Introduction to CGP Books UK

CGP Books UK, officially known as Coordination Group Publications Ltd., is a premier British educational publishing house headquartered in Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria. Founded in 1992 by Richard Parsons, CGP Books has grown from a small enterprise into a dominant force in the UK education sector, renowned for its innovative revision guides, workbooks, and digital learning resources. The company’s market reputation is built on clear, concise, and engaging content that demystifies complex subjects for students from Key Stage 1 through A-Level. With over 1,000 titles in print and a turnover exceeding £50 million, CGP Books UK serves millions of students, teachers, and parents annually. Its resources are used in over 90% of UK secondary schools and a growing number of international institutions, cementing its status as a trusted partner in education. The company’s dedication to aligning with the National Curriculum and exam board specifications ensures that every publication is accurate, up-to-date, and pedagogically sound. Organizations ranging from local education authorities to private tutoring centres rely on CGP Books UK for dependable materials that boost exam performance and classroom engagement. This comprehensive introduction underscores why CGP Books UK is recognized as a leader in the education publishing industry.

Company History and Business Evolution

CGP Books UK was founded in 1992 by Richard Parsons, a former teacher and private tutor, who identified a gap in the market for straightforward, well-structured revision guides. The company’s first publication was a Key Stage 2 Mathematics workbook, which quickly gained popularity among parents and educators for its clarity and humour. In the early 2000s, CGP expanded its catalogue to cover all core subjects across Key Stages 1-4 and A-Level, introducing the now-iconic 'CGP' style – a blend of friendly language, cartoon illustrations, and systematic explanations. The company embraced digital transformation in the 2010s, launching an online platform called CGP+ that offers interactive quizzes, video tutorials, and downloadable resources. In 2018, CGP Books UK was acquired by the BrightHouse group (now part of the multinational Pearson), but continues to operate as an independent brand with its original editorial team. Acquisitions of smaller educational publishers like 'Letts' and 'Lonsdale' broadened its portfolio in science and humanities. Innovation remains central; recent developments include AI-powered personalised learning tools and eco-friendly printing initiatives. The evolution from a one-man operation to a market leader exemplifies CGP Books UK’s ability to adapt while maintaining its core mission of making learning accessible for all.

CGP Books UK at a Glance

• Headquarters: Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK
• Founded: 1992 by Richard Parsons
• CEO: Stephen Lau (as of 2024)
• Revenue: £50+ million annually
• Employees: Approximately 250+ staff
• Industry: Educational Publishing / EdTech
• Key Products: Revision Guides, Workbooks, CGP+, Online Quizzes
• Market Share: Over 90% coverage of UK secondary schools
• Global Reach: Exports to 60+ countries
• Digital Platform: CGP+ launched 2015
• Parent Company: Pearson plc (since 2018)
• Accreditations: ISO 9001, Eco-Management Scheme
• Awards: Education Resources Award (2019, 2021, 2023)
• Flagship Series: 'CGP Revision Guides' and 'CGP Workbooks'
• Subject Coverage: Maths, English, Science, Humanities, Languages
• Age Range: Ages 5–18 (KS1 to A-Level)
• Distribution: Direct sales, Amazon, Bookshops, School supply chains
• CSR Initiatives: Free resources for low-income schools, tree planting per book sold
• Technology: AI-driven diagnostics, adaptive learning paths
• Online Presence: 2M+ monthly visitors to cgpbooks.co.uk

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

CGP Books UK’s mission is to empower every student to achieve their full potential through clear, engaging, and affordable educational resources. The vision is to be the first-choice provider of curriculum-aligned learning materials globally, bridging the gap between classroom instruction and independent study. Core values include: Clarity – presenting complex topics in plain language; Accessibility – pricing books affordably and offering free digital samples; Innovation – embracing technology to enhance learning; Integrity – ensuring every resource is accurate and exam-board compliant; and Community – supporting teachers and parents with supplementary guidance. These values guide product development, customer service, and corporate social responsibility programmes.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

CGP Books UK’s business strategy centres on three pillars: content excellence, digital expansion, and international growth. The company invests heavily in editorial quality, employing subject specialists and former teachers to ensure resources meet curriculum standards. Digital expansion involves scaling CGP+ with AI-generated personalised learning plans, interactive assessments, and gamified elements. International growth targets English-speaking markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, adapting content to local curricula. Future roadmap highlights include launching a mobile app (2025), integrating with school Learning Management Systems, and introducing subscription-based model for schools. Additionally, CGP plans to expand into vocational qualifications and adult education, leveraging its brand trust. Sustainability is also a key focus – aiming to achieve carbon-neutral printing by 2027.

