Question 1

What is The Principal Programme?

Accepted Answer

A twelve week cohort for mid career deal professionals. You source a proprietary acquisition target among £5 to £30 million owner-managed UK businesses, run real owner outreach, price it, structure it, write an investment memorandum, and defend the recommendation to an external investment committee that votes. Five seats per cohort. By application.

Question 2

Is the programme free?

Accepted Answer

No. The Principal Programme is a paid programme. Tuition is confirmed at offer stage after your application is reviewed. The Day One Simulator and Forum resources are free.

Question 3

Who should apply?

Accepted Answer

Professionals with three to eight years in transaction services, investment banking, corporate development, or strategy consulting who can build an LBO model unaided and have never owned a deal end to end. This is not for students, recent graduates, or anyone who needs modelling taught from first principles.

Question 4

What is the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

Submit the application form with your sector thesis and a reflection on a transaction you worked on. We review every application individually. If your profile fits, we invite you to a fit conversation before any offer is made. Most applications are declined.

Question 5

What is the weekly time commitment?

Accepted Answer

Ten to twelve hours per week including live sessions, preparation, and written deliverables due before each session. You must confirm this commitment on the application form.

Question 6

What if I miss a live session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are recorded. Participants retain access to recordings and materials after the programme. Deliverables are still due on schedule.

Question 7

Do you guarantee job placement?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not place anyone and we do not claim to. You leave with work product you chose and defended: a target universe, screened names, a memorandum, a structure, and a hundred day plan.

Question 8

Can I join from outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Live sessions are scheduled to accommodate UK, European, and Gulf time zones where possible. Materials are delivered digitally.

Question 9

How is the investment committee structured?

Accepted Answer

Three external members who invest for a living and are not employees of the programme. They read memoranda in advance, question participants for three hours in week eleven, and vote. Recommendations can be and are rejected.

Question 10

Should I try the simulator before applying?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you want to test deal judgment under time pressure before committing to an application. The Day One Analyst Simulator is free and available on the site.

Frequently Asked Questions