Why are universities rethinking English language assessment?

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 “The future of English proficiency testing: Why universities are rethinking language assessment”.

Created in partnership with Times Higher Education, 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 Oxford Test of English continues to evolve to meet the expectations of learners, educators, and universities worldwide.

Sara Pierson

Managing Director, English Assessment

“There’s growing recognition that assessment must reflect real-world communication and the diverse ways students use language in academic and professional settings. As the whitepaper sets out, the push for a more holistic approach 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, we will be hosting a webinar together with 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’ 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 here and register for the webinar here.