
When we looked into Coast Holistic Training, they seem to focus heavily on practical learning rather than long theoretical lectures.
Their most talked-about course is their Indian Head Massage Diploma. This teaches seated massage techniques for the upper body, neck, and head.
It’s structured to be accessible and practical. It’s great for people who want a skill they can start using fairly quickly in a professional setting.
Several people mentioned Dione, who teaches several of the courses. Many students said she’s knowledgeable and friendly.
Some also noted that she was flexible with course dates and willing to help students work around scheduling issues.
The classes are just in small groups, which makes it easier for students to ask questions. They can also get more proper guidance during practical sessions.
Some of the other courses offered here are Swedish massage, holistic massage, pregnancy massage, and a few other treatments. The courses already include manuals, learning materials, and an accredited certificate once completed.
That said, we noticed that many of the courses are short, sometimes just one day long. Those who want a deeper program with more advanced progression may find this structure a bit limited.
Dione did everything she could to accommodate me
“I studied Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Swedish massage with Dione. She is a fantastic teacher, with lots of knowledge as well as being a warm, kind human being always with a big smile. Dione did everything she could to accommodate me with the course dates as I came over from France to study with her. I look forward to studying with her again in the future.
Skye Martinez, Google review
I really enjoyed my training course
“I did the Hot Stones training course yesterday with Dione and really enjoyed it. The class was small, enabling us to ask all the questions we wanted and the practical session was wonderful with Dione demonstrating hands on throughout. I have been to training days before where the tutors did as little as possible of hands on work which can make you unsure of your technique! I slept extremely well last night after having been practised on, and feel confident in adding this course to my treatment list for the winter.”
Kay Nash, Google review