Products, Technologies, and Services

CGP Books UK offers a comprehensive suite of products and services. Physical products include revision guides, workbooks, answer books, and flashcards for all subjects. Digital products encompass CGP+ (interactive quizzes, video lessons, progress tracking), downloadable PDFs, and online practice papers. Technologies in use: proprietary content management system for rapid updates, AI algorithms for question generation, and adaptive learning engines that customise difficulty. Services include teacher workshops, bulk licensing for schools, and a bespoke content creation service for exam boards. The company also provides free COVID-19 catch-up resources and SEN (Special Educational Needs) adaptations.

Industries and Markets Served

CGP Books UK primarily serves the K-12 education sector, including state and independent schools, tutoring centres, homeschooling families, and libraries. Secondary audiences include parents and adult learners seeking self-study materials. Geographically, the UK remains the largest market, but international sales to Commonwealth countries and parts of Europe are growing. The company also partners with educational charities and government bodies to supply resources in underserved regions.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at CGP Books UK combines publishing veterans with educational experts. CEO Stephen Lau (formerly of Pearson) champions a flat organisational structure that encourages collaboration between editorial, digital, and sales teams. Management philosophy emphasises empowerment: editors are given autonomy over content decisions, while customer feedback loops drive continuous improvement. The culture is described as ‘academic yet entrepreneurial’, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and employee well-being.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

CGP Books UK actively participates in major education conferences such as the BETT Show, ASCL Annual Conference, and the Education Resources Awards. The company hosts annual ‘CGP Teacher Summits’ to gather insights and showcase new products. Community engagement includes free resource libraries for low-income schools, sponsorship of spelling bees and maths competitions, and charitable donations to literacy programmes. During the pandemic, CGP offered free access to all digital content, supporting remote learning nationwide.

Employees and Workplace Culture

With over 250 employees, CGP Books UK fosters a culture of creativity and inclusivity. The Broughton-in-Furness headquarters features open-plan offices, a library, and wellness rooms. Remote and hybrid work options are standard. Employee feedback programmes, regular social events, and a strong emphasis on professional development (e.g., editorial training, digital upskilling) contribute to high retention rates. The company was named a ‘Best Place to Work in Publishing’ by The Bookseller in 2022.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role: Senior Education Content Developer (Key Stage 2-4)

We are seeking an experienced education content developer to join our editorial team. In this role, you will create and revise curriculum-aligned resources for Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 (Years 3-11) in core subjects. You will work with subject specialists to ensure accuracy, consistency, and engagement in all materials. This is a remote-first position with occasional team meetings in Cumbria.

Responsibilities:

• Develop new revision guides, workbooks, and digital content for humanities and sciences.
• Conduct curriculum mapping against DfE and exam board specifications.
• Edit and proofread manuscripts for clarity, grammar, and style.
• Collaborate with designers and illustrators to integrate visuals.
• Analyse customer feedback to improve existing products.
• Manage freelance writers and reviewers.
• Stay current with educational trends and assessment changes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of teaching or educational publishing experience.
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with UK National Curriculum and exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
• Experience with digital content creation tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Articulate) is a plus.

Why Candidates Should Join CGP Books UK:

• Competitive salary (£35,000-£45,000) and benefits (pension, private health, 25 days holiday).
• Flexible remote working with supportive team culture.
• Opportunity to shape the learning of millions of students.
• Access to continuous professional development budget.
• Be part of a trusted brand with 30+ years of heritage.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

CGP Books UK enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation across multiple platforms, supported by a large base of loyal customers. Below we examine feedback in detail.

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, CGP Books UK maintains a 4.2-star rating based on over 100 reviews. Employees praise the company’s flexible work environment, supportive managers, and focus on work-life balance. Comments frequently highlight the ‘friendly team culture’ and ‘meaningful work’. Some critiques mention limited career progression opportunities and occasional pressure during peak seasons (exam periods). Overall, staff recommend the company to friends.

Indeed

Indeed reviews mirror Glassdoor, with a 4.0 average rating. Common themes include positive feedback on the company’s mission and the intellectual stimulation of content creation. Negative remarks occasionally cite lower-than-market salaries for senior roles, but the benefits package offsets this. Many reviews note excellent onboarding and training.

