English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Author: Liam Morton

  • Upcoming Improvements to ESB International Systems

    Upcoming Improvements to ESB International Systems

    Upcoming Improvements to ESB International Systems

    A computer, laptop and sever connecting to the cloud.

    At ESB International, we are committed to continually improving the services we provide to the schools and centres that deliver our qualifications.

    As part of this commitment, we have been working behind the scenes to upgrade and modernise our IT infrastructure. These improvements are designed to enhance performance, increase reliability and provide a smoother experience for centres using our booking platforms and online services.

    The upgrades have been carefully scheduled during a quieter period of the academic year to help minimise disruption. For most centres, particularly those not using the MyESB booking hub until the start of the new academic year, we expect the transition to have little or no impact on day-to-day activity.

    What does this mean for centres?

    The majority of centres will continue to book and manage assessments in much the same way as they do now. Whilst there will be some updates to the MyESB booking hub, these changes are intended to improve the overall user experience and support future developments across our systems.

    Some international centres that book Speech (Oracy) assessments will notice more significant changes to their booking journey. These updates have been designed to streamline the process and provide a more efficient experience going forward.

    We recognise that any system change can raise questions, and we are committed to supporting centres throughout the transition. Our IT and customer support teams will be monitoring the upgrade closely and will be on hand to address any issues as quickly as possible.

    For guidance on using the updated system, centres are encouraged to review the FAQs below and visit our assessment support resources: https://esbuk.org/index.php/assessment-support/book-your-assessments/

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The upgrade is scheduled to begin on the evening of Friday 7 August and continue throughout the weekend. We expect normal service to resume from Monday 10 August.

    Yes. During the upgrade period, some services will be temporarily unavailable whilst work is completed. We recommend planning any essential booking activity around this scheduled maintenance window where possible.

    No. Your existing account and associated email address will remain active.

    Yes. When accessing the new system for the first time, you will need to create a new password.

    To do this, select “I’ve forgotten my password” on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your registered email address.

    Once the upgrade has been completed, access the new platform using the following link: https://hub.esbuk.org/

    Booking records up to and including the 2025/26 academic year will remain available through the existing MyESB hub: https://legacy-hub.esbuk.org/login

    Please refer to the FAQs above and our online assessment support resources: https://esbuk.org/index.php/assessment-support/book-your-assessments/

    If you experience any difficulties during the transition, our IT and customer support teams will be available to assist and resolve issues as quickly as possible. Please contact our Customer Experience Team if you require any assistance.

    Investing in a Better Digital Experience

    These improvements form part of ESB International’s ongoing investment in the systems and services that support our centres.

    By strengthening our digital infrastructure now, we can provide a more stable and reliable experience in the future while continuing to develop services that meet the needs of centres, learners and educators.

    We would like to thank all our centres for their continued support and understanding whilst these improvements are carried out.

  • ESB Singapore Roadshow 2026: Bringing Oracy, ESOL and Communication Excellence to Singapore

    ESB Singapore Roadshow 2026: Bringing Oracy, ESOL and Communication Excellence to Singapore

    ESB Singapore Roadshow 2026: Bringing Oracy, ESOL and Communication Excellence to Singapore

    International schools across Singapore are preparing for a new academic year, and ESB International is looking forward to joining the conversation.

    This September, ESB International’s Chief Executive, Adrian Gallagher, and Head of Commercial, Jonathan Smith, will visit Singapore as part of the ESB Singapore Roadshow, a week-long programme of meetings with international schools and education stakeholders from 21-25 September 2026.

    The roadshow has been created to strengthen existing relationships, develop new partnerships and explore how schools can further support learners through oracy, public speaking, debating, enrichment opportunities and English language development.

    Supporting Learners Through Communication

    For more than 70 years, English Speaking Board (ESB) has been helping learners develop the communication skills they need to succeed in education, employment and life.

    As a UK educational charity and awarding organisation, ESB has built a reputation for delivering qualifications that place communication, confidence and progression at their heart. From Early Years through to post-16 education, our qualifications support learners in developing the skills required to express themselves effectively, participate confidently and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Today, schools and centres around the globe use ESB qualifications to support:

    • Oracy and spoken communication
    • Public speaking and presentations
    • Debating and critical thinking
    • Performance and self-expression
    • EAL and ESOL provision
    • Enrichment and learner development

    These areas are becoming increasingly important as schools look to prepare young people for future study, employment and global citizenship.

