English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Author: Liam Morton

ESB Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, to step down after 9 years

After nine years at the helm of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International), our Chief Executive Tina Renshaw is stepping down from her role. During her tenure, Tina has led the organisation through a period of growth and transformation, championing the values of accessible, high-quality assessment and communication skills for all. We thank her for her dedication and visionary leadership.

Tina has shared a personal statement reflecting on her time with ESB International, which you can read below.

Dear Centres, teachers and tutors,

I will be leaving my role as CEO of ESB International at the end of October, as I know that the time is right for me to find a new challenge and for the organisation to embrace new leadership and ideas.

For 9 years I have loved this leadership opportunity and feel that the whole ESB International team evolved a new phase for this wonderful organisation of which I am truly proud. To hear everyday of our impact on your children, young people and adults is life affirming and humbling – their improved Oracy skills or English language skills earning them a qualification. Yet our work together with you as centre organisers, exam teams, teachers, tutors and for your learners creates far much more than that- it grows their confidence, sense of agency and self respect, they feel the affirmation of achievement, of being listened to when speaking and experience the acceptance and service of learning from and listening to others.

Tina visiting Broadfields School, a primary school in Barnet that has been delivering ESB’s oracy qualifications for over 10 years.

ESB International’s Tina Renshaw and Chief Assessor, Anthea Wilson (left), attending the Europalso annual conference. ESB and Europalso have been working together for over 15 years.

Importantly the ESB International family have also ensured that the legacies of our founders Christabel Burniston MBE and Jocelyn Bell were honoured through our outreach work and showcased in our 70^th anniversary celebrations with you, our learners and centres. A wonderful external accolade for our work together was being recognised as Awarding Organisation of the Year in 2023.

So ESB International has begun a new phase with its search for its next CEO. If you or someone you know is looking for such an organisation and role: to develop its amazing reputation and grow its reach as an Awarding Organisation and charity, do delve deeper into the information – you have a magnificent team waiting to create and deliver the next chapter with you.

Thank you for your loyalty to ESB International.
Tina Renshaw, Chief Executive

Tina visiting learners at the Supported Learning Centre at Belfast Metropolitan College

The Honorary Treasurer of ESB International’s Board of Trustees, Dr Jim McAtear, has offered his appreciation for Tina’s many contributions and longstanding commitment to the organisation.

Tina with ESOL Skills for Life learners at New City College, a valued partner who hosted a day of celebration as part of ESB International’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

It is with great regret that we begin to say goodbye to Tina Renshaw, our Chief Executive Officer who will leave us in October of this year.. Tina announced her resignation just this week and, in doing so, brings an end to nine years at the helm. She has steered ESB International successfully through to its 70th year as an awarding body as well as its recognition as Awarding Body of the Year in 2023. Tina’s work has ensured the success of our mission to improve the oracy skill, and therefore, the confidence of children, and the social mobility of young people and has promoted the value and benefits of learning English across the globe. We are grateful to Tina for everything she has given and achieved.
Dr Jim McAtear, Honorary Treasurer
Board of Trustees

11 July 2025
Looking Ahead: Enhancing Your Digital Experience with ESB International

At English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International), we are proud to work alongside our centres in delivering high-quality qualifications that make a real difference to learners. As we continue to grow and evolve, so too does our commitment to improving the digital experience for our centres.

Over recent months, our team has been working diligently to upgrade the digital infrastructure that supports the booking and delivery of our assessments. These enhancements will bring about a more robust, efficient, and reliable platform—particularly during peak times in the academic year.

When these upgrades go live in the early autumn, you can expect a smoother, more stable experience across both our website and the ‘MyESB’ booking hub. For most of our centres, particularly our UK-based centres, the changes will be relatively minor. However, for some of our overseas centres, especially those offering our Oracy qualifications, the changes will be more impactful. Rest assured that our team will be on hand to guide you through any updates to the booking process, ensuring a seamless transition into the new academic year.

We understand how important continuity and clarity are to your operations. That’s why we are committed to communicating any changes in advance and offering the support you need to adapt with confidence. We truly value your continued loyalty and the vital role you play in supporting learners across the UK and internationally. As the summer break begins, we wish you and your teams a well-earned rest and look forward to reconnecting in the new term—with an enhanced digital experience to support you every step of the way.

30 June 2025
Join ESB International at NATECLA: a Smarter Approach to ESOL Assessment

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) is proud to be attending this year’s NATECLA National Conference, taking place from 27th–28th June. As a long-standing supporter of the ESOL community, we’re excited to connect with professionals across the sector to demonstrate how our approach to ESOL assessment not only enhances learner outcomes but also reduces tutor workload, improving overall wellbeing.

As part of our involvement, ESB International is pleased to sponsor the delegate badges at this year’s event. We will be well-represented throughout the conference at our stand in the exhibition area, where we’ll be sharing how our externally assessed ESOL Skills for Life qualifications can deliver real value to your provision. Whether you’re considering a shift from internal assessments or looking to improve your current external approach, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Come and meet our team, including Tina Renshaw (Chief Executive) and Alan Brierley (Business Strategy Manager), and learn how we can support your organisation in delivering high-quality, meaningful assessments that work for learners and educators alike.

Don’t miss our practical ESOL workshop

We’re also excited to be delivering a workshop that offers direct takeaways for classroom practice.

This workshop is open to all interested ESOL practitioners.

Workshop: Assess your Learners’ Reading Skills
Presenter: Anthea Wilson, ESB International’s Chief Assessor
Date & Time: Saturday 29th June, 10:45–11:45am
What to Expect: A hands-on CPD session that guides ESOL tutors in creating effective reading assessment materials—practical, ready-to-use content that can be applied in the classroom right away.

If you’re unable to attend the conference or would prefer to explore our qualifications in a more personalised setting, we also offer informal one-to-one introductions with our team. To arrange a conversation at your convenience, simply click the button below to book a meeting.

Book a meeting

We look forward to seeing many of you at NATECLA and continuing to support the incredible work being done across the ESOL sector.

25 June 2025
ESB Celebrates World Book Day 2025 by Promoting the Joy of Reading

I used to see reading a book as a punishment… and now it’s one of my favourite hobbies.
ESB learner

Research shows that children who read for pleasure achieve higher academic success and enhanced well-being. According to the National Literacy Trust, young people who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have higher mental well-being compared to those who do not. 

Through ESB’s unique oracy assessments, learners are encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills by engaging with literature in meaningful ways, boosting reading for pleasure. 

Says ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw:

At ESB, we believe in nurturing confident, expressive young people who find joy and connection through books. By promoting reading for pleasure, we empower learners to unlock a lifelong love of literature and self-expression. ESB’s oracy qualifications provide structured opportunities for learners to read aloud and discuss books of their choice.

Below you can find 3 videos of learners undertaking our qualifications across primary, secondary and post 16, reading from their favourite book.

Penelope-Rae
(Primary level)

Freddie
(Secondary level)

Siyon
(16+)

ESB Staff join the celebration

To further celebrate World Book Day, ESB’s staff are also embracing this initiative. Staff members were invited to record a short video recommending a book and reading an excerpt, reinforcing the message that reading is a lifelong joy, no matter how old you are!

Contact business@esbuk.org today and we would be delighted to discuss how our qualifications can support learners in developing their love of reading!

6 March 2025