The IELTS partnership will not bid for the Home Office English Language Test (HOELT) tender.
The Home Office is replacing the current Secure English Language Test system, where in-person assessment in controlled test centres is a requirement, with a new “fully remote” English test for immigration.
The decision by the IELTS partners, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the British Council and IDP, comes after significant engagement with the procurement framework and with the Home Office.
The IELTS partners concluded that the Home Office’s approach to contracting a new English test for immigration does not sufficiently align with our standards on security, quality and integrity in high-stakes assessment.
The IELTS Board said: “Decisions as significant as granting visas to live in the UK require the highest trust in assessment outcomes.
“Evidence from research and regulatory practice shows that fully remote testing presents challenges in meeting these standards consistently – especially in the highest stakes environments where security is paramount.
“As a result, we regretfully withdraw from the tender, but welcome the opportunity to reconsider future opportunities should the tender scope change.”
This decision relates only to the HOELT procurement as currently designed. The IELTS partnership remains committed to working with UKVI on present and potential future commitments. The IELTS partners will support the Home Office through any transition to a new system.
The IELTS partners are continuing to collaborate and innovate on English proficiency tests for millions of test-takers around the world.