English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Tag: Europalso

  • Strengthening Our Partnership with Europalso

    ESB International was delighted to reaffirm our long-standing and successful partnership with Europalso at a professional seminar this past weekend, represented by our Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, and Chief Assessor, Anthea Wilson. The seminar was hosted for Europalo’s language school owners and offered a great opportunity for training, collaboration and networking.

    Europalso president George Zikopolous, and ESB International CEO Tina Renshaw speaking to Europalso language school owners.
    ESB International CEO, Tina Renshaw, delivers updates to over 150 Europalso language schools.

    ESB International was on hand to discuss another strong academic year, as well as outlining what the future holds for our work in Greece:

    ✅ 17 years of partnership – delivering high-quality ESOL International assessments for Greek learners.
    ✅ Innovation in assessment – from adult online assessments to our online assessor training platform, ensuring quality and accessibility.
    ✅ Outstanding May 2025 results:

    • B1 learners achieved their best overall results since 2020.
    • B2 candidates demonstrated strong language control and lexis above level expectations.
    • C1 performance was among the highest since 2020, with significant improvements in writing.
    • C2 candidates excelled in listening, reading and use of English skills

    ✅ 168 oral assessors delivered 100% error-free administration, and results were delivered faster than ever.

    Looking ahead:

    • A 10-year collaboration plan, ESB-designed e-certificates, and continued growth in online learning and webinars.
    • ESB International will also be hosting an upcoming webinar on 6th November to support continued CPD for our online assessments.

    The trip also represented Tina’s final visit to Europalso ahead of her departure from ESB International at the end of the year after 9 years as Chief Executive.

    Europalso has always made ESB feel incredibly welcome, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and partnership we continue to share. Your unwavering commitment to ESB International, and to the learners we serve, makes me incredibly proud and gives me every confidence for the years ahead. 

    Tina Renshaw, Chief Executive, ESB International

    Our commitment to Europalso, language school owners and learners remains unwavering. Thank you to the Europalso community for your enduring trust and partnership.

  • 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