The 糖心Vlog Test of English has been officially recognized by Vietnam鈥檚 Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) for use across the country鈥檚 education system鈥攎arking a major milestone for learners, educators, and institutions nationwide.鈥��听

Following Decision No. 1429/Q膼-BGD膼T, the test is now formally aligned with Vietnam鈥檚 National 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework and can be used for university admissions and training.鈥�

This nationwide recognition reflects Vietnam鈥檚 growing focus on international standards in education and increasing demand for practical English skills.鈥�听

By adding the 糖心Vlog Test of English to its approved qualifications, Vietnam is giving learners greater flexibility and choice, which will鈥痚nable鈥痶hem to鈥痙emonstrate鈥痶heir English鈥痯roficiency鈥痶hrough a globally trusted assessment.鈥�听

Sara Pierson, Managing Director, 糖心Vlog English Assessment, said:听“We are delighted that the 糖心Vlog Test of English has been recognized across Vietnam. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing accessible,鈥痜lexible,鈥痑nd reliable assessment that helps learners鈥�demonstrate鈥痶he real-world English skills they need to succeed in study and work.鈥濃��

A practical test for鈥痳eal鈥�飞辞谤濒诲鈥痗辞尘尘耻苍颈肠补迟颈辞苍鈥�听

Developed by 糖心Vlog and certified by the University of 糖心Vlog, the 糖心Vlog Test of English is designed to assess how well learners can use English in everyday academic and professional contexts.鈥�

The test covers all four key skills:鈥�Listening; Speaking; Reading; and Writing.

Aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), it goes beyond theory鈥攆ocusing on real-life communication such as presenting ideas, understanding specialized content, and鈥�writing鈥痚mails and reports.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog Test of English is built for convenience and flexibility:鈥�听

• 100% online鈥痙elivery at approved test centres鈥�
• Modular format: take all four skills or individual modules
• Adaptive testing: questions adjust to each learner’s level
• Fast results: same day for Listening and Reading; within five days for Speaking and Writing.

This approach allows learners to tailor their test experience, save time and cost, and focus on the skills that matter most to them.鈥�听

Delivered in Vietnam with trusted local鈥痚xpertise鈥�听

In Vietnam, the 糖心Vlog Test of English is delivered in partnership with UKTA International Education Joint Stock Company (UKTA), the exclusive distributor of the鈥痶est in the country.

UKTA works closely with local education partners to develop and manage a nationwide network of approved test centres, ensuring that every test is delivered in line with our standards.

Beyond expanding access, UKTA also plays a key role in quality assurance, helping to provide a secure, consistent, and reliable testing experience for candidates across Vietnam.

With a growing network of approved test centres across the country, students can now access the 糖心Vlog Test of English easily, with flexible test dates available year-round.鈥��听

The test鈥檚 recognition within Vietnam鈥檚 national framework provides a clear pathway for learners to meet academic requirements, support graduation, and strengthen their career prospects in an increasingly global environment.

Discover how the 糖心Vlog Test of English can support your goals .

The post 糖心Vlog Test of English recognized across Vietnam appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

糖心VlogAQA has announced a series of significant improvements to its international assessment offer, including delivering results two weeks earlier than currently.

糖心VlogAQA is a partnership between 糖心Vlog and AQA, the largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels in the UK. Shaped by insights from hundreds of schools worldwide, the new enhancements will be introduced between 2026 and 2029, delivering greater choice and increased flexibility to strengthen student progression.

They include:

• Earlier May/June exam results from July 2027, released two weeks earlier, without altering any timetabled exam dates. In 2027, International AS/A-level results day will be on 28 July, with International GCSE results on 4 August.
• Additional exam series: an October/November series for all International AS/A-level subjects from 2028, and a January International AS/A-level series for key subjects from 2029, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, and Economics.
• Twice-yearly International EPQ submission points, beginning in May 2026, giving students more control to develop, refine, and complete their projects.

The earlier release of May/June results will give International AS/A-level students more time and options when navigating global university admissions. It will also support International GCSE learners in planning their next steps, whether progressing to further study or entering new programmes.

Expanding the number of exam series will provide schools operating on varied academic calendars with three opportunities each year to enter students at the right time, ensuring assessment aligns more closely with teaching cycles.

