English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Category: International

  • ESB International heads to Bett Asia as it looks to strengthen partnerships across Asia

    ESB International heads to Bett Asia as it looks to strengthen partnerships across Asia

    ESB International heads to Bett Asia as it looks to strengthen partnerships across Asia

    ESB is attending Bett Asia graphic

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) is looking forward to joining education leaders from across the region at Bett Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

    Chief Executive Adrian Gallagher will make a short stop in Malaysia during the ESB Singapore Roadshow, a week-long programme of meetings with international schools and education partners taking place from 21–25 September. Bett Asia, held at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur, brings together educators, school leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the Asia-Pacific education community.

    Building partnerships across Asia

    Over the coming year, ESB International is keen to connect with more international schools, education groups and partners across Asia that share its belief in the importance of confident and authentic communication.

    The Singapore Roadshow has been designed to strengthen existing relationships, develop new partnerships and explore how schools can support learners through oracy, public speaking, debating, enrichment and English language development. Adrian’s visit to Bett Asia creates an opportunity to extend those conversations beyond Singapore and meet education leaders from across the wider region.

    This matters because the role of spoken communication extends far beyond a single subject or activity. Whether learners are explaining an idea in science, contributing to a group discussion, presenting research, debating a topical issue or preparing for university and employment, the ability to communicate clearly and listen effectively supports participation across school life.

    Our Singapore Roadshow is about listening to schools, understanding what they want for their learners and exploring where ESB International can add genuine value. Bett Asia gives us the chance to broaden that conversation and meet educators and potential partners from across the region.

    As our international oracy work grows, we want to build long-term partnerships with schools that recognise communication as an important part of preparing young people for the future.

    Adrian Gallagher, Chief Executive of ESB International

    Where can oracy fit within an international school

    One of the strengths of our unique oracy qualifications is their flexibility.

    Schools can embed oracy into the core curriculum, using qualification activities alongside existing classroom learning, or offer qualifications through the co-curriculum, including enrichment, debating, public speaking and wider learner development programmes.

    ESB International’s qualifications are designed to complement learning across different subject areas rather than confining speaking and listening to the English classroom. Learners might research and present a curriculum topic, interpret literature, construct and defend an argument, respond to questions or engage with their peers through structured discussion.

    For international schools, that creates several practical opportunities.

    Structured progression in communication skills

    We offer oracy qualifications from early years and primary education through secondary and post-16. As learners progress, they can move from developing early confidence and expression to more sophisticated presentation, debating, critical thinking and evidence-led communication. Our Level 3 qualifications also carry UCAS Tariff Points, providing additional relevance for learners considering higher education in the UK.

    Authentic speaking and listening experiences

    Our oracy assessments take place in small, supportive groups, while learners are assessed individually. This creates opportunities for speaking, listening and responding that more closely reflect real communication, while encouraging collaboration and engagement with others.

    Learner choice and
    agency

    Learners are given meaningful opportunities to choose what they speak about, including topics, texts and areas that reflect their interests. Learners can also choose from four unique pathways at Level 1 and Level 2 that personalise their experience even further.

    In person or remote
    assessment options

    Assessments are delivered and marked by trained and standardised assessors, either in-person or online. Every learner who successfully passes their ESB assessment will be sent a physical certificate.

    Independent recognition
    of achievement

    Our oracy qualifications are externally assessed. Assessments are delivered and marked by trained and standardised assessors, giving schools an independent framework through which to recognise learners’ communication skills. Our qualifications at Level 1 and above are accredited by Ofqual.

    Specialist qualifications for learners with SEND or EAL

    We believe in oracy for all, and offer accredited qualification options for learners with SEND or EAL that offer those learners more accessible opportunities to engage with their oracy skills alongside their peers.

    Starting a wider conversation

    ESB International has championed confident communication for more than 70 years. As its work with international schools develops, the organisation is looking forward to learning from educators across Asia and exploring how its qualifications can complement different curricula, school cultures and learner priorities.

    Bett Asia is an important opportunity to continue that conversation.

    If you are attending Bett Asia on 23 September and would like to meet Adrian Gallagher to discuss oracy, public speaking, debating, EAL or opportunities to work in partnership with ESB International, get in touch with the team to arrange a conversation in Kuala Lumpur.

  • English Speaking Opportunities with ESB International and the English-Speaking Union

    English Speaking Opportunities with ESB International and the English-Speaking Union

    English Speaking Opportunities with ESB International and the English-Speaking Union

    ESB International is pleased to be working with the English-Speaking Union to share another opportunity for young people to use and develop their speaking, listening and critical thinking skills.

    Registration for the ESU’s 2026–27 national oracy competitions closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026.

    At English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International), developing confident communicators is about much more than one assessment. ESB International’s oracy qualifications give learners structured opportunities to find their voice, express ideas with confidence, listen and respond thoughtfully, and take ownership of what they want to communicate. Across its pathways, learners can develop skills in areas including speech, discussion, presentation and debating, with progression available from the early years through to post-16 education.

    And those skills do not need to stop when a learner receives their certificate.

    ESB International is pleased to be working with the English-Speaking Union (ESU) to highlight its national competitions for the 2026–27 academic year. For schools already delivering ESB International qualifications, they offer an exciting opportunity for learners to take the skills they have been developing and apply them in a new setting.

    For schools considering how to create more purposeful opportunities for speaking and listening, the competitions also demonstrate just how varied oracy can be, from constructing an argument to addressing an audience or interpreting a piece of literature.

    Three opportunities to take communication skills further

    Mace Debating
    Competition

    Open to students aged 11–18, the Schools’ Mace is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in England and Wales. Learners research, construct and present persuasive arguments while listening and responding to opposing viewpoints, putting critical thinking, reasoning and confident communication into practice.

    Public Speaking Competition

    For students aged 13–16, this team-based competition gives participants distinct roles as speaker, questioner and chairperson. It offers learners the chance to develop not only public speaking, but also active listening, questioning and the ability to respond effectively to others.

    Performing Shakespeare Competition

    Open to students aged 11–14, this drama and oracy competition encourages learners to explore Shakespeare through performance and interpretation. Finalists have the opportunity to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

    Building the skills first

    Competitions provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate communication skills, but confidence is built through regular opportunities to practise, reflect and progress.

    That is where ESB International’s qualifications can support schools.

    Its learner-centred approach gives individuals meaningful choices about topics, texts and discussion points, helping them take greater ownership of their communication. At secondary level, ESB International also offers dedicated Debating qualifications, where learners develop their ability to construct arguments, respond to different viewpoints, work collaboratively and communicate with increasing independence.

    For an existing ESB International learner, an ESU competition could therefore provide an engaging opportunity to take those skills into a different environment. Alternatively, learners who have already competed in an ESU competition, an ESB International oracy qualification is a natural next step for learners looking to achieve a recognised qualification for skills they have already demonstrated to a high level.

    Registration closes 16 September

    Registration for all three ESU competitions closes on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Schools and educational institutions across England and Wales can find competition information and registration details on the ESU website.

    Explore the ESU’s competitions

    ESB International is continuing to explore further collaborative opportunities with the English-Speaking Union, so watch this space for what comes next.

  • 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.

  • 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.