About English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.
Inspiring Communication for more than 70 Years
Founded in 1953 by Christabel Burniston MBE and Jocelyn Bell in Soutport (Merseyside), English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) pioneered a new approach to spoken English. At a time when education focused on rigid elocution, Christabel championed a learner-centred method that placed the candidate at the heart of the assessment. Christabel and Jocelyn broke barriers, challenging not only educational norms but also societal expectations of women in business. Their vision was simple yet transformative: confidence in speaking and listening is the foundation for personal growth, social mobility, and lifelong success. Today, that ethos remains at the core of everything we do.
Our Mission
We believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to develop the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations. By promoting clear, effective communication, we aim to stretch the most able, support the least confident, and close the disadvantage gap. Our qualifications are designed to build confidence, unlock potential, and prepare learners for education, employment, and life.
Working to Close the Disadvantage Gap
A registered charity (no. 272565), ESB International is committed to public benefit. We reinvest in organisations and initiatives that widen access to our qualifications, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds can benefit from the power of communication. Our Christabel Burniston Fund supports disadvantaged learners, including those affected by socio-economic barriers, disability or migration status, by providing financial assistance to qualifications and training.
What we do
Now based in Ormskirk (West Lancashire), ESB International collaborates with schools, colleges, training providers, and community organisations across the UK and around the world. We are an external awarding organisation and offer a comprehensive suite of qualifications, recognised by Ofqual and mapped to national curricula standards. Our learner-fcosued qualification portfolio includes:
Speech (Oracy)
Our Graded Examinations in Speech, Debating, and Group Speaking oracy qualifications build confidence and communication skills for life. Our fierce commitment to inclusion and accessibility is emphasised by our qualifications for multi-lingual learners who have English as an Acquired Language (EAL) as well as specialist qualifications for learners with Significant Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We have an oracy qualification for every learner, no matter their age or attainment.
ESOL Skills for Life
Regulated qualifications for learners who use English as a second language, supporting integration, employability and accessing further education in a UK college or university. Our qualifications provide a holistic approach to developing English Language skills, with Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening modes of assessments available from Entry 1 – Level 2.
ESOL International
Globally recognised qualifications for learners aiming to demonstrate English proficiency for education or work. ESOL International qualifications are available to international as well as UK institutions and are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference. Our C2 qualification carries UCAS points, a fantastic incentive for learners looking to study at a university in the UK.
Meet the ESB International Senior Leadership Team
Our Senior Leadership Team plays a pivotal role in guiding the organisation towards achieving its mission: to promote clear, effective communication and empower individuals through high-quality, aspirational assessments. Our leadership shapes the strategic direction of ESB International, through regular standardisation of our assessors and markers to exceptional outcomes for satisfying customer enquiries and meeting our obligations to your learners, rest assured that you will receive a high quality service that your can trust.
Their vision and dedication continue to drive ESB International forward, making a lasting impact on learners, centres, and communities across the UK and beyond.
Chief Executive
Adrian Gallagher
Educational Delivery
Anthea Wilson
Business Strategy
Alan Brierley
Operations
Sue Roberts
Finance & Premises
Colin Taylor