At its heart, oracy is about empowering every learner to have a voice<\/strong>, enabling them to share their perspectives and contribute actively to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ESB International’s long-standing commitment to Oracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nSince its formation in 1953 by Christabel Burniston<\/strong> and Jocelyn Bell<\/strong>, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. has been at the forefront of communication-based assessment. Our very first assessments were designed to place spoken communication at the centre of learning, a ground-breaking approach at a time when examinations focused almost exclusively on the written word.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nPlacing the learner at the heart of the assessment was another early innovation that remains a core part of our ethos today. Our assessments rely on the expertise of our learners to craft their own topics by leaning into their hobbies and interests. This learner centred approach results in an element of enjoyment and engagement not often seen in formal assessments and can develop empathy in the classroom as learners engage with their peers\u2019 ideas and lived experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
ESB International has continued to champion oracy across all its forms, ensuring that learners of every age and background have opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive. From Early Years to adult learners, our qualifications are designed to build confidence, self-expression, learner agency and collaboration<\/strong> through speaking and listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInfluencing the Oracy Agenda: APPGs and the Oracy Education Commission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lightbulb-icon-50px.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nESB International\u2019s expertise is not only demonstrated through its qualifications, but also through its contributions to national conversations on oracy education. We have played an active role in shaping policy and practice by:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Contributing our expertise to past All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) <\/a>on Oracy<\/strong>, highlighting the impact of strong speaking and listening skills. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Providing evidence, supporting and engaging with the Oracy Education Commission<\/a><\/strong>, reinforcing the importance of embedding oracy within the curriculum at every level. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
We continue to advocate for oracy as a vital educational priority, influencing decision-makers and educators alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ofsted wants to see Oracy in Action. What does this mean for your School?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nOfsted\u2019s Education Framework<\/a> and supporting toolkits highlight that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cspoken language (oracy) must be taught explicitly so that pupils learn to communicate effectively, articulate ideas, deepen understanding and engage with others through speaking, listening and communication<\/strong>\u201d. <\/p>\nOfsted Education Framework, page 19<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThis expectation sits within the Curriculum and Teaching evaluation area and applies across all subjects, not just English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Oracy-evidence-in-the-classroom-graphic-500px.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow can ESB International help you evidence what inspectors may look for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n- Explicit teaching of oracy:<\/strong> The curriculum provides direct, intentional teaching of spoken language<\/strong>, enabling pupils to participate in high\u2011quality classroom talk, express ideas clearly, listen actively and respond appropriately in different contexts. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An ambitious entitlement for every pupil:<\/strong> The curriculum (including its approach to spoken language) is framed as an entitlement for all learners and<\/strong> is at least as ambitious in breadth and depth as the National Curriculum<\/strong>. This sets the expectation that oracy is planned for all pupils, not a peripheral add\u2011on. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- Planned, progressive development of talk:<\/strong> Schools sequence knowledge and skills<\/strong>, including vocabulary and discourse routines, so pupils\u2019 spoken language grows in sophistication over time and supports understanding across the curriculum. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Effective classroom practice:<\/strong> Teaching creates regular, purposeful opportunities<\/strong> for pupils to speak, listen and collaborate, using talk to develop ideas, check understanding and engage with others (for example, discussion, explanation, questioning and feedback). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
A Ready-Made Solution for Organisations Responding to the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Call for Oracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe recent Curriculum and Assessment Review<\/a> places oracy at the heart of the future national curriculum, recognising spoken communication as a foundational skill alongside reading and writing. The Review calls for \u201cfurther support and guidance for oracy and spoken language interventions,\u201d in response to inconsistent teaching of oracy and a lack of clear progression, particularly for disadvantaged learners and those with SEND. To address this, the government will introduce a new Oracy Framework for primary and secondary education<\/strong>, embedding speaking and listening across all subjects and key stages, and ensuring that every learner develops the ability to communicate confidently and critically by the end of Key Stage 4. Importantly, the Review acknowledges that \u201cattention to oracy is insufficient\u201d at the post 16 phase of education and calls for greater exposure to oracy through enrichment, pastoral and employment opportunities<\/strong>. This includes greater emphasis on structured opportunities that lend \u201cconfidence in core skills for employment such as communication, teamwork and leadership\u201d so that learners build resilience for higher education or the workplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Review considers oracy to incorporate speaking, listening, and communication, including verbal as well as other forms of non-written communication, such as sign language, non-verbal and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).<\/p>\nThe Review has introduced a new inclusive definition of oracy, page 42<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYoung people and their parents or carers have been clear that they would like to see more applied knowledge in certain areas. We have examined the evidence to identify those most in need of critical attention. These include the areas mentioned above, plus important areas such as financial literacy and oracy.