ESB International’s Unique Oracy Qualifications: Developing Confident Communicators

Learners prepare and deliver short spoken tasks such as a structured talk, poetry or prose recitation and reading aloud a passage from a book of their choosing. Assessments take place in small groups, with each learner individually assessed on their talks as well as on their listening via their questions and feedback for their peers by an external ESB International assessor. The group setting promotes collaboration and active listening skills.

Through these qualifications, learners build confidence in speaking to an audience, develop clear expression and vocal techniques, and learn the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue. They also begin to acquire early research and preparation skills that will serve them well as they progress through school.

These qualifications build a strong foundation in spoken communication and literacy. Despite most of our mainstream primary qualifications being unregulated, learners are still assessed by an external assessor from ESB International and receive a certificate following a successful pass, lending added validation to the learning your learners have done and the skills they have acquired. For many primary learners, this will be their first experience of being assessed by an external assessor, excellent preparation for their academic journey.

Structured talk about a topic of personal interest encourages learners to practise spoken English in a safe and supportive setting. The assessment also includes reading a passage from their favourite book of choice along with a spoken-by-heart reading of a piece of poetry or prose of their choosing.

Vocabulary building, pronunciation, conversational English, reading, recitation and confidence in speaking to different audiences.

Learners take away foundational skills allowing for increased access to the wider curriculum, build friendships and participate more fully in school life. Learners achieve an Ofqual-accredited certificate following a successful pass, representing a fantastic milestone in their formative educational journey as they continue to build their language skills.

Assessments across our secondary oracy qualifications can vary, especially between pathways and at Level 2 Grade 5 which includes options that focus on either drama or presenting. All qualifications are built on the principle of learner choice and are individually assessed by an external ESB International assessor. At these levels, learners are encouraged to engage actively by offering feedback and asking questions of their peers, as listening and interaction form an integral part of the assessment.

Learners at this stage refine advanced speech techniques and vocal control, develop critical thinking and analysis of texts, and gain confidence in presenting to peers. They also strengthen collaborative engagement and listening skills, promoting greater attainment at GCSE level and beyond.

On completion, learners receive an Ofqual-regulated ESB International certificate that demonstrates the transferable skills they have acquired, boosting academic achievement. The Speech for Employability pathway in particular is an excellent choice to engage secondary learners with the world of work. The ability to communicate is often the most desirable skill outside of role-specific technical skills that hiring managers look for, yet 70% of employers feel that the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues is a significant skills gap amongst young people. Our qualifications, therefore, give young people a competitive advantage amongst their peers.

Learners participate in a group discussion, present ideas clearly, and respond thoughtfully to others. Assessments are externally conducted by ESB International at your own centre.

Learners refine their ability to articulate opinions, justify viewpoints, and engage in collaborative dialogue. They also strengthen listening skills and learn to adapt their communication for different audiences and contexts.

Learners receive the same result based on the performance of the group, although all learners receive an individual Ofqual-regulated ESB International certificate. Learners gain transferable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence, preparing them for further study and life beyond school.

These assessments take place in groups of 3 or 4 over approximately 30-40 minutes. Teams prepare a debate on an agreed motion (own choice) and each member of the team has 4 minutes to build and deliver arguments that support or oppose the motion.

At Level 1 (Years 6–8), learners build confidence in structuring and presenting arguments, develop respect for different viewpoints, and begin to think critically in real-time. At Level 2 (Years 9–11), skills deepen through more complex motions, with learners refining their style, analytical ability, and teamwork while learning to debate with greater independence.

Learners achieve a regulated qualification from ESB International and gain transferable skills such as collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking, strengthening academic progression and confidence for future study.

Learners present a sophisticated talk, interpret and analyse literature, and recommend texts with critical insight. Group assessments encourage discussion and engagement, while individual assessment by an ESB International assessor ensures rigorous standards.

At this level, learners develop persuasive reasoning and nuanced interpretation, alongside research and independent preparation skills. They learn to communicate confidently and structure their ideas with clarity, while also listening and responding at an advanced level. These skills are essential for learners on the cusp of adulthood, with nearly half of young people not in education or training (NEET) lacking confidence in public speaking or leadership scenarios. 

At Level 3, learners can achieve UCAS Points – making them an excellent choice at Years 12 and 13 to enrich your classes or as an extra-curricular programme.  Our Level 3 (Grade 8) qualification has a higher points threshold than an Extended Project qualification (EPQ). Furthermore, if you have any of the 73,000 learners who take English GCSE at post 16, our Level 2 (Grade 4) Speech for Employability qualification is an excellent choice for colleges looking to improve on just the 13% of learners who improve to a pass when resitting this qualification. 

With the Government prioritising employability skills, learner wellbeing and clear progression routes, an ESB International oracy qualification can bridge the academic and vocational gap by imparting confidence, leadership and employability qualities onto young people whose world becomes increasingly polarised by social media and artificial intelligence. 

The assessment takes place in groups of 3 or 4 over approximately 50 minutes. Teams prepare a debate on an agreed motion (own choice) and each member of the team has 5 minutes to build and deliver arguments that support or oppose the motion.

 Learners demonstrate higher-order skills such as persuasive reasoning, nuanced rebuttal, and confident, structured communication. They learn to think critically under pressure and articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction.

Learners achieve a recognised ESB International certificate and gain transferable skills such as collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking, strengthening academic progression and confidence for future study.