Are you looking for exciting new ways to learn? Let me introduce you to BBC Maestro, an online learning platform that offers inspiring courses across a range of creative topics, from writing and wellness to music and beyond. Much like MasterClass, BBC Maestro features courses taught by celebrity experts who share their knowledge and passion. Whether you’re a budding writer, a wellness enthusiast, or even looking for a complete career change, there is likely to be something here to spark your interest and creativity.
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To make this BBC Maestro review as useful and insightful as possible, I’ve spent considerable time researching its courses, celebrity instructors, pricing structure, and refund policy, and have also reviewed feedback from past BBC Maestro users. My Master’s degree in Teaching and Education, along with my extensive experience with online learning platforms, has equipped me to craft this detailed review.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
BBC Maestro Video Review
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BBC Maestro Summary
BBC Maestro is best known for its creative courses and celebrity instructors. Its courses are beginner-friendly, engaging, and highly produced, so you’ll be hooked from the start. The platform offers a vibrant range of categories, from writing and wellness to art & design, and much more. With a library of over 35 courses across 7 diverse categories, there’s something for everyone. Each course features between 19 and 35 video lessons, with each lesson lasting between 5 and 20 minutes, making learning both manageable and enjoyable.
You can purchase an individual course for £79 ($89), which includes lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind. Alternatively, an annual subscription plan is available for £120 ($120), offering unlimited access to all courses and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby or deepen your expertise, BBC Maestro provides a rich, immersive learning experience guided by some of the world’s most renowned experts.
Visit BBC MaestroPros & Cons
Pros
Celebrity Instructors
Learn from celebrity instructors like David Walliams and Steven Bartlett, who bring first-hand industry knowledge.
High-Quality Production
Its videos lessons are beautifully shot and produced, so users will be guaranteed an engaging learning experience.
Generous Refund
Both the individual course and annual subscription offer generous refund policies from 14 days to 30 days.
Lifetime Access
If you purchase the individual course, you’ll get lifetime access to revisit and review the course material as many times as you like.
New Courses
It does a great job at regularly adding new courses to its catalog list.
Cons
No Free Courses
Sadly, no official free courses or trials are available.
Higher Cost
The cost of the subscription may seem expensive when you consider the number of courses available.
No Certificates
If you’re after a certificate after completing, BBC Maestro doesn’t offer them, it may be worth checking out platforms like Coursera.
BBC Maestro Pricing
BBC Maestro has a couple of options for purchasing its courses. You can either buy an individual course for £79 ($89), or you can sign up for its annual subscription for £120 ($120). Both options come with a money-back guarantee, so if you do change your mind, you can be rest assured you’re entitled to a full refund. In the table below, I’ve summed up everything in the table below.
| BBC Maestro Pricing | Individual Course | Annual Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 ($89) | £120 ($120) |
| No. of Courses | 1 course | 35+ courses |
| Free Trial | N/A | N/A |
| Money-back guarantee | 14-days | 30-days |
For a more detailed breakdown of BBC Maestro’s pricing, please check out our comprehensive pricing guide. It covers everything you need to know!
BBC Maestro Categories
BBC Maestro offers 7 main categories, from writing to home & lifestyle. Within each category is a handful of courses, 35+ in total. Even though it may not have as much choice as platforms like MasterClass and Skillshare, there are still plenty of options to keep you busy. Each course focuses on a unique topic and taught by a celebrity instructor, which you’re able to download to watch on the move.
BBC Maestro in Detail
How To Open A BBC Maestro Account?
To register with BBC Maestro is super easy, all you need to do is follow these easy steps:
- Open a browser and visit www.bbcmaestro.com
- Click ‘Subscribe to BBC Maestro’ or ‘Buy Single Course’
- Add your Name, Email and Create a Password
- Click ‘Set Up My Account’
- Finally, add your card details
My BBC Maestro Experience
Now the time has come to share my own personal experience about a couple of classes I took on BBC Maestro. One turned out to be an unexpected gem, and the other… well, let’s just say it didn’t quite hit the mark.
I often get asked What courses are actually worth it?, so I figured the best way is by sharing my honest feedback.
Julia Donaldson – Writing Children’s Picture Books
I first came across this course while browsing and was instantly intrigued. As a mum of twins who are obsessed with The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson is basically a celebrity in our household. So I thought, why not see what her course is like?
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did.
The course is broken into 27 video lessons, and after each one, Julia sets a small, practical task—like brainstorming story ideas or developing your characters. It made the whole process feel really achievable, even for a complete beginner.
After each lesson, I felt so motivated, and yes—I actually did the homework! It was one of those courses where I finished feeling not only more informed, but creatively fulfilled. Highly recommend this one, especially if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of writing your own children’s story.
Steven Bartlett – The 16 Steps to Start and Scale a Multi-Million-Dollar Business
Now onto the second course—Steven Bartlett’s class on business and entrepreneurship. I’m a big fan of his podcast and admire how open he is about his entrepreneurial journey, so I had high hopes for this one.
It started off strong. The early lessons had a nice balance of motivation and insight, and I was excited to dive in. But as the course went on, I found the content becoming a bit too broad and not particularly actionable.
