The world’s leading learning company was awarded commercial agreements from the UK Home Office to provide Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) to people, Pearson
Who need to demonstrate their English language skills to study, work or live in the UK. The commercial agreements will be delivered through the PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home – a new speaking and listening test for family visa, settlement and citizenship applicants. Both these English language tests have been internally developed by Pearson. PEARSON, is the UK’s largest awarding body regulated by Ofqual and the history of Pearson goes back to 1836, that makes it around 184 years old institute. It marked its foot prints in Pakistan around two decades ago. Currently its Head Office is in Lahore with five fully functioning departments. It offers Edexcel Academic qualifications, BTECs qualifications, K12 School Resources, Higher Educations resources (both digital and printed), and Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). PTE Academic and PTE UKVI offer online test booking 24 hrs ahead of a test and the results being published within 5 days. Fully Computer based assessments mean that PTE scoring and assessment is objective and consistent. PTE Academic and UKVI are also recognized by a large number of universities in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Malaysia and Germany.
Due to COVID 19 this launch was organized virtually on 19 Aug 2020.Launch was graced by Her Excellency, Alison Blackburn – The British Deputy High Commissioner for Pakistan (Acting British High Commissioner) along with Ms Olivia Campbell – Deputy Director, Department for International Trade, British High Commission, Mr. Joe Lam – Managing Director South Asia, Ms. Freya Thomas – SVP English Assessment, Ms. Premila Paulraj- Director Business Development South Asia, Ms. Muna Mazhar, Head of Market Development and Mr. Waqar Shah-Country Head, Pearson Pakistan. During the launch British High Commission emphasized the importance of Pakistan for Great Britain as a destination for Pakistani students and workers
Acting High Commissioner Alison Blackburne said: “Great Britain offers a truly world-class education – with four of the world’s top ten universities – and this test from Pearson is a great option for those applying for UK student and work visas. We understand education has the power to transform lives, and that is why we are working at every level here in Pakistan to increase access to education. By supporting the UK-Pakistan historic relationship in this way, we are working as partners in building a prosperous and a sustainable future.” Currently test centres for PTE Academic UKVI are available in Islamabad and Lahore. There are plans to open test centres in other key cities including Karachi.
The fully digital test is delivered through Pearson VUE. The latest AI technology is used for scoring; biometric data collection provides enhanced security measures and voice recognition software is applied for the speaking element of the test. These cutting-edge technologies ensure the provision of an impartial and highly accurate test of people’s English language proficiency. Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “We are proud that the UK Government joins the Australian and New Zealand Governments in recognising this test for visa applications, alongside thousands of leading universities across the globe who already accept it for study purposes – including more than 98% UK universities. Students and immigrants are glad that now PTE Academic UKVI is available in Pakistan approved by the UK Govt for all kinds of visas