English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) is proud to lend its voice in support of the open letter from Voice 21 to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, urging the government to fulfil its commitment to prioritise oracy in schools. We fully endorse the findings of the Oracy Education Commission to embed oracy as a core component of the national curriculum — making it the essential “fourth R,” alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Oracy — the ability to speak, listen, and communicate effectively — is not an optional extra. It is fundamental life skill that has a proven impact on improving the learning, wellbeing and future opportunities of young people. As Voice 21’s open letter rightly states, giving every child access to a high-quality oracy education is one of the most effective ways to tackle entrenched inequality, support mental health and employability and ensure all young people can thrive in school, work and life.
‘Oracy for All’ – 72 years of championing oracy
For 72 years, we have been dedicated to championing the value of oracy education and assessment in the UK and internationally. We have been assessing speaking and listening skills since 1953 and believe that in the age of burgeoning technologies such as AI, the ability for young people to express themselves clearly, thoughtfully, and authentically is more important than ever.
ESB International has consistently prioritised giving people of all ages and backgrounds the confidence and ability to develop their agency and speak passionately about their interests. Our accredited qualifications provide a structured, rigorous yet supportive way for learners to develop these essential skills. From our earliest days, we have worked to ensure that the speaking and listening skills so vital for success are not left to chance, or reserved for the few, but taught, nurtured and recognised for all learners.
Demonstrating impact
Our commitment to oracy assessment is not just longstanding — it is also evidenced by clear and compelling results. Our Impact Report demonstrates the transformative power of oracy assessments in helping learners improve confidence, articulation and overall communication, while also supporting their learning in other subjects and personal development.
Moreover, our published article in the Journal of the Chartered College of Teaching sets out in detail the principles and practices that underpin effective oracy assessment, contributing to the wider professional conversation about how to make oracy education both meaningful and equitable.
So that oracy is not thought of as peripheral, but an essential curricula area, ESB International firmly believes that oracy skills should be assessed to ensure that it achieves parity as the ‘fourth R’ of education.
A call for action
Focusing oracy, the government has the opportunity to transform education for the better — making sure that every child, no matter their background, has the speaking, listening and communication skills they need to achieve their aspirations.
For over seven decades, ESB International has seen first-hand the difference oracy education can make. We stand ready to support teachers, schools and policymakers in making this vision a reality.
Together, let’s ensure that every voice is heard.
