A man in a wheelchair and two women sat having a conversation.

This three-part series explores how accessibility can be meaningfully embedded into language assessment and classroom practice. Drawing on research, policy, and the British Council’s global work, each session highlights practical approaches to creating more equitable assessment systems. Together we will examine principles, policies and practices that shape accessibility, and reflect on how these translate into everyday teaching and testing.

Facilitators:

  • Gemma Bellhouse, Test Quality Assurance Manager, British Council
  • Damon Young, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Researcher, British Council

Information on all three webinars is provided below. You can now register for the first session – the link is available in the following section.

Wednesday 29 October 2025, 13.00 GMT (UK time, UTC +0)

In this session, Damon and Gemma will introduce the core principles of accessibility in assessment and considers how they are framed within national and international policy and legislation. Guest speaker Andrew Skinner (Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Lead, British Council) will also provide insights into the European Accessibility Act 2025, setting the scene for how legal frameworks shape practice in Europe and beyond. They will highlight the British Council’s evolving role as a thought leader in EDI and assessment and discuss how organisations can best create and implement their own policies for their context and the needs of their stakeholders.  

Key takeaways 

  • Clarity on the difference between accessibility and accommodations in assessment.
  • Insight into how legal frameworks, including the European Accessibility Act 2025, influence practice.
  • Practical strategies and tools for embedding inclusive test design.
  • An understanding of classroom-based versus test centre approaches to accessibility. 
  • Access to resources and guidance for strengthening accessibility in your own context.

Register now

December 2025

For this session, we will share examples from the British Council’s work with Aptis to show how test content can reflect diversity and inclusion in practice. Impact research findings will be discussed to demonstrate what the stakeholder feedback teaches us about effective design, and how inclusive test production practices can benefit learners and institutions alike. The webinar will highlight the differences between classroom-based approaches to test design and standardised test centre delivery, offering participants an opportunity to reflect on what accessibility means in their own contexts.

Further details coming soon.

February 2026

This session will focus on the distinction between built-in accessibility functionality and test accommodations, unpacking why both are essential in assessment design. We will cover topics such as: 

  • British Council accommodation policies and processes
  • the range of accommodations that support learners with diverse needs in both classroom and test delivery contexts
  • data from Aptis to highlight which accommodations are most effective.

The webinar will also open space to reflect on whose experiences are being represented in current practices, and how stories of learners and practitioners can shape future approaches to accessibility.

Further details coming soon.

External links

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