British Council strengthen partnerships to expand access to English assessment across PHL

The British Council is strengthening its partnerships across the Philippines as demand for trusted English qualifications continues to grow, creating new opportunities for Filipinos pursuing study, work and professional development both at home and overseas.

Through a network of more than 300 education institutions, review centres, recruitment agencies, migration consultancies, language schools and corporate partners, the British Council is expanding access to English assessment services, opening new testing venues and introducing innovative new assessment products to meet evolving learner needs.

The Philippines ranks 28^th out of 123 countries in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index and second in Asia. However, while English proficiency opens doors, Internationally recognised certification is often required to access educational and employment opportunities. As global demand for skilled talent continues to grow, so too has the need for trusted English language qualifications. Between January and November 2025 alone, approximately 2.57 million Filipino workers were deployed overseas, many of whom were required to demonstrate their English proficiency before departure. In November 2025 alone, many of them required to submit proof of English ability before departure.

Partnerships Driving Access and Opportunity

As the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, and the body behind IELTS delivery in the Philippines since 1978, the British Council believes strong partnerships are essential to expanding access to quality English assessment and helping Filipinos achieve their aspirations.

“Our partnerships allow us to reach more Filipinos and support them in developing the skills and gaining the qualifications they need to pursue opportunities, whether that is further study, professional development or employment here in the Philippines or overseas,” said Lotus Postrado, Country Director of the British Council Philippines. “They are not simply about delivering a test. They are about understanding what our partners and test takers need, sharing expertise and working together to open pathways to opportunity.”

The strength of this partner network was celebrated recently at the British Council’s annual Exams Partner Gathering, which brought together organisations from across the country to recognise achievements, strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The event also marked the launch of the British Council’s first B2B networking activity designed to help partners connect and identify new ways of working together.

Among those awarded was 9.0 Niner English Corporation, which was named National Partner of the Year 2026 in recognition of their top performance and contribution. 9.0 Niner has been a British Council IELTS partner for more than 17 years and is also an IELTS on computer Venue Partner for over 10 locations nationwide. Centre for Premier International Language Studies and World English Reviews were also lauded among the 10 recognised Partners of the Year.

Beyond assessment delivery, the British Council continues to collaborate with organisations across the education sector. In partnership with the National Teachers’ College, funded by the Department of Education, it is currently undertaking its first English and Exams research project in the Philippines. The initiative will assess around 500 teachers to examine how English assessment and micro-credentials can be incorporated into teacher education and professional development.

As demand for English qualifications expand across sectors and migration pathways, the British Council’s remains committed to growing through partnership, bringing together global expertise and local knowledge to create greater access and opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.

Expanding Access and Services for Candidates

Working alongside its partners, the British Council continues to expand the availability of internationally recognised English assessments across the country.

Earlier this year, IELTS in the Philippines moved to a fully computer delivered format, now available at more than 20 locations nationwide. Five of these are located in Metro Manila, including the flagship center at the British Council office in Taguig City. Additional test centers are being introduced in major cities this year, including a new venue in San Fernando, Pampanga, delivered in partnership with World English Reviews.

The British Council has also introduced three new assessment solutions to support learners at different stages of their education journey. These include the Primary English Test, the first adaptive, gamified test built for elementary students using AI technology; the Secondary English Test for teenagers; and EnglishScore, a mobile, CEFR-aligned test delivered through the latest AI technology.

Mike Cabigon, Head of English and Exams at the British Council Philippines, said the expansion reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting both partners and learners as demand continues to evolve.

“We continue to expand and improve our services to our partners and customers. A few more IELTS on Computer testing centers will be opened soon. We are introducing assessments for elementary and high school students as well as our innovative AI-powered mobile test. Our goal is to support every Filipino in achieving their aspirations through better English skills.”