<\/p>\nHow the Curriculum needs to adapt to social and technological change, page 11<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nESB International\u2019s oracy qualifications provide schools and post 16 settings with a ready-made solution to meet these new expectations. Our qualifications already deliver what the Review calls for: structured opportunities for learners to speak, listen, question, and respond in meaningful contexts<\/strong>. From EYFS through to post 16, our qualifications nurture curiosity and confidence in the early years, build critical thinking and structured reasoning in secondary, and develop higher-order communication skills such as persuasion and debate at post 16. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese experiences not only align with the Review\u2019s emphasis on oracy as a driver of academic success and social equity but also support Ofsted\u2019s focus on personal development and cultural capital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nBy adopting ESB International qualifications, schools, sixth forms\/colleges and other educational institutions can immediately implement the Review\u2019s vision for oracy without waiting for the 2028 curriculum changes. Our externally assessed, learner-centred approach ensures rigorous standards and provides tangible evidence of progress. ESB International\u2019s qualifications, acknowledged as a proven oracy framework in the \u2018Speak for Change<\/a>\u2019 report by the Oracy All Party Parliamentary Group (p. 43) in 2021, offers a practical, proven pathway to consolidate oracy in your school through our unique approach to assessing speaking and listening skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBy providing this structured pathway, ESB International ensures that oracy is not a one-off experience but a skill developed purposefully. At every stage, our learner-centred qualifications invite individuals to explore communication through their own interests and curiosities, making the oracy journey both personal and meaningful. With Reasonable Adjustments<\/a> in place, we ensure that every learner, whatever their needs, has the chance to develop their voice with confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Graph-icon-50px.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is the value of adding an externall assessed programme to your oracy practice?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Embedding oracy in the curriculum is transformative for all learners and a game changer for some<\/strong>. For learners who struggle with traditional written assessments, oral assessment provides an alternative route to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- In primary settings<\/strong>, our qualifications measure oracy with the same rigour as reading and writing. Plus, our reading-focused tasks evidence skills like reading aloud fluently, at pace, and with prosody. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Real-world relevance: Assessments are framed as group and work-simulated activities, extending questioning, purposeful listening, and, at secondary and 16+<\/strong>, employability skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, and telephone communication. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nExplore our Oracy Qualifications<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Question-mark-icon-50px.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can ESB International help?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Our externally assessed qualifications offer a comprehensive, established framework for schools, VI Form and FE colleges, specialist settings and other organisations looking to implement an oracy provision from the ground up or to enhance an existing programme<\/strong>. Whether an inspector is lucky enough to observe an ESB lesson or assessment first-hand, witness an oracy-rich class in full flow or simply read through prepared schemes of work that weave oracy into explicit classroom teaching, working with ESB International is a great way for your organisation to evidence its commitment to embedding oracy in your curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Audit and map oracy<\/strong> within your curriculum plans so explicit teaching and practice opportunities are visible across subjects and phases. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sequence oracy skills<\/strong> (e.g., vocabulary, turn\u2011taking, reasoning, presentation, audience response) so progression is clear from early years to post\u201116. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure learners can <\/strong>access oracy aspirations across the breadth and depth of the National Curriculum. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nContact Us Today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Oracy Matters with ESB International<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At ESB International, we believe oracy is not simply an \u201cextra\u201d in education, it is one of the foundations of learning, confidence and personal development. With a proud history of innovation in spoken assessments, a proven track record of contributing to national oracy conversations, and a broad portfolio of qualifications, we are uniquely positioned to support schools, colleges and learners in embedding oracy at every stage of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about our unique Oracy offering:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\nOur unique Oracy Qualifications
developing confident communicators<\/sub><\/h5>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Distribute-icon-50px.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Since its formation in 1953 by Christabel Burniston<\/strong> and Jocelyn Bell<\/strong>, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. has been at the forefront of communication-based assessment. Our very first assessments were designed to place spoken communication at the centre of learning, a ground-breaking approach at a time when examinations focused almost exclusively on the written word.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Placing the learner at the heart of the assessment was another early innovation that remains a core part of our ethos today. Our assessments rely on the expertise of our learners to craft their own topics by leaning into their hobbies and interests. This learner centred approach results in an element of enjoyment and engagement not often seen in formal assessments and can develop empathy in the classroom as learners engage with their peers\u2019 ideas and lived experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n ESB International has continued to champion oracy across all its forms, ensuring that learners of every age and background have opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive. From Early Years to adult learners, our qualifications are designed to build confidence, self-expression, learner agency and collaboration<\/strong> through speaking and listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ESB International\u2019s expertise is not only demonstrated through its qualifications, but also through its contributions to national conversations on oracy education. We have played an active role in shaping policy and practice by:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n We continue to advocate for oracy as a vital educational priority, influencing decision-makers and educators alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ofsted\u2019s Education Framework<\/a> and