English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

What English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. does

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB / ESB International) is a UK-registered private limited company and registered charity (Company No. 01269980; Charity No. 272565) founded in 1953 by Christabel Burniston and Jocelyn Bell, headquartered at 9 Hattersley Court, Ormskirk. It operates as an external awarding organisation delivering three regulated qualification portfolios: Oracy qualifications (Graded Examinations in Speech, Group Speaking, Debating, EAL-specific grades, and a Building Confidence in Communication suite for SEND learners) covering Early Years through post-16 Level 3; ESOL Skills for Life qualifications (Pre-Entry to Level 2, Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening, Ofqual regulated and aligned to the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum); and ESOL International qualifications (A1-C2 CEFR-mapped, Ofqual regulated at B1-C2). The majority of qualifications are externally assessed, with ESB assessors travelling to UK venues to conduct Speaking & Listening assessments and grade written papers.

ESB monetises through a per-learner unit pricing model supplemented by centre registration and recurring centre fees. Per-learner fees range from £15-£71 depending on qualification level, with additional fast-track supplements for ESOL International. Centres pay a one-time £215 registration fee, plus annual fees including minimum per-assessment-day charges (£300-£550 depending on centre type), cancellation fees, and international centre compliance packages (£1k-6k for assessor recruitment, training, and standardisation). Ancillary revenue streams include replacement certificates (£30), re-marks (£50), grading appeals (£250), and teacher training (£300 per half-day digital session). Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales via a Business Strategy Team with a self-serve MyESB Booking Hub (hub.esbuk.org) for registered centres, alongside assessor/moderator SharePoint platforms. Internationally, ESB partners with channel resellers such as Europalso (Greece) and delivers ESOL International online via Cirrus Assessment and Proctorio with AI remote proctoring.

ESB's customer base spans UK further education colleges (e.g., Dudley College, City of Bristol College, Gateshead College), local adult education services (e.g., City of London Adult Skills and Education Service, Kingston Adult Education), community and charity organisations (e.g., CARAS, Hull Sisters, Windsor Women's Centre), and international language schools. Scale signals include 16,000+ ESOL Skills for Life certifications annually, 350,000+ ESOL International certifications since 2014, and a 96-96.3% query resolution rate within 48 hours. ESB is a member of ALTE and EALTA, partners with NATECLA, and was named Awarding Organisation of the Year by the Federation of Awarding Bodies in 2023.

Name

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

Legal name

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

Website

https://esbuk.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is a UK awarding organisation and registered charity, founded in 1953, delivering Ofqual-regulated Oracy, ESOL Skills for Life, and ESOL International qualifications to FE colleges, schools, adult education providers, community organisations, and international language schools through external assessment and per-learner fee pricing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Qualification Awarding Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Language Schools (611630)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas) (EDADAFAC)

Keywords

• Awarding organisation qualifications
• Oracy qualifications
• ESOL qualifications
• Speaking listening assessments
• Vocational certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ormskirk

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. ESOL Skills for Life Qualification Fees: Per-learner fees for Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening assessments across Pre-Entry to Level 2. Prices range from £15-54 per learner depending on level and component.
2. ESOL International Qualification Fees: Per-learner fees for A1-C2 level ESOL International qualifications ranging from £45-71 per learner for standard assessments, with additional fast-track supplement of £35.
3. Oracy Qualification Fees: Per-learner fees for oracy qualifications across Early Years to Level 3, ranging from £33-59 depending on qualification type and level.
4. Centre Registration and Fees: One-time centre registration fee of £215, plus ongoing centre fees including minimum fees per assessment day (£500-550 for secondary/ESOL SfL, £400 for primary, £300 for group speaking), cancellation fees (£250-450), and annual training fees.
5. Additional Services: Replacement certificates (£30), re-mark fees (£50), grading appeals (£250), and certificate charges for ESOL Skills for Life overarching certificates (£7).
6. ESOL International Centre Assessment Fees: International centre fees for CASS compliance including assessor recruitment approval (up to £500 per group of 5), annual training (£1,000-6,000 depending on number of assessors), and standardisation/moderation (£1,000-6,000).
7. Teacher Training: Digital teacher training sessions at £300 for half-day sessions. Complimentary initial tutor training for centres with learner registrations exceeding £10,000 per academic year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is an awarding organisation that creates, externally assesses, marks, results, and certifies regulated qualifications in Oracy (Graded Examinations in Speech, Group Speaking, Debating, EAL, Building Confidence in Communication, and Professional Presentation Skills), ESOL Skills for Life (Pre-Entry to Level 2 across Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening), and ESOL International (A1 to C2 mapped to CEFR). Qualifications are delivered to learners through a registered centre network of schools, further education colleges, adult education providers, community organisations, and international language schools, with ESB handling all external assessment and certification rather than centres.