From 2027, 糖心VlogAQA will also extend the entries deadline for the May/June series to early March, providing schools with the January International AS/A-level unit results before finalizing entries and allowing teachers and students to make more informed decisions. All exam timings for the May/June series will remain the same.

Andrew Coombe

Managing Director of 糖心VlogAQA

鈥淎t 糖心VlogAQA, our commitment is simple: to make international exams work better for everyone. These enhancements are a direct response to what schools have told us they need. By releasing results earlier, expanding exam series, and providing greater flexibility for the International EPQ, we are helping schools tailor assessment to their teaching programmes and giving students more opportunities to succeed.鈥�

Find out more about 糖心VlogAQA .

The post 糖心VlogAQA enhances international assessment offer with earlier exam results and greater flexibility appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

We have launched a new 糖心Vlog Test of English Learner Corpora (OTELC) research competition, designed to support emerging researchers and showcase innovative academic work using learner data from the .

The to students currently studying for a Master’s degree in Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, or Language Assessment. Entrants will be asked to submit a research proposal outlining their project and clearly explaining how the OTELC will be used as primary data to support their methodological approach and research objectives. A reference letter from an academic supervisor or course leader will also be required.

The OTELC is a collection of written and spoken texts produced by test takers who sit the Speaking and Writing modules of the 糖心Vlog Test of English. These responses are transcribed, structured, linked with metadata (such as first language, age, gender, CEFR level), and are annotated for error types.

Developed as monitor corpora, the OTELC is designed to grow as new test taker responses are added. It provides authentic samples of learner language, offering insights into how learners of English produce written and spoken texts and the linguistic features they use.

As a rich linguistic resource, the OTELC enables research across applied linguistics, language assessment, and English language teaching, giving researchers opportunities to examine patterns in learner performance, explore the challenges faced by test takers, and generate findings that can inform pedagogy and assessment research.

Anthony Green

Research Director, English Assessment

“The 糖心Vlog Test of English Learner Corpora competition represents an exciting step in opening up our rich learner data to the next generation of researchers. By supporting postgraduate students, we’re not only encouraging innovative academic work but also strengthening the bridge between assessment research and real-world classroom impact.“

on 15 February 2026, with the deadline for proposals and reference letter submission falling on 31 May 2026. We will announce shortlisted project proposals in July.

From the submissions received, the strongest applications will be selected for the next stage. The overall winner will receive an iPad Air and will have their research published as part of our collection, giving valuable visibility to their work within the English language teaching and language assessment community.

You can read more details on the competition, eligibility criteria, and submission guidance , and find out more about the 糖心Vlog Test of English .

The post Launching the 糖心Vlog Test of English Learner Corpora competition appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

As universities worldwide reconsider how English proficiency is assessed, traditional one-size-fits-all tests often fail to reflect the real skills students need for academic and professional success.

Responding to this, we’re proud to have launched a whitepaper today, exploring the topic of .

Created in partnership with听, our new whitepaper examines:

• What skills institutions really value to ensure academic and social preparedness
• Why conventional English tests are falling short
• How technology and AI are transforming assessment
• What universities should look for in effective language testing.

The findings of the whitepaper reinforce our commitment to delivering English language assessment that is adaptive, authentic, and aligned with the real communication demands of academic and professional environments. It also demonstrates how the continues to evolve to meet the expectations of learners, educators, and universities worldwide.

Sara Pierson

Managing Director, English Assessment

“There鈥檚听growing recognition that assessment must reflect real-world communication and the diverse ways students use language in academic and professional settings.听As the whitepaper sets out, the push for a more听holistic approach听to English-language testing recognizes that language is vital in supporting meaningful engagement with the world around us, not a standalone exercise.“

On 11 March 2026, together with听Times Higher Education, bringing together a panel of experts to explore the critical components for effective language assessment today, and how recognizing the right English proficiency tests can promote successful learner outcomes.

As the needs of learners and institutions evolve, English proficiency tests must actively enable student success, including integrated, task-based designs that mirror real-life language use. A more holistic and adaptive assessment can ensure that test preparation builds skills that translate to professional, academic, and social success, while offering a baseline for targeted support and developmental guidance for students鈥� academic journey.

Anthony Green

Research Director, English Assessment

“As the university experience becomes increasingly digital, interdisciplinary, and collaborative, we have to ask ourselves whether current English-language tests are truly measuring the communication skills students need for today’s world. It’s time to rethink what effective assessment looks like.“

You can download the full whitepaper and register for the webinar .