supporting toolkits highlight that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cspoken language (oracy) must be taught explicitly so that pupils learn to communicate effectively, articulate ideas, deepen understanding and engage with others through speaking, listening and communication<\/strong>\u201d. <\/p>\nOfsted Education Framework, page 19<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This expectation sits within the Curriculum and Teaching evaluation area and applies across all subjects, not just English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The recent Curriculum and Assessment Review<\/a> places oracy at the heart of the future national curriculum, recognising spoken communication as a foundational skill alongside reading and writing. The Review calls for \u201cfurther support and guidance for oracy and spoken language interventions,\u201d in response to inconsistent teaching of oracy and a lack of clear progression, particularly for disadvantaged learners and those with SEND. To address this, the government will introduce a new Oracy Framework for primary and secondary education<\/strong>, embedding speaking and listening across all subjects and key stages, and ensuring that every learner develops the ability to communicate confidently and critically by the end of Key Stage 4. Importantly, the Review acknowledges that \u201cattention to oracy is insufficient\u201d at the post 16 phase of education and calls for greater exposure to oracy through enrichment, pastoral and employment opportunities<\/strong>. This includes greater emphasis on structured opportunities that lend \u201cconfidence in core skills for employment such as communication, teamwork and leadership\u201d so that learners build resilience for higher education or the workplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Review considers oracy to incorporate speaking, listening, and communication, including verbal as well as other forms of non-written communication, such as sign language, non-verbal and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).<\/p>\nThe Review has introduced a new inclusive definition of oracy, page 42<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Young people and their parents or carers have been clear that they would like to see more applied knowledge in certain areas. We have examined the evidence to identify those most in need of critical attention. These include the areas mentioned above, plus important areas such as financial literacy and oracy.<\/p>\nHow the Curriculum needs to adapt to social and technological change, page 11<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n ESB International\u2019s oracy qualifications provide schools and post 16 settings with a ready-made solution to meet these new expectations. Our qualifications already deliver what the Review calls for: structured opportunities for learners to speak, listen, question, and respond in meaningful contexts<\/strong>. From EYFS through to post 16, our qualifications nurture curiosity and confidence in the early years, build critical thinking and structured reasoning in secondary, and develop higher-order communication skills such as persuasion and debate at post 16. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These experiences not only align with the Review\u2019s emphasis on oracy as a driver of academic success and social equity but also support Ofsted\u2019s focus on personal development and cultural capital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n By adopting ESB International qualifications, schools, sixth forms\/colleges and other educational institutions can immediately implement the Review\u2019s vision for oracy without waiting for the 2028 curriculum changes. Our externally assessed, learner-centred approach ensures rigorous standards and provides tangible evidence of progress. ESB International\u2019s qualifications, acknowledged as a proven oracy framework in the \u2018Speak for Change<\/a>\u2019 report by the Oracy All Party Parliamentary Group (p. 43) in 2021, offers a practical, proven pathway to consolidate oracy in your school through our unique approach to assessing speaking and listening skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n By providing this structured pathway, ESB International ensures that oracy is not a one-off experience but a skill developed purposefully. At every stage, our learner-centred qualifications invite individuals to explore communication through their own interests and curiosities, making the oracy journey both personal and meaningful. With Reasonable Adjustments<\/a> in place, we ensure that every learner, whatever their needs, has the chance to develop their voice with confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Embedding oracy in the curriculum is transformative for all learners and a game changer for some<\/strong>. For learners who struggle with traditional written assessments, oral assessment provides an alternative route to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our externally assessed qualifications offer a comprehensive, established framework for schools, VI Form and FE colleges, specialist settings and other organisations looking to implement an oracy provision from the ground up or to enhance an existing programme<\/strong>. Whether an inspector is lucky enough to observe an ESB lesson or assessment first-hand, witness an oracy-rich class in full flow or simply read through prepared schemes of work that weave oracy into explicit classroom teaching, working with ESB International is a great way for your organisation to evidence its commitment to embedding oracy in your curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At ESB International, we believe oracy is not simply an \u201cextra\u201d in education, it is one of the foundations of learning, confidence and personal development. With a proud history of innovation in spoken assessments, a proven track record of contributing to national oracy conversations, and a broad portfolio of qualifications, we are uniquely positioned to support schools, colleges and learners in embedding oracy at every stage of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInfluencing the Oracy Agenda: APPGs and the Oracy Education Commission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Ofsted wants to see Oracy in Action. What does this mean for your School?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow can ESB International help you evidence what inspectors may look for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
A Ready-Made Solution for Organisations Responding to the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Call for Oracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is the value of adding an externall assessed programme to your oracy practice?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can ESB International help?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Oracy Matters with ESB International<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about our unique Oracy offering:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Our unique Oracy Qualifications
developing confident communicators<\/sub><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Blue-lightbulb-icon-50px.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gears-icon-2-50px.png\"){kind=icon}
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