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English Language: Assessments

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 16 January 2026UIN 104259

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to hold a trial of the proposed remote and digital-by-default method of English language testing for visas.

Answered by Mike Tapp

As part of the procurement, we have undertaken significant Market Engagement that has already assessed the deliverability of the service and there will be robust processes for evaluation of bids and subsequent mobilisation that will assure that the service is secure, safe and delivers our intent. This will include significant IT testing including robust quality assurance testing and an implementation that follows standard agile delivery phases, including private and public beta stages with defined entry and exit criteria that must be met before progressing and scaling the solution.

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