Product overview

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. operates as an award-winning external awarding organisation offering three main qualification portfolios: Oracy qualifications (Graded Examinations in Speech), ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, and ESOL International qualifications. The Oracy portfolio includes qualifications from Early Steps through Level 3 (including Group Speaking, Debating, EAL-specific qualifications, and Building Confidence in Communication for SEND learners), most regulated by Ofqual. ESOL Skills for Life offers Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening qualifications from Pre-Entry to Level 2, Ofqual regulated and aligned to Adult ESOL Core Curriculum. ESOL International provides A1-C2 CEFR-aligned qualifications globally. The company also provides supporting platforms including MyESB Booking Hub, Assessor Hub, and various SharePoint-based moderator and assessor platforms, plus the Christabel Burniston Fund for centre funding assistance. The majority of qualifications are externally assessed, with assessors traveling to centres.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Oracy Qualifications Portfolio (Graded Examinations in Speech, Group Speaking, Debating, EAL, Building Confidence in Communication, and Professional Presentation Skills) Comprehensive suite of oracy qualifications spanning Early Years (Pre-Entry Steps), Key Stages 1-4 (Entry Level through Level 2), and post-16 (Level 3 Certificates in Speech Grade 6 and Grade 8, Level 3 Awards in Debating, and Level 4 Professional Presentation Skills). Most qualifications are Ofqual regulated; Level 3 awards carry UCAS Tariff Points. Includes bespoke pathways for EAL learners (mapped to CEFR A1-B1) and the Building Confidence in Communication suite for learners with significant SEND. Sold to schools, sixth forms, FE colleges, specialist SEND settings, and community organisations per learner.
• ESOL Skills for Life Qualifications Ofqual regulated ESOL qualifications from Pre-Entry to Level 2 covering Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening components. Available to adult learners living, studying or working in the UK through registered centres including FE colleges, adult education services, and community organisations. Aligned to the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum and national standards. ESB handles all external assessment, marking, results, and certification. Pricing per learner ranges from £15 to £54 depending on level and component.
• ESOL International Qualifications (A1-C2) Globally recognised ESOL International qualifications at all six CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), with B2-C2 Ofqual regulated. Delivered through international registered centres with locally trained oral assessors. Online assessment delivered via Cirrus Assessment with Proctorio AI remote proctoring. C2 qualifications recognised by UCAS for UK university admission; ESOL International qualifications accepted by ASEP (Greece) for civil service selection. Pricing per learner ranges from £45 to £71 standard, with a £35 Fast-Track supplement.
• Teacher Training and Professional Development Services Digital and in-person training sessions for ESB centre tutors and assessors, including mandatory training for new centres and optional refresher sessions. Digital half-day sessions priced at £300 per session. Centres with learner registrations exceeding £10,000 per academic year receive complimentary initial tutor training. Workshops are also delivered for learners in centre settings. Sold to ESB registered centres and their teaching staff.
• Oracy Resources, Workshops and CPD for Educators Free teaching resources, qualification specifications (70+ documents), impact reports, and tailored CPD workshops for educators seeking to embed oracy into the curriculum. Includes learner workshops and on-demand teacher resources for Oracy, ESOL Skills for Life, and ESOL International qualification suites. Sold and delivered to teachers, schools, and ESB registered centres.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% of queries resolved within 48 hours
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Europalso (Greece)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-standing partnership since 2013 with Europalso representing ESB qualifications in Greece. ESB International visits Greece quarterly to meet with Europalso team and gain feedback. Europalso manages a network of language schools delivering ESOL International assessments.
• NATECLA (National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud partners of NATECLA, engaging in ESOL Skills for Life conversations of national importance.
• ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate member of ALTE, aligning with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards.
• EALTA (European Association of Language Testing and Assessment)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member of EALTA, demonstrating commitment to aligning with international language testing standards.