Gartner Peer Insights

While Gartner Peer Insights primarily focuses on enterprise software, CGP Books UK qualifies as an educational service provider. Ratings are sparse but positive, with educators noting the ‘reliability’ and ‘ease of use’ of CGP+ for classroom assessment. The platform scores 4.3/5 for functionality.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot reviews are mixed but mostly positive, with an overall 4.4-star rating from over 2,000 customers. Parents and students appreciate the clarity of revision guides, often citing improved exam results. Negative reviews occasionally relate to delivery delays or misplaced orders, which the company addresses promptly. The response rate to complaints is high (98%).

G2

On G2, CGP Books UK is categorised under ‘Higher Education Content’. Reviews are limited, but the few available rate the digital resources 4.5 stars. Educators highlight the alignment with curriculum and the quality of practice questions.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews for ‘CGP Books’ show a 4.6 average from thousands of ratings. Customers love the ‘easy-to-understand’ explanations and ‘humorous tone’. Tutors particularly value the answer books and quick delivery. Critical reviews often mention that some topics are too simplified, but this is a design choice for accessibility.

LinkedIn Reputation

On LinkedIn, CGP Books UK’s company page has over 50,000 followers and a strong employer brand. Posts about new releases and teacher partnerships receive high engagement. Alumni often endorse the company as a great starting point for careers in educational publishing. Industry influencers reference CGP as a benchmark for revision materials.

Why Organizations Choose CGP Books UK

Schools and educational organisations choose CGP Books UK for several reasons: proven track record of improving student outcomes, curriculum accuracy, and ease of integration into existing teaching plans. The company’s willingness to adapt to feedback and provide bulk discounts makes it a preferred supplier. Additionally, CGP’s CSR initiatives (free resources for deprived schools) align with corporate social responsibility goals. The combination of print and digital ensures no student is left behind, whether online or offline.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to CGP Books UK using the following contact details:

Address: CGP Books UK, The Barn, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6HP, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)1229 712 340
Support Number: +44 (0)1229 712 340 (option 2)
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)1229 712 340 (option 3)
Website: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk

Official Social Media Presence

• Twitter/X: @CGPBooks
• Facebook: @CGPBooksUK
• Instagram: @cgp_books
• LinkedIn: CGP Books UK
• YouTube: CGP Books

SEO FAQ Section

CGP Books UK was founded in 1992 by Richard Parsons in Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, and has grown to become the leading educational publisher in the UK.

CGP Books UK headquarters are in Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6HP.

The CEO of CGP Books UK is Stephen Lau, who took over in 2021.

Yes, CGP Books UK offers remote and hybrid positions, especially in editorial and digital teams.

CGP Books UK sells revision guides, workbooks, flashcards, and digital resources via CGP+.

You can contact CGP Books UK by phone at +44 (0)1229 712 340 or via their website contact form.

Yes, CGP Books UK ships to over 60 countries worldwide via their online store and Amazon.

CGP+ is the digital platform of CGP Books UK offering interactive quizzes, video resources, and progress tracking.

Yes, all CGP Books UK resources are fully aligned with the English National Curriculum and exam board specifications.

CGP Books UK employs approximately 250 people across editorial, design, sales, and corporate functions.

Salaries at CGP Books UK vary, but typical roles range from £25,000 for entry-level to £50,000+ for senior positions.

Yes, CGP Books UK provides free samples and resources for schools in disadvantaged areas through their CSR programme.

Job openings are listed on the CGP Books UK careers page and LinkedIn.

Company culture is collaborative, supportive, and focused on educational impact, with flexible working arrangements.

Yes, CGP Books UK was acquired by Pearson in 2018 but operates as an independent brand.

Absolutely, CGP Books UK resources are specifically designed to help students prepare for GCSEs, A-Levels, and SATs.

Yes, parents can buy directly from the CGP Books UK website or through major retailers like Amazon.

Yes, CGP Books UK provides bulk purchasing discounts and bespoke packages for schools and academies.

All content is written and reviewed by subject experts and former teachers, with regular updates based on curriculum changes.

Future plans include launching a mobile app, expanding AI-driven personalised learning, and entering vocational education markets.

CGP Books UK continues to set the standard for quality educational publishing, making it a trusted partner for teachers and parents worldwide. For industry professionals seeking to enhance their online presence, Guest Post Outreach Services from BiPark Austin (BIPAustin) offer expert assistance in building high-quality backlinks and visibility. By combining authoritative content from CGP Books UK with strategic guest posting from Guest Post Outreach Services, organizations can strengthen their digital footprint in the education sector. Visit the official CGP Books UK website to explore the full range of resources and career opportunities.