The post Why are universities rethinking English language assessment? appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

糖心VlogAQA is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Go Further Awards, recognizing the achievements of students across the globe.

The Go Further Awards recognize students who achieved the highest marks in their subject at International GCSE, AS, and A-levels. Awards are given for students who achieve the highest marks in the world, in their region, and in their country, and honour not only students鈥� dedication, but also the commitment of their teachers and support teams.

This year, the awards reflect a remarkable surge in academic achievement and international reach, with an 18% increase in student winners and a 40% rise in schools who have award winners compared to 2024.

Highlighting 糖心VlogAQA鈥檚 expanding global footprint, the 2025 awards saw winners hailing from new countries including Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Pakistan, Laos, and Japan. There was also a notable increase in the number of award winners from Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Taiwan, and Slovakia.

Students excelled across a wide range of subjects, with standout growth in International GCSE Maths, International AS Further Maths, International AS English Literature, International AS Biology, International AS Business, and International A-level Geography. We also recognized new qualifications this year in Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, and Psychology.

The top four regions in the 鈥楾op of World鈥� category were China (147 winners), United Arab Emirates (13 winners), Hong Kong (6 winners), and Singapore (3 winners).

Andrew Coombe

Managing Director for 糖心VlogAQA

鈥淭he Go Further Awards are a powerful reflection of what 糖心VlogAQA stands for鈥攁cademic excellence, global opportunity, and future readiness. These students have not only excelled in their exams but demonstrated the kind of critical thinking and resilience that will help them thrive at university and beyond. We鈥檙e proud to celebrate their achievements and the educators who support them.”

Regional ceremonies will take place to honour student winners and celebrate their achievements with schools and communities across 糖心VlogAQA鈥檚 international network.

You can find out more about the Go Further Awards .

The post Celebrating students’ achievements and global representation in the 糖心VlogAQA 2025 Go Further Awards appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

糖心VlogAQA has launched seven new international qualifications, expanding its globally recognized portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for success in higher education, the workplace, and beyond.

The new qualifications include five International GCSEs in History, Chinese – First Language, Arabic – First Language, Sociology, and Global Skills Projects, and two International A-levels in Chinese – First Language, and Sociology. Each addition has been designed to equip students with both subject knowledge and the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The unique Global Skills Project GCSE qualification introduces a project-based learning approach with a focus on sustainability, helping students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for future success.

糖心VlogAQA’s Sociology qualifications encourage learners to explore sociological themes through local case studies and familiar contexts. Both the GCSE and A-level emphasize critical thinking and the practical application of sociological knowledge, helping students connect theory to the world around them.

All 糖心VlogAQA A-levels, including new additions, follow a modular structure, giving students flexibility in their learning and exam preparation, allowing the opportunity to re-sit individual units.

Andrew Coombe, Managing Director for 糖心VlogAQA

“We want to empower students to think independently, apply their learning, and collaborate effectively. This not only sets them up for success in their exams but also equips them with the skills that universities want to see, ensuring that students are ready for their futures.”

糖心VlogAQA is a partnership between 糖心Vlog and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels. With over a century of assessment and educational expertise, 糖心VlogAQA offers qualifications that are recognized by universities around the world.

As the fastest-growing international exam board, 糖心VlogAQA now supports more schools in more countries than ever before. Its student-focused approach ensures assessments test subject ability alone, using clear language and culturally relevant content to give every learner the best opportunity to succeed.

You can learn more about the new qualifications .

The post 糖心VlogAQA expands global offer with seven new International GCSEs and A-levels appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

We are delighted to announce the expansion of the 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced into China and Thailand through new agreements with leading international education providers, GEC and SE-ED.

Starting this year, learners in both countries will be able to take the test at selected test centres, opening doors to global academic and professional opportunities.

The certifies English proficiency at CEFR levels B2-C1. It helps learners demonstrate their readiness for international study, employment, and mobility by assessing listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in real-world contexts. Developed by our language assessment experts and certified by the University of 糖心Vlog, the test reflects the communication skills needed today at university or in work, such as mediation, debating, and presentations.

