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

OxfordAQA is a partnership between 糖心VLOG Press 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, OxfordAQA 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 OxfordAQA

鈥淎t OxfordAQA, 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 OxfordAQA .

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We have launched a new Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford Test of English .

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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聽, 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鈥檚聽growing recognition that assessment must reflect real-world communication and the diverse ways students use language in academic and professional settings.聽As the whitepaper sets out, the push for a more聽holistic approach聽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聽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 .

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OxfordAQA 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 OxfordAQA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 OxfordAQA

鈥淭he Go Further Awards are a powerful reflection of what OxfordAQA 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 OxfordAQA鈥檚 international network.

You can find out more about the Go Further Awards .

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OxfordAQA 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.

OxfordAQA’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 OxfordAQA 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 OxfordAQA

“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.”

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

As the fastest-growing international exam board, OxfordAQA 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 .

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We are delighted to announce the expansion of the Oxford 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford Test of English Advanced .

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Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford

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 Press

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 Oxford Academic platform and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

We launched the Oxford 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.

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We are proud to announce that the Oxford 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 Oxford Test of English Advanced .

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In a significant move for English language assessment in 罢眉谤办颈测别, the Student Selection and Placement Centre (脰SYM) has officially recognized the Oxford Test of English (OTE).

The recognition expands the range of valid English proficiency tests accepted by Turkish universities and institutions, and represents the beginnings of a deeper collaboration with 脰厂驰惭.

In May 2025, a senior 脰SYM delegation visited our Oxford office, marking a milestone in 罢眉谤办颈测别’s engagement with global standards in educational assessment.

Steps to OTE recognition in 罢眉谤办颈测别

The Oxford Test of English (OTE) is an online, modular English proficiency test aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It assesses candidates at A2, B1, B2, and C1 levels in four key skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. The exam is designed for flexibility: test-takers can choose to sit individual modules or the entire test. The full exam takes about two hours, and results are typically released within five working days.

In early 2025, 脰SYM formally recognized OTE, meaning that Turkish higher education institutions can now accept OTE scores for language exemption and programme applications.

Recognizing OTE also marks a shift in how 罢眉谤办颈测别 can engage with global academic institutions and integrates technology and quality assurance into its educational measurement systems.

脰SYM’s Oxford visit: strengthening ties

In May 2025, we welcomed a delegation led by Professor Dr Bayram Ali Ersoy, President of 脰SYM, to mark the beginning of a formal collaboration aimed at aligning 罢眉谤办颈测别’s assessment practices more closely with international standards, especially in the context of language testing.

During a strategic meeting, our colleagues and 脰SYM representatives shared insights into exam design, item development, test delivery, and quality assurance processes with a strong emphasis on the use of digital technologies in assessments.

Sara Pierson, our Managing Director of English Assessment, reflected on the day by highlighting the mutual aim to progress towards long-term academic cooperation, technical exchange, and innovation:

“It was a pleasure to host senior delegates from 脰SYM at our offices. This visit marks a significant step in our partnership as we further develop our English assessment presence across聽罢眉谤办颈测别. Our discussions highlighted the value of international collaboration and the role of technology in advancing assessment quality and accessibility. I am delighted by the strong partnership that we have formed and look forward to further collaboration in the future.”

A new era in English assessment for 罢眉谤办颈测别

With the recognition of OTE and further collaboration planned, we are excited to be able to work closely with 脰SYM to offer:

• More flexible testing models that suit diverse learner needs
• Faster and more reliable results, helping streamline university admissions and preparatory programme decisions
• Improved test security and standardization using international best practices
• Digital integration, aligning with 罢眉谤办颈测别’s broader goals for educational digital transformation.

In the context of global mobility, where English proficiency is often a prerequisite for academic exchange and employment, adopting respected assessment tools like OTE contributes to improving聽罢眉谤办颈测别’s competitiveness and the international credibility of its education system: for example, by helping institutions attract international students and expanding their role in cross-border academic partnerships.

We are pleased by 脰SYM’s recognition of the Oxford Test of English, and what it means for language assessment in 罢眉谤办颈测别: a more flexible, digital, and learner-oriented approach, and more accessible and efficient testing for individuals, supporting institutional goals for internationalization and quality assurance.

You can find out more about the Oxford Test of English .

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