    Building on Our Work with Tanglin Trust School

    The roadshow also builds upon ESB’s growing presence within Singapore’s international education sector through our relationship with Tanglin Trust School, one of the region’s most respected international schools.

    Tanglin Trust School has long been recognised for its commitment to educational excellence, learner development and enrichment. The relationship has provided valuable insight into the priorities and opportunities facing international schools in Singapore and further reinforces ESB’s commitment to supporting communication-focused education within the region.

    As we continue to develop our work in Singapore, we are keen to engage with schools that share our belief in the importance of communication skills and learner confidence as foundations for lifelong success.

    Why Meet ESB During the Singapore Roadshow?

    The start of the academic year presents an ideal opportunity for schools to review and enhance areas such as:

    🗣️ Oracy & Enrichment

    Developing confident communicators through meaningful enrichment opportunities.

    🎤 Public Speaking & Debating

    Creating opportunities for learners to speak with confidence and think critically.

    🌍 EAL & ESOL

    Supporting English language proficiency, progression and global opportunity.

    The ESB Singapore Roadshow offers school leaders and education professionals the opportunity to meet directly with ESB’s senior leadership team to discuss how these priorities can be embedded within curriculum and enrichment programmes.

    Whether you are a Head of School, Head of English, EAL Coordinator, Performing Arts Lead, Enrichment Lead or classroom practitioner, we would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your school and its ambitions for the year ahead.

    Register your interest today

    If your school is reviewing its approach to communication skills, enrichment, public speaking, debating, EAL or ESOL for the 2026-27 academic year, we would be delighted to hear from you.

    Schools interested in meeting with ESB during the Singapore Roadshow can:

    ✅ Book a meeting with ESB representatives during our visit

    ✅ Register their interest for a future conversations outside from our visit

    ✅ Learn more about ESB’s qualifications in oracy, communication skills and ESOL

    ✅ Explore potential partnership opportunities

    Meeting availability is limited and appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • ESB Customer Experience Team Shortlisted for Customer Service Excellence Award

    ESB Customer Experience Team Shortlisted for Customer Service Excellence Award

    ESB Customer Experience Team Shortlisted for Customer Service Excellence Award

    We are delighted to announce that ESB’s Customer Experience Team has been shortlisted for the Customer Service Excellence Award at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Qualifications & Assessment Excellence Awards 2026. The shortlist was revealed on 10 July 2026 as part of the 11th annual awards, which celebrate outstanding achievement across the UK’s qualifications and assessment sector.


    Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment our Customer Experience Team demonstrates every day in supporting ESB centres, learners and stakeholders across the UK and internationally.


    The FAB Awards recognise organisations, teams and individuals that are making an exceptional contribution to the qualifications and assessment industry. This year’s awards attracted more than 120 entries from across the sector, with FAB Chief Executive Rob Nitsch CBE describing the quality and breadth of submissions as evidence of a sector that continues to innovate and deliver during a period of significant change.


    ESB’s Customer Experience Team is one of five finalists shortlisted in the Customer Service Excellence Award category, alongside AAT, DSW, NCFE Customer Support Team and SIAS.


    The nomination recognises the consistently high standards of customer support delivered by the team, including an outstanding 96% customer satisfaction score. From supporting centres with registration and assessment processes to providing responsive guidance throughout the academic year, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that centres receive the support they need to deliver ESB qualifications successfully.


    While we are proud to celebrate this recognition, our focus remains firmly on supporting our centres. As many centres continue their academic year activities throughout the summer months, our Customer Experience Team will continue providing the high-quality service and support that has earned this national recognition. At the same time, preparations are already underway for the next academic year, ensuring centres can continue to rely on ESB’s customer-first approach.


    The winners will be announced at the FAB Qualifications & Assessment Excellence Awards ceremony on Thursday 26 November 2026, taking place during the FAB Conference and Exhibition at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes.


    We would like to thank every member of our Customer Experience Team for their hard work, passion and commitment, and extend our gratitude to our centres for their continued trust and partnership.


    Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists — and roll on November! 🏆✨

  • ESB International confirms qualification fees for 2026/27

    ESB International confirms qualification fees for 2026/27

    ESB International confirms qualification fees for 2026/27

    At ESB International, we are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible English language qualifications that support learners, centres and communities across the UK and internationally. 

    As we look ahead to the 2026/27 academic year, we want to share an important update regarding our qualification fees.

    A balanced approach in a challenging climate 

    We recognise that any fee increase can have an impact on our centres and learners. That’s why we have taken a measured and considered approach when setting our prices for the year ahead. 

    In 2025/26, ESOL qualifications experienced the highest average inflation rate of any vocational or technical subject area, at 8.1%.

    Despite this, ESB International did not increase its fees, absorbing rising operational costs to support our centres. 

    For 2026/27, while some increases are necessary, we are pleased to confirm that:

    • The overall average price increase across ESOL Skills for Life qualifications is 5%, significantly below the 8.1% sector average 
    • Some qualifications remain frozen 
    • Some fees have been reduced 

    This reflects our ongoing commitment to balancing sustainability with accessibility.

    ESOL Skills for Life: maintaining value and quality

    Across our ESOL Skills for Life portfolio, we have taken a targeted and proportionate approach to pricing, ensuring increases remain below sector trends while maintaining the high-quality service our centres rely on.

    Academic Year 2026/27 Prices

    Qualification Entry 1 Entry 2 Entry 3 Level 1 Level 2 
    Reading £15 £16 £15 £16 £15 £16 £16 £17 £16 £17 
    %Change 🔺7% 🔺7% 🔺7% 🔺6% 🔺6% 
    Writing £15 £16 £15 £16 £15 £16 £16 £17 £16 £17 
    %Change 🔺7% 🔺7% 🔺6% 🔺6% 🔺6% 
    Speaking & Listening £42 £45 £44 £45 £45 £45 £49 £52 £54 £52 
    %Change 🔺7% 🔺2% 🔸- 🔺6% 🔻4% 
    Left column: Academic Year 2025/26. Right column: Academic Year 2026/27 

    What’s included in the fee?

    We understand that value is just as important as price. ESB International fees are designed to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end assessment service, supporting centres at every stage of delivery. 

    For Reading and Writing qualifications, fees include: 

    • External marking of all assessments 
    • Robust quality assurance and standardisation 
    • Consistent application of national standards 
    • Results processing and administrative support 

    For Speaking & Listening qualifications, fees also cover: 

    • Delivery of assessments by trained ESB assessors 
    • Assessor travel and logistics, coordinated nationally 
    • External assessment and timely results release 
    • Comprehensive quality assurance to ensure consistency and reliability 

    This full-service model reduces the administrative and delivery burden on centres, while ensuring learners receive a fair, consistent and high-quality assessment experience. 

    My centre is joining ESB International in the 2026/27 academic year, will we be affected by the price changes?

    No – new centres joining ESB International in the 2026/27 academic year will remain on 2025/26 pricing, provided centre registration is completed before 1 September 2026.

    Does ESB International offer set pricing for Online ESOL Skills for Life Speaking & Listening assessments?

    Yes – we introduced a new pricing tier for online Speaking & Listening assessments to add even greater flexibility to our external ESOL offering. Entry 1, 2 & 3 qualifications are priced at £40.00, and Level 1 & 2 qualifications are priced at £48.00. If you would like to discuss delivering ESOL Skills for Life qualifications online, please contact us.

    UK Speech Qualifications

    For 2026/27, UK Speech (Oracy) qualification fees have been increased by around 3% on average, reflecting rising delivery and operational costs. 

    However, we are pleased to confirm that fees for international centres delivering UK Speech qualifications will remain frozen, ensuring continued accessibility for our global partners.

    To see a full list of prices, please see our Qualification Prices and Centre Fees page.

    Looking ahead

    We recognise the pressures facing the sector and remain committed to supporting our centres through a period of ongoing cost challenges. 

    By taking a balanced and transparent approach to pricing, we aim to ensure that ESB qualifications continue to offer excellent value, trusted assessment and meaningful progression opportunities for learners. 

    We are grateful for your continued partnership and trust in ESB International. 

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like to discuss your delivery plans for the 2026/27 academic year, our team is here to help.