New JETSET qualifications help learners of all backgrounds, ages and abilities

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds who wish to learn or improve their English language skills are being offered a valuable qualification to assess their ability and help them progress. JETSET, a suite of ëskills basedí English language qualifications which carries the ESOL International (English for Speakers of Other Languages) accreditation, has been developed by leading awarding body and assessment specialist Education Development International (EDI), www.ediplc.com.

Improving English language skills is currently a key issue for the government. Just this month the Home Office released proposals to reform the immigration system, including plans for migrants to prove that they are making progress in English*. Through completing level six of JETSET, migrants entering the UK from a non EU country can fulfill the English language requirements of tier one of the new Home Office points based system for highly skilled migrants.

The latest statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) reveal that English is the second language amongst the majority of students in over 1,300 UK schools and that the proportion of UK primary school pupils with English as a second language has risen by 73% in a decade**. For such students, progression through the JETSET qualification levels offers not only the chance for them to improve English language skills but also helps their integration into their local and school community, building up their confidence to communicate in English both within and outside the classroom.

Suitable for all individuals from the age of 6 upwards, the JETSET suite of qualifications offers learners a specifically contextualised progression route from the early stages of learning English through to fluency.

The JETSET qualifications are offered at seven levels. The first five levels are available as either Junior English Tests (JET) which are specifically designed for young learners and Senior English Tests (SET) for adult learners. As high level language qualifications, the top two JETSET levels are not age contextualised. From JETSET level two onwards the qualifications are closely aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, enabling easy comparison of language qualification standards across different countries. The qualifications can also be used to apply for degree courses at UK universities, with level five being formally recognised by UCAS.

Designed with flexibility and ease of use for all types of learner in mind, JETSET tests can be scheduled anytime and anywhere, from school classrooms to UK-wide training centres. Taken under exam conditions, each level covers the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing and builds upon the knowledge gained in the last level. The consistent question style enables candidates to feel at ease with the exams and each certificate displays a percentage score detailing the achievement in addition to the overall grade, thereby encouraging progression.

Aimed at any individual whose first language is not English, JETSET is already used in over 40 countries around the world, helping develop and assess candidatesí ability to communicate in English in everyday situations.

Nigel Snook, Chief Executive, Education Development International commented: ìJETSET offers individuals from all parts of the world and of all ages and ability the opportunity to assess and progress their English language skills. Improving these skills can help people get much more out of their life in the UK, enabling them to benefit from further education opportunities, increased career prospects and enhanced interaction with their local communities.î