English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Category: Oracy

  • 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 primary school learners at Broadfields Primary School in Barnet.
    Tina visiting Broadfields School, a primary school in Barnet that has been delivering ESB’s oracy qualifications for over 10 years.
    Tina at the Europalso annual conference.
    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 70th 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
    A photo including Tina Renshaw taken at Belfast Metropolitan College's Supported Learning Centre.
    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.

    A group photo including Tina Renshaw taken at ESB International's 70th anniversary celebration at New City College.
    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.
    A picture of ESB International's Honorary Treasurer, Dr Jim McAtear

    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

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Week 4 of ESB’s ‘Oracy for All’ Campaign: Oracy for Independent Living and Social Interaction

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) launches Week 4 of its ‘Oracy for All’ campaign, designed to reach out to, and empower more learners with significant learning needs through its ambitious and inclusive oracy qualifications.

    Oracy for Independent Living and Social Interaction

    • ‘Spoken language is crucial for successfully navigating social interactions and different cultural contexts. Strong oracy skills enable children and young people to express their feelings, advocate for their beliefs, and build and maintain healthy relationships.’ The National Literacy Trust quoted in the Oracy Education Commission’s 2024 Report

    Oracy Education Commission Evidence

    ‘59% of children say strong communication skills make them feel happier.’

    PEARSON SCHOOL REPORT, (written evidence to the OEC Commission 2024)

    ‘52% of parents say their children (aged 5-9 years old) are struggling to make friends because they lack self-confidence in speaking to others.’

    ESU POLLING, (written evidence to the OEC Commission 2024)

    At ESB, we provide communication-rich experiences that build confidence in every learner, empowering them to advocate for themselves and navigate daily life with self-assurance and independence.

    This week emphasises how strong communication skills are not only essential in the classroom, but also foundational to self-advocacy, autonomy, and fulfilling interactions in the community. For learners with significant learning needs, these skills are even more vital for everyday tasks and for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships.

    For over 10 years, ESB has provided specialist opportunities for learners with significant additional needs to succeed and this commitment is ongoing. We wholeheartedly believe that developing oral communication strategies is one of the keys to living an independent life. For those learners who experience challenges with communication, the priority is to develop their confidence when interacting with others, enabling them to deal effectively with the practicalities of daily life.

    Tina Renshaw, Chief Executive of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

    Our Qualifications

    ESB offers qualifications called Communication for Independent Living and Social Interaction, a part of our suite of Building Confidence in Communication oracy qualifications for learners with significant learning needs.

    As part of the qualification, learners will be able to:  

    • Section 1: Acknowledge or Respond to a greeting (Entry 1) / Communicate about living independently (Entry 2) 
    • Section 2: Answer Questions / Tell a group about something of personal interest (Entry 1) / Read a short text out loud (Entry 2) 
    • Section 3: Be part of an audience / Join a group activity (Entry 1) / Make a telephone call to the emergency services (Entry 2) 
    • Section 4: Respond to a farewell / Show support as a listener (Entry 1) / Support the communication of others in the group (Entry 2) 
    See our qualifications

    Adds Tina:

    Our group-based approach to assessment, seamlessly integrated into any curriculum, is designed to support learners to become more independent, enabling them to confidently engage in activities and social exchanges

    Belfast Met College, a long-standing partner of ESB, has witnessed the profound impact these qualifications have on their students with significant learning difficulties and disabilities.

    Belfast Met has had the honour of working with ESB and has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that ESB qualifications have on individuals’ lives, supporting nearly 2,000 students with learning difficulties and disabilities. As a result, our students can now communicate independently, not just in the college setting, but also in their wider community.

    Belfast Met College

    Our Teacher Resources

    To support educators in fostering oracy skills in the classroom, ESB offers a comprehensive range of teacher resources, specifically designed to help isolate and practice effective speaking and listening skills.

    These resources include three groups of activities:

    • Everyday interaction
    • Giving a presentation
    • Fine-tuning the message
    Access resources

    These activities can be easily adapted for students working at various levels, ensuring that all learners can benefit from them. There are also various tips on inclusive practice in the classroom.

    Make ‘Oracy for All’ a Reality

    ESB’s ‘Oracy for All’ campaign underscores ESB’s mission to make life-changing communication skills accessible to every learner.

    To learn more about ESB’s qualifications, join our webinar on Tuesday the 26th of November at 4.00pm for an in-depth look at how these qualifications can make a real difference to the lives of individuals. 

    Join webinar

    If you are unable to attend the webinar, you can reach out to ESB’s Business Strategy Team at business@esbuk.org for additional resources and information.