• ASEP (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection), GreeceflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorESOL International qualifications accepted by ASEP in Greece for civil service selection purposes.
• UCASflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorESOL International C2 qualifications recognised by UCAS for university admissions in the UK.
• Cirrus AssessmentcoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline assessment platform partner for ESOL International qualifications with fully automated remote live proctoring through AI technology. Provides psychometric data and anti-cheating technology.
• ProctoriocoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading proctoring platform partner using cutting-edge technology to ensure integrity and security of online ESOL International assessments.
• The Oracy WorkshopscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperts at preparing learners of any age for ESB qualifications. Showcased work with marginalised young people from Stephen Lawrence Foundation Day's 'Power of Learning' initiative.
• Voice 21minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOracy education organisation with which ESB works to promote oracy through formal qualifications as complement to cultural approaches.
• English Speaking Union (ESU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOracy education organisation working to promote speaking and listening skills through education.
• Speakers for SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOracy education organisation providing opportunities for young people to develop presentation and communication skills.
• Oracy Education CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESB contributed evidence and engaged with the Oracy Education Commission to reinforce importance of embedding oracy within curriculum.
• All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on OracyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESB contributed expertise to past APPGs on Oracy, with qualifications acknowledged as proven framework in 'Speak for Change' report.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NCFE: UK-based awarding organisation delivering ESOL Skills for Life and vocational qualifications through FE colleges and training providers — a direct competitor for ESB's adult ESOL centre contracts.
• Trinity College London: UK awarding body offering graded examinations in speech, drama, and ESOL qualifications — the closest direct competitor to ESB's oracy and ESOL portfolios, with comparable qualification frameworks for schools and international language centres.
• AIM Awards: UK-based awarding organisation delivering qualifications including ESOL through FE and community provider networks — a comparable peer in size, channel and ESOL/qualification mix.
• Ascentis: UK awarding body offering ESOL, literacy and progression qualifications — directly comparable in scale, channel (FE colleges, adult education) and product positioning to ESB's ESOL Skills for Life portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Pearson Edexcel: Global awarding and assessment organisation operating Edexcel and PTE Academic — competes with ESB on English language qualifications and offers broader secondary/post-16 portfolios that compete for the same schools and FE centre budgets.
• Cambridge Assessment English: Part of Cambridge University, delivers Cambridge English qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) globally — directly comparable to ESB's ESOL International A1-C2 CEFR portfolio and the global benchmark ESB's international product benchmarks against.
• IELTS (British Council / IDP): Jointly owned by British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment, IELTS is the leading global English proficiency test for higher education and migration — sets the standard ESB International's CEFR-aligned qualifications benchmark against in international markets.
• City & Guilds: Major UK awarding organisation with a broad portfolio including ESOL and English language qualifications — competes with ESB in ESOL Skills for Life across the same FE and adult education channel.

Emerging players

• Gatehouse Awards: UK-based awarding organisation offering qualifications including English language and ESOL through FE and community channels — comparable in scale and channel mix to ESB, particularly for adult learner provision.
• LanguageCert: International language certification body offering CEFR-aligned English exams (LanguageCert International ESOL) — competes with ESB International in international language school channels, particularly in Europe.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/esbuk
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ESBUK1953
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/english-speaking-board-international-limited
• Instagraminstagram.com/englishspeakingboard_int

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.