Should students applying for British Tier 4 visas have to take an English language test as part of the process? And if so, what form should it take? These controversial questions were recently discussed by an expert panel and a large audience of education providers at a conference organised by Cambridge ESOL called Language at the Border: Assessing Language Ability for Study in the UK.

Season's Greetings from English UK! We wish you all the best for 2010.

N.B. The English UK office will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday 23 December 2009 until Monday 4 January 2010.

As you may be aware, the government plans to hold a major review of the Points Based System for Visas in December. Many of the proposals could have a significant and detrimental effect on education providers across all sectors. An English UK member has created an e-petition, which is available for all to sign to demonstrate support for the sector.

The ELPG welcomes you to join the second staging of the ELT Marketing Conference on Thursday, 21st January 2010.

New computer-based measure of English language ability available to test takers

Pearson, one of the worldwide global leaders in technology and assessment for education, has launched Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the company’s new computer-based academic test of English language proficiency. To celebrate the launch, Pearson are offering English UK member centres the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Students also have the chance to win a PTE Academic test.