The British Council is expanding its English assessment network across the Philippines, adding testing locations and new products as demand grows for internationally recognized qualifications used for education, employment and migration.
The organization now works with more than 300 education institutions, review centers, recruitment agencies, migration consultancies, language schools and corporate partners nationwide, widening access to English assessments beyond major urban centers.
The expansion follows the Philippines’ shift earlier this year to fully computer-delivered IELTS testing, with exams now offered at more than 20 locations. Five are in Metro Manila, including the British Council’s flagship center in Taguig City, while additional venues are planned in major cities such as San Fernando, Pampanga.
The push comes as English proficiency remains closely linked to international mobility for Filipino students and workers. The Philippines ranked 28th out of 123 countries and second in Asia in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, underscoring the country’s continued position as a major English-speaking market in the region.
“Our partnerships allow us to reach more Filipinos and support them in developing the skills and gaining the qualifications they need to pursue opportunities,” British Council Philippines Country Director Lotus Postrado said.
The organization is also broadening its assessment portfolio beyond IELTS. Its offerings now include the AI-powered Primary English Test for elementary pupils, the Secondary English Test for teenagers and EnglishScore, a mobile, CEFR-aligned assessment.
Head of English and Exams Mike Cabigon said additional IELTS on Computer centers are expected to open soon, further expanding testing capacity.
The British Council is also partnering with the National Teachers’ College on a Department of Education-funded research project involving about 500 teachers. The study will examine how English assessments and micro-credentials could be used in teacher education and continuing professional development.
