Trinity College London (Trinity), the international examination board with operations in over 60 countries worldwide, has been appointed by the Home Office to provide Secure English Language Tests (SELT) in the UK following a major market review. The review was undertaken by the Home Office after significant market abuse involving English Language Tests was uncovered in 2014.
From 6 April 2015, Trinity will be one of only two suppliers approved by the Home Office to provide SELT tests in the UK. To ensure a smooth transition, current suppliers (including Trinity) will continue to provide the tests until 6 April 2015.
SELT tests are taken by people who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for the purpose of obtaining a visa to work, study at a recognised educational establishment or to settle in the UK. Further details can be found on the UK government website.
From 6 April 2015, Trinity will be conducting the tests at its ten centres around the UK*. Trinity SELT centres are conveniently located and will provide excellent customer service and security in the process for all applicants. Trinity tests reflect real life contexts and are an excellent way of assessing the communications skills that people need every day in the UK.
Sarah Kemp, Chief Executive of Trinity, said:
“I am delighted that the Home Office has chosen Trinity as one of the two providers of SELT tests in the UK. We have been assessing English language proficiency since 1938, both directly testing candidates as well as supporting other examination boards worldwide.”
Notes to Editors
*Trinity’s testing centres are in: London Holborn, London Hammersmith; Belfast; Birmingham; Cardiff; Glasgow; Leeds; Manchester; Newcastle; and Peterborough.
The appointment will commence on 6 April 2015 under a contract with the Home Office for an initial period of two years.
The Trinity examinations offered for SELT purposes are: Trinity SELT GESE, which tests speaking and listening skills; and Trinity SELT ISE, which tests all four skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. The level of the exam people need to take is determined by the type of visa they require.
Trinity College London is a registered charity and international exam board that has been providing assessments since 1877. With a rich heritage of academic rigour and a positive, supportive approach to assessment, Trinity provides recognised and respected qualifications across a unique spectrum of learning areas including English language, music, rock & pop, communication skills, drama and arts activities.
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