Category: Important Announcements

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. welcomes its new Chief Executive, Adrian Gallagher

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. welcomes its new Chief Executive, Adrian Gallagher

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Gallagher as our new Chief Executive. Adrian brings a wealth of experience, vision, and leadership to the organisation, marking an exciting new chapter in ESB International’s journey.

Adrian is a strategic and results-oriented executive with over two decades of experience in education technology, business growth and operational leadership. His career has been defined by a commitment to innovation, excellence and sustainable development within the education sector.

In his most recent role, Adrian oversaw the strategic and operational management of the organisation, driving growth and performance. Under his leadership, the group expanded into more than 40 international regions, including the UAE, the United States, India and Australia. This expansion not only strengthened the organisation’s global presence but also enhanced its sustainability and charitable activities.

Adrian has previously held senior leadership positions across other education, employability and training sectors, consistently delivering outstanding results and building high-performing teams. His leadership style is characterised by integrity, innovation and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of organisational development.

I am truly honoured to join English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. as Chief Executive. ESB International has a proud history of empowering learners and fostering confident communication, and I am excited to play my part in continuing this legacy. My focus will be on driving innovation, expanding our reach, and ensuring that ESB International delivers exceptional value to its learners and partners worldwide.

I am grateful to Jim McAtear and the Board of Trustees for their trust and support as we embark on this exciting journey together and would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Tina Renshaw, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to ESB International over the years.
Adrian Gallagher on becoming the new CEO of ESB International

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcome Adrian Gallagher as Chief Executive of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. Adrian’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the education sector make him an excellent choice to guide ESB International into the future. We look forward to working closely with him as he leads the organisation to new heights as both an awarding and charitable organisation.
Jim McAtear, Chair of the Board of Trustees, welcomes Adrian to ESB International

Adrian’s appointment signals a bold and progressive future for ESB International. His proven track record of driving growth and fostering innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to empower our learners through our aspirational Oracy and English Language qualifications and develop confident communicators worldwide.

16 January 2026
Updates to ESB International’s Board of Trustees

We are pleased to share some recent updates to our Board of Trustees. These changes bring fresh leadership and expertise, while also celebrating the ongoing dedication of those volunteers continuing in their roles.

Welcoming our new Chair

Dr Jim McAtear has been appointed as Chair of Trustees, having previously served as Honorary Treasurer. Jim brings extensive experience in education and leadership, including his role as CEO of the Hartismere Family of Schools, where he led Hartismere to become the first Academy in the country and achieve consistent “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Jim’s leadership and wealth of experience will serve ESB International well in the coming years.

Thank you to Sami Mirza

We extend our sincere thanks to Sami Mirza, who has completed his term as Chair. His leadership has been hugely valued, and as he is stepping down as a Trustee after our October Board Meeting we would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the Board of Trustees.

New Vice Chair

We are also pleased to confirm that Jason Vit has been appointed as our new Vice Chair of Trustees. Jason has built his career in the educational charity sector, focusing on communication and literacy. He now leads a nationwide network of literacy programmes through the National Literacy Trust. His experience in improving social mobility through literacy is closely aligned with ESB International’s values.

We would like to thank Frances Richardson, for her term as Vice Chair. Frances remains on the Board, continuing to share her wide-ranging expertise in strategic planning and leadership gained through her senior roles at RoSPA and her work in the arts.

Damian Low becomes Honorary Treasurer

Damian Low has resumed Dr Jim McAtear’s former responsibilities as Honorary Treasurer. Damian is a strategy consultant who has advised global organisations such as Meta, Netflix, Shell, and Google. Damian’s strategic thinking is a great asset to the Board.

Thank you and best wishes to Simren Priestley

We bid farewell to Simren Priestley, who has stepped down from the Board. We are very grateful for the time and energy she dedicated to ESB International during her tenure as Trustee and wish her every success in the future.

Welcoming Edward May

Finally, we are delighted to welcome Edward May as the newest member of our Board of Trustees. Edward co-founded the Community Academies Trust and has held senior leadership positions across both primary and secondary education. He has also contributed to national educational initiatives, written for leading publications, and currently runs his own education consultancy while supporting a number of education charities. His expertise and passion for education will be an excellent addition to the Board.

Looking ahead

These changes ensure that our Board remains strong, diverse, and well-placed to guide ESB International in the years ahead as we onboard a new CEO in January. We are grateful to all our Trustees—past and present—for their commitment, given on a voluntary basis, for the wealth of experience and oversight they bring to ESB International.

29 September 2025
Championing Oracy: ESB International Supports Calls for the Government to Prioritise Speaking, Listening and Communication in Schools

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

You can find our published article here in Curriculum Innovation & Impact, Issue 18 of the Impact Journal from the Chartered College of Teaching

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.

22 July 2025
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