New ESOL assessment papers available from 1st August 2026
We are refreshing our ESOL assessment papers. The updates will include the retirement of papers and the introduction of new ones.
Please plan for these changes accordingly.
The last date candidates can sit retired papers is 31st July 2026. Please note that any assessments using the D-reference paper codes sat after this date will not be accepted.
We suggest that all registrations for current assessment papers are completed by 17th July 2026.
Changes come into play from 1st August 2026.
Some Level 2 Reading and Writing assessment arrangements differ from the dates and processes to support the 5-day booking period. These are outlined below.
Share this update with all relevant staff within your Centre. Doing so will help everyone stay informed and aligned. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries.
For any questions regarding the content of external assessments, please only use our External Assessment Query Form. This form helps protect the integrity of assessment materials by ensuring all assessment content queries are managed through the approved process, rather than being shared by email, which can pose a risk to the breach of assessment materials.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this update.
Reading
ESOL – Reading – Entry 1
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Reading – Entry 2
Retired: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, EE
ESOL – Reading – Entry 3
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Reading – Level 1
Retired papers: DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, ED
ESOL – Reading – Level 2
Retired papers: DA, DC, CB
New papers: EA, EB, EC
Level 2 Reading and Writing papers are assigned to candidates using a randomised system algorithm. To account for the required 5-day booking period and assessment bookings up to 31st July, the new Level 2 Reading and Writing papers will be available from 24th July 2026.
Writing
ESOL – Writing – Entry 1
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Writing – Entry 2
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Writing – Entry 3
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Writing – Level 1
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC
New papers: EA, EB, EC
ESOL – Writing – Level 2
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC
New papers: EA, EB, EC
Level 2 Reading and Writing papers are assigned to candidates using a randomised system algorithm. To account for the required 5-day booking period and assessment bookings up to 31st July, the new Level 2 Reading and Writing papers will be available from 24th July 2026.
Speaking & Listening
ESOL – Speaking & Listening – Entry 1
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Speaking & Listening – Entry 2
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Speaking & Listening – Entry 3
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC, DD
New papers: EA, EB, EC, ED
ESOL – Speaking & Listening – Level 1
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC
New papers: EA, EB, EC
ESOL – Speaking & Listening – Level 2
Retired papers: DA, DB, DC
New papers: EA, EB, EC
This year’s updates incorporate a number of changes:
- Multiple choice questions that require 3 responses for 3 marks are no longer in use as they present an undue burden for learners.
- Cloze questions (gap fill) have been introduced to support learner understanding of both context and comprehension.
- Questions that assess the meaning of words now include reference to the use of a dictionary, where appropriate to the level being assessed, ensuring the relevant assessment criteria is fully covered.
- Improved consistency of question types and marks across papers at all skills and levels to provide ongoing clarity for Centres.
- Examples of how tasks can be contextualised have been removed from all relevant assessor packs. An updated Centre guidance document will be available from 31st July via Prism to support contextualisation in practice.