Real Conversations. Real Confidence. Real English.
GESE is Trinity’s trusted speaking and listening exam, designed for today’s world that helps people use English naturally in real life — at school, at work and wherever life takes them.
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Key benefits
Human interaction
Every exam is a real conversation with a trained examiner.
Personalised topics
Reflects the learner’s interests and goals.
Flexible delivery
Available in person or online.
Globally trusted
Recognised by schools, employers, and institutions worldwide.
Mapped to the CEFR* and CSE**
GESE is available at 12 levels: Grades 1–12 (pre-A1–C2 CEFR levels).
Grouped by development stage, GESE exams offer a progressive framework for the development of English language skills and an assessment for every learner.
Relating Trinity College London GESE and ISE exams to the Common European Framework of Reference
Linking GESE Grades to China’s Standards of English (CSE): Research summary
*CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for languages
**CSE = China's Standards of English Language Ability
One trusted exam, flexible for your goals
From January 2026, candidates can take the GESE they know and trust for everyday communication and visa purposes, or choose from two tailored focus areas to reflect where and how they use English:
GESE for school
Built around student life, this pathway helps learners develop the confidence to express themselves in academic and everyday English.
GESE for work
Focused on professional communication, this version supports anyone aged 14 and above preparing for employment, career growth or migration.
All three options share the same GESE structure, levels, and examiner-led conversation, only the topics and context change to suit the learner’s goals.
What people say about GESE
“It’s not just a question-and-answer session. It’s two people having a genuine discussion.”
Maria, Trinity Examiner
“Trinity GESE is an ideal tool for strengthening English language skills, also in view of entering the world of work or accessing vocational training courses.”
Maria Chiara, English language teacher at Giuseppe Veronesi
“It was a really valuable experience – you have the chance to communicate with the examiner and the atmosphere is very friendly. The examiner helps us and motivates us to speak more.”
Alice, Achieved GESE grade 4 at 8 years old
Hear more from our examiners or read more candidate, teacher and parent success stories.
Explore more from Trinity
Learn more about GESE
GESE exams are for people of all ages who want to develop communicative English language speaking and listening skills for use in real life — whatever the purpose.
Book exam
For local fees and booking information, please contact your local representative
To book GESE as a SELT test for visa and immigration purposes in the UK visit our UK visas section.
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