Ofqual Consultation on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Qualifications

Ofqual consultation – Deadline for responses: Monday December 3rd 2012

Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) the agency which oversees academic and vocation qualifications in England and Northern Ireland, has announced a consultation on the shape of ESOL qualification from 2013 onwards. 

The consultation document sets out three proposals:

• Introduction of a new English Language qualification called ESOL for life in the UK based around the Home Office's requirement for non-native English speakers who are applying to settle or for citizenship to demonstrate a competence in English.
• Revision of regulations for ESOL International qualifications (previously known as EFL qualifications)
• Withdrawal of some existing regulations for ESOL Skills for Life and ESOL for Work qualifications (but not of the qualifications themselves).

Details of the consultation and the response form can be found here.

Ofqual are holding 3 consultation events

• Leeds November 6th
• London November 16th
• Belfast November 20th

You can book to attend an event by emailing reform@ofqual.gov.ukand including the subject ‘ESOL Consultation'.