The British Council has announced a partnership with Dublin-based technology company TestReach in a move that will “transform English language testing worldwide”.
The new partnership will launch the global and online delivery of the flagship Aptis test and the Foundation English Test – both set to be available on the TestReach platform by the end of 2022.
The well-established Aptis test has already been used by more than 1.8 million candidates in approximately 85 countries and is used by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.
The Foundation English Test was recently developed by the British Council with the aim of giving organisations an effective way to assess candidates.
Jonathan Ford, head of global assessment at the British Council, reminded that the organisation “is a global leader in English language tests”.
“Working with TestReach, using new and innovative ways of assessing a candidate’s language capabilities, will enable us to offer cutting-edge technology and excellent service and support to our global clients,” he noted.
TestReach uses a cloud-based assessment tool which allows organisations to create and deliver all types of online assessment. The technology spans exam creation to rollout including question development and exam paper assembly, computer-based exam delivery (with or without online supervision), detailed marking, moderation and exam results analysis.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the British Council to provide innovative assessments underpinned with excellent customer service,” said Louella Morton, co-CEO at TestReach.
“The British Council has a great vision for the future of English language education and testing worldwide, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to support that vision through our innovative assessment technology to create the most engaging and candidate-friendly English language assessment available,” she added.
Marina Donohoe, director of UK and Northern Europe at Enterprise Ireland – the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in the world market – expressed delight that the female-led Irish company working in the STEM area is “bringing technical innovation in assessment to global organisations”.
According to Donohoe, the partnership between the British Council and TestReach will bring “positive” and “progressive” changes to the future of English language testing worldwide.
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