British Council’s New Directions Conference 2025: Transforming English Language Assessment in South Asia

– UK and global experts to unite for the 13th New Directions Conference; the first in South Asia.
– Participants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and UK to discuss innovative
approaches and technologies to redefine English language learning and assessment for a

multilingual world

10 February 2025 – New Directions South Asia 2025 , the British Council’s flagship
conference on language testing and assessment, is set to take place for the first time in
South Asia from 21 to 22 February in New Delhi, India. The conference will bring together
regional and international leaders in education, creating a collaborative platform for
policymakers, educators, academics, teachers and assessment experts to exchange insights
and explore cutting-edge innovations in English language learning and assessment.
Since being established in 2013, the conference has celebrated 16 editions in East Asia,
Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The South Asia conference will host participants from
across the region, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, offering a
unique opportunity to address the evolving demands of multilingual and interconnected
educational systems.

Organised by the British Council, the UK’s organisation for educational opportunities and
cultural exchange, this year’s conference theme is: “Technology and Tradition: the
changing face of assessment in English language learning systems.” It invites
meaningful discussions on how innovative technologies and traditional approaches can
converge to enhance English language learning, improve assessment practices and address
the diverse needs of learners in a rapidly evolving world.

This two-day event will emphasise on enhancing employability through English language
skills, harnessing AI to revolutionise English education, implementing effective assessment
strategies for young learners and integrating English within diverse multilingual education
contexts. It will cover the most recent global research and will promote practical tools for
policy makers, education institutions, teachers, teacher educators and assessment
professionals.

Harriet Gardner, Regional Exams Director, South Asia at British Council said, “Having
started in 2013, the New Directions conferences exemplify the British Council’s commitment
to driving innovation in English language assessment worldwide. By bringing together
thought-leaders, educators and policymakers under one roof, we aim to foster meaningful
discussions on the intersection of technology and tradition, ensuring that language
assessment practices evolve to meet the needs of the learners in today’s world.”

Duncan Wilson, CEO BC Education India Pvt Ltd. said, “The conference is an exciting
new event for South Asia, bringing together expertise from across the region and beyond to
share best practice and address the evolving challenges and opportunities in English
language assessment. At the British Council, we strive to foster innovation and inclusivity in
education, empowering learners, educators and institutions to thrive in a multilingual and
technology driven landscape.”

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Key speakers and panellists at the New Directions conference include thought leaders and
educational experts in the field of English Language Assessment from across Asia-Pacific
and the world, including Victoria A. Murphy, Professor of Applied Linguistics and Director of
the Department of Education, University of Oxford; Evan Frendo, Training Consultant; Amol
Padwad, Professor & Director, Centre for English Language Education, at Ambedkar
University, Delhi, Professor Barry O’Sullivan, Director, English Language Research, British
Council (UK), among others.
The New Directions South Asia conference 2025 will provide opportunities to examine and
discuss relevant topics at the forefront of dynamic English language assessment
environments in the region. The discussions will be centred around four key strands:
1. English for Employability: Examines the role of English in employment and how
assessment systems can meet employers’ needs.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Education: Explores examples of AI
applications in English language education, highlighting how planning and
implementation consider these factors for effective use in assessment.
3. Assessing Young Learners: Investigates all aspects of assessment and its crucial
role in the holistic development and learning trajectory of young learners.
4. The Role of English in Multilingual Education Contexts: Sheds light on English
language assessment policy and practice in multilingual education contexts.