There were moments that felt more like inspirational talks than structured learning. Don’t get me wrong—I still found value in hearing Steven’s story and perspective—but if you’re looking for a course that offers hands-on strategies or business frameworks, this might not be the best fit.
Final Thoughts
So, yes—this experience was a bit of a mixed bag. Julia’s course absolutely delivered (and then some!), while Steven’s left me wanting more structure and practical tips.
If you’re looking to explore your creative side and dive into storytelling, Julia’s class is a fantastic place to start. As for Steven’s, it may work better if you’re just starting out and looking for inspiration, rather than a step-by-step guide.
BBC Maestro Alternatives
If you’re exploring other options besides BBC Maestro, we recommend reading our comparison article on BBC Maestro vs MasterClass.
BBC Maestro: Last Thoughts
Let’s sum up everything we’ve talked about in this BBC Maestro review.
It goes without saying that the quality of BBC Maestro courses is top-notch, with content that’s both engaging and designed to inspire learners. The platform aims not only to educate, but also to motivate users to pursue their interests and passions. The presence of celebrity instructors adds significant appeal, especially if you idolize or are inspired by them.
However, BBC Maestro does have some drawbacks. The catalog isn’t the most extensive, offering just over 35 courses across seven categories, which may seem limited compared to other platforms. Additionally, the lack of free courses or a free trial might make some hesitant to join. Another downside is that you won’t receive an accredited certificate upon completing a course.
In summary, BBC Maestro does excel in delivering high-quality, inspirational content from renowned experts, but it’s important to be mindful of its limitations. Remember, if you are ready to commit to an individual course or a subscription plan, you’ll have the option of a refund if you do change your mind.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to leave a comment below. It would be my pleasure to help guide you through your online learning journey.
BBC Maestro FAQs
Yes, BBC Maestro courses are definitely worth it. They offer a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, with instructors who are acclaimed experts in their fields. The courses are produced with the BBC’s high standards, ensuring top-notch quality and engaging content. Each course provides comprehensive and in-depth material, making it easy to understand and apply what you’ve learned. Additionally, the flexibility of self-paced learning allows you to fit the courses into your schedule, making them a valuable investment for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
BBC Maestro is currently available in the following countries: United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, India, Brazil, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, and the USA.
Compared to MasterClass, BBC Maestro offers more in-depth and structured courses, making it ideal for those who prefer a step-by-step learning experience. MasterClass vs BBC Maestro comes down to your learning style—if you enjoy celebrity-led, high-production lessons for inspiration, MasterClass is a great choice, while BBC Maestro provides more comprehensive and hands-on guidance.
BBC Maestro is essentially the BBC’s take on platforms like MasterClass—offering a curated selection of courses led by some of the most celebrated celebrity experts. While the catalogue isn’t as extensive as other platforms, the production quality is top-notch, and the content is thoughtfully delivered by well-known names across writing, music, food, wellness, and more.
Luis
31 March 2025, 03:59
I was worried about committing, but knowing there’s a refund option gave me peace of mind—and I ended up really loveing the platform.
Ravi
31 March 2025, 03:58
Absolutely thrilled with the Marco pierre white course! The lessons are beautifully shot and so easy to follow.
Jason
31 March 2025, 03:57
The production quality on these courses is next level. It honestly feels like you’re watching a mini Netflix series.
Sophie
31 March 2025, 03:57
Loved that I could just buy the single course I wanted without subscribing—super convenient!
Carlos
25 March 2025, 12:42
Trinny Woodall's style course is packed with confidence-boosting advice—fun and empowering.
Helena
25 March 2025, 12:41
Tim Spector's course changed how I think about food—so informative and easy to follow.
Daniel
25 March 2025, 12:41
Marco Pierre White is intense but brilliant—learned more in a few lessons than I expected!
Lena
25 March 2025, 12:40
Gary Barlow really opens up about songwriting, and his tips are surprisingly practical.
Tom
25 March 2025, 12:40
Julia Donaldson’s course is a gem—so inspiring for anyone looking to write for children.
Aisha
25 March 2025, 12:39
The generous refund policy, was good to know it was an option if I didn't like the course.
Mike
25 March 2025, 12:37
Good value overall, I liked that I could purchase just a single course.
Sophie
25 March 2025, 12:36
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to sign up and start watching—very user-friendly!
Rajiv
25 March 2025, 12:35
I love the flexibility of the subscription, but I wish there were more monthly payment options.
Emma
25 March 2025, 12:35
The yearly subscription is totally worth it for the amount of content you get—smooth payment process too!
Ciara
12 March 2025, 12:40
I really liked I had the option of paying for a single course, not all platforms have this option.
Tom
12 March 2025, 12:39
David Walliams comedy course is fun and full of great tips. I learnt a lot especially how to make funny and engaging characters.
Sophie
12 March 2025, 12:37
This course feels like a personal mentorship. Practical, insightful, and full of expert advice.
Liam
12 March 2025, 12:36
Gary Barlow breaks down music writing beautifully. Inspiring and super helpful for any songwriter!
James
12 March 2025, 12:35
Marco Pierre White’s lessons are game-changing! Easy to follow, high-quality content. Love it.
Emma
12 March 2025, 12:35
Alan Moore’s course transformed my storytelling! His insights are pure gold. Highly recommend!