The Christabel Burniston Fund: Supporting Learners Through the Power of Oracy
Honouring a Legacy of Communication and Inclusion
Founded in 1953 by Christabel Burniston MBE, the English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. has been a pioneer in spoken communication education. Christabel believed that spoken English was not just a skill but a vital tool for personal development, confidence and social mobility. Her vision was clear: every individual deserves the opportunity to find their voice and be heard.
To honour her legacy, The Christabel Burniston Fund was established to provide financial support to centres and organisations working with learners who face barriers to achieving these skills. These barriers may stem from socio-economic disadvantage, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or migrancy status.
Our mission is to: stretch the most able, support the least confident and realise the potential of all by helping to help close the disadvantage gap.
Major Milestones of the Christabel Burniston Fund
- 1953: ESB founded by Christabel Burniston, introducing a revolutionary approach to oral communication.
- 2010s: The Christabel Burniston Fund begins supporting disadvantaged learners across the UK.
- 2020–2023: Over 40 centres accessed the fund, with measurable improvements in learners’ speaking and listening skills.
- 2023: ESB launched the 70/70 Campaign in celebration of its 70th anniversary, expanding the Christabel Burniston Fund’s reach and impact.
Who can Access the Fund?
In too many places throughout the UK, children, young people and adults face various forms of disadvantage that act as learning barriers to their ability to achieve their potential.
Ineffective communication, poor oracy and inadequate English language skills can significantly impact an individual’s learning, life and work.
Good levels of communication are often in the top three skills that employers want but don’t feel that employees have to a high enough standard.
Communication rich experiences are required to help children, young people and adults find their voice; developing confidence, self esteem and self respect.
State-Funded Education Institutions
We use two main sets of indicators for government funded schools when considering funding:
- The percentage of pupils receiving Pupil Premium
- The Government Indicies of Deprivation for the area your school serves
How can The Christabel Burniston Fund help my centre and learners?
- Discounting ESB International assessment fees
- Discounting training fees for teachers
Voluntary or Community Initiatives
We use two main sets of indicators for third-sector organisations when considering funding:
- An assessment of your income and existing external funding
- The Government Indicies of Deprivation for the area your organisation serves
How can The Christabel Burniston Fund help my centre and learners?
- Discounting ESB International assessment fees
- Discounting training fees for teachers
Unfortunately centres who have accessed ESFA funding for their learners would not be eligible. Nor do we fund individual learners.
All we ask for in return from centres who receive funding is to participate in data collection outlining their learners’ progression before and after their assessments and share news stories with us for publication. We are always willing to help centres in any possible way we can.
Donate the Christabel Burniston Fund
Would you like to help us continue Christabel Burniston’s legacy of empowering disadvantaged learners through oracy?
Join our esteemed list of Friends of ESB by supporting the Christabel Burniston Fund. Your contribution can make a lasting difference.
Friends of ESB International who have kindly made donations to the Christabel Burniston Fund:
- Daphne James (long-standing friend of ESB International and CB Fund Contributor)
- Karen Butler (long-standing friend of ESB International and CB Fund Contributor)
- James Patrick (long-standing friend of ESB International and CB Fund Contributor)
- Carolyn McKenzie (Hon Treasurer ASCA, long-standing friend of ESB and CB Fund contributor)
- Thayalan Reddy (long-standing friend of ESB and CB Fund contributor)
We are delighted that Christabel Burniston’s legacy lives on! What better way to carry on her legacy by giving centres and learners the opportunity to develop the oracy and English language skills they need in order to achieve their aspirations.