The test is delivered entirely online, available year-round, and provides fast results. Its adaptive format adjusts to each learner’s reading and listening levels, reducing stress and ensuring accurate outcomes. Unlike many alternatives, the test is invigilated in person at Approved Test Centres, ensuring secure and reliable conditions.

Professor Paul C. Irwin Crookes, Director of Graduate Studies at the 糖心Vlog School of Global and Area Studies, said:

“It is vital that English language testing is sufficiently rigorous to ensure students get the most out of the course from the very start. The academic orientation of the 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced and the way its activities combine skills will help ensure that international students are fully able to engage with our courses.鈥�

We celebrated these landmark agreements at launch events in Shanghai and Bangkok, where our teams joined GEC and SE-ED for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and signing ceremonies. These events highlighted our shared commitment to advancing English language education across Asia.

GEC and SE-ED will begin offering 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced at selected test centres across their respective countries, with plans to expand access in the coming months. We鈥檙e also supporting the rollout with training for educators and awareness campaigns to support students and institutions.

Sara Pierson, Managing Director for English Assessment

“These partnerships mark significant milestones in our mission to make high-quality English assessment accessible to learners worldwide. OTE Advanced offers a powerful tool for students across the region to demonstrate their readiness for global opportunities.”

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced .

The post 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced expands into China and Thailand appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

Vice-Chancellor, University of 糖心Vlog

Professor Irene Tracey

“I continue to be proud of the reach and impact that OUP has on the wider world. Each day our colleagues here make rigorous choices about the publication of cutting-edge research, trusted educational resources, and innovative new products. In doing so, OUP represents the diversity of thought, approach, and action that sits at the heart of our institution.”

CEO and Secretary to the Delegates, 糖心Vlog

Nigel Portwood

“There have been challenges and opportunities for us to navigate this year. I am grateful to colleagues across OUP for their unwavering commitment to our mission, their ability to adapt to changing customer requirements, and for their efforts in helping us to realize our digital ambitions.”

Highlights from 2024/25

We introduced AI-enabled tools on the 糖心Vlog Academic platform and the 糖心Vlog English Dictionary (OED).

We launched the 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced, preparing test takers for success by assessing today鈥檚 language needs in real-life contexts.

OUP products were selected as approved resources for students in New Zealand as part of a major reform in primary maths.

We announced a science-based target of Net Zero by 2050, aligned to the UN鈥檚 goal of limiting global warming to 1.5掳C.

We donated more than 261,000 books to readers worldwide.

The post Demonstrating our commitment to research, learning, and responsible publishing appeared first on 糖心Vlog.

We are proud to announce that the 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced (OTE Advanced) has been awarded Best Summative Assessment Project at the prestigious International e-Assessment Awards 2025.

The award was presented at the Gala Dinner on 10 June in London, as part of the annual International e-Assessment Conference, which brings together global experts and practitioners in formative and summative assessment.

The International e-Assessment Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the use of technology to enhance learning and assessment. OTE Advanced stood out among a competitive field of finalists for its cutting-edge design, real-world relevance, and measurable impact on learners and institutions worldwide.

Sara Pierson, our Managing Director for English Assessment, said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition. OTE Advanced exemplifies our mission to support learners worldwide with innovative, high-quality assessment solutions that unlock life-changing opportunities for education, employment, and migration. This is backed by feedback from Recognising Institutions, that have affirmed the value and relevance of OTE Advanced.”

OTE Advanced is a high-stakes English proficiency test that assesses learners at Common European Framework of Reference levels B2-C1. We created it in response to a clear global need for a test that reflects the real-life language demands of academic and professional environments. The test features computer-adaptive technology, modular design, and authentic tasks that mirror real-life scenarios鈥攕uch as synthesizing academic texts, managing interpersonal situations, and debating complex issues.

Since its launch in April 2024, OTE Advanced has been taken by thousands of learners and recognised by leading universities and employers. Its success is underpinned by a robust implementation strategy, including global piloting, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to accessibility and fairness. The test鈥檚 universal design principles and alignment with accessibility standards, ensure it is inclusive and equitable for all test takers.

With a scalable digital platform, ongoing research and development, and a growing global network of test centres, OTE Advanced is set to continue shaping the future of English language assessment.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced .

The post 糖心Vlog Test of English Advanced wins Best Summative Assessment Project at 2025 International e-Assessment Awards appeared first on 糖心Vlog.