Author Archives: Simi Kohli

Multilingual learners are routinely assessed using monolingual-normed tests, risking underestimation of their true potential. Dr Helen Wood argues that EAL practitioners need stronger assessment literacy — scrutinising test design and interpreting results more critically.

International schools often miss crucial nuances of language diversity when interviewing leadership staff about assessment practices. Without recognising how multilingual learners demonstrate understanding, schools risk misjudging student ability that strengthens culturally responsive assessment across diverse international communities.

Helen Wood, Password’s Head of School Partnerships, warns UK schools that the growing popularity of bilingual and CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) education abroad could represent serious competitive pressure — especially if English-medium schools remain rigidly monolingual or ignore the benefits multilingual learners bring.

International schools should adopt the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as a practical, globally recognised tool for measuring and expressing students’ English language proficiency. Find out why…

Picking up on lower English language proficiency early in the course, and providing the right kind of support ensures not just better retention – but better outcomes by the time the student reaches graduation

Helen Wood, head of school partnerships at Password English Language Testing, discusses issues schools need to consider when evaluating online entrance tests for EAL learners.

Password reveals a smarter way to test – administered and invigilated by Password, branded by institutions, and most importantly, results exclusively delivered to partner institutions.

We are delighted to share the news that Password English Language Testing has become an Associate Member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). Password English Language Testing is proud to have met the ALTE associate membership requirements, demonstrating our experience in and commitment to high-quality standards in language assessment.

Read about the temptation to ‘teach to test’ in the EL Gazette August issue where Password CEO and Founder Caroline Browne discusses the unintended consequences of test preparation material.

Testing is vital to understand a child’s true ability, but they will underperform at GCSE and A-level if their English is not fluent enough.