Friends' Newsletter

of the working party which designed the ESOL criteria, and in January 2015 our new products were launched. ESB now has a unique offer; personal speaking and listening reports for candidates, fast turnaround for results, a supportive customer experience team, a specific, assigned Business Development advisor and good authentic assessments. This has resulted in our numbers growing significantly in the past two years and FE colleges becoming our biggest customers. We provide free training to our biggest centres and the Customer Experience team and Business Development Advis e r are always available to answer queries and respond to comments. In June this year, ESB initiated an exciting new partnership with City of Bristol College. This is a large college with a cohort of 1025 ESOL students. ESB won this-3 year contract through a competitive tender, and training has already begun for the first set of Skills for Life assessments. Like many of our language centres, City of Bristol has a diverse group of ESOL students. Of particular interest is the large group of 16-18 year old

students many of whom are real

beginners at learning English Language, who have been unable to complete their studies in their home countries. While this holds many challenges for both teachers and students, ESB assessors complete thorough training to support candidates. ESB ESOL Skills for Life numbers are continuing to grow, and enquiries are often the result of word of mouth recommendation. We work closely with NATECLA, attending events and conferences across the UK spreading the ESB word! It is very rewarding to see ESB supporting vulnerable members of our society and helping people to achieve their full potential in their new home in the UK. Language

JACKIE JOHNSON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISER (LANGUAGE)

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