Meet the examiners: Inside Trinity GESE and ISE English exams 

At Trinity College London, our GESE and ISE English exams are built on real communication. But what does that look like in practice? And how do examiners make sure candidates feel supported, motivated, and confident? That’s exactly what our new Meet the Examiners video series explores. 

Why examiner voices matter 

For many candidates, the examiner is the first face they see on exam day. Teachers and centres prepare learners carefully, but it’s the examiner who ensures the experience feels like a natural conversation rather than a test. 

The series highlights exactly that: the warmth, professionalism, and expertise that examiners bring to the process. From Maria’s reflections on working with candidates as young as three, to George’s reminder that success is about the journey as much as the result, these stories show how Trinity exams are designed to build confidence, not just test knowledge. 

Insights for teachers and centres 

Teachers preparing students for GESE or ISE exams will be interested to hear what the examiner say about: 

• Building confidence – examiners explain how they put candidates at ease, reminding teachers of the importance of rehearsal and encouragement. 

• Focusing on communication – success is about clarity of expression, not perfection, reinforcing what teachers already practise in the classroom. 

• Understanding candidate experience – examiners talk about nerves, motivation, and resilience, helping centres guide students more effectively. 

For centres, the series is also a valuable resource to show parents how Trinity English exams work in practice - reassuring them that exams are supportive, candidate-centred, and designed to celebrate achievement. 

Explore the updated page 

Watch the full Meet the Examiners series 
Learn more about Trinity GESE and ISE English exams 

Whether you’re preparing learners, running a centre, or examining with Trinity, these videos offer fresh insights and practical value — directly from the people who know the exams best.