Notice

Undertaking given by Cambridge English to the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (‘Ofqual’), in accordance with B8 of the General Conditions of Recognition (‘the Conditions’)

Published 18 June 2026

Applies to England

Background

1. 1. Cambridge English is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual to deliver a range of Vocational and Technical Qualifications.
2. 2. On 11 December 2025 Cambridge English submitted a Statement of Compliance to Ofqual and declared non-compliance with the following conditions: I3.1, I3.2(b) and B5.3. This was in relation to incorrect IELTS Test Report Forms (TRFs) which failed to include the Ofqual logo and in some cases, included incorrect qualification titles that did not entirely match the qualification title on the Ofqual register.
3. 3. Cambridge English confirmed that issues are due to be resolved on or around 17 July 2026.

Undertaking

1. 4. Cambridge English undertakes to do the following:
   1. 4.1 Directly contact all current IELTS test takers (i.e. those that have taken a test and are yet to receive their results) to explain that TRFs are not compliant with Ofqual’s logo and titling requirements, and to confirm that replacement TRFs will be made available as soon as the corrected versions are in place (planned for 17 July 2026).
   2. 4.2 Inform prospective Learners and relevant Centres of the issue regarding TRFs and ensure Learners are offered the opportunity to cancel their booking with a full refund for any fee already paid.
   3. 4.3 Ahead of the implementation of the corrected TRFs, issue communications to relevant stakeholders and Recognising Organisations explaining the changes to TRFs, the reason for those changes, and provide examples of corrected, and compliant, TRFs.
   4. 4.4 Ensure that any communications prepared as per paragraphs 4.1-4.3 above are shared with Ofqual for review and feedback ahead of release.

The Objectives of the Undertaking

1. 5. Cambridge English anticipates that completion of the undertaking will secure greater compliance with Condition A7.1 of Ofqual’s General Conditions of Recognition by putting in place measures to mitigate any potential Adverse Effect to Learners and public confidence.

Declaration

1. 6. In giving this undertaking, I acknowledge on behalf of Cambridge English that:

   1. 6.1 The rules of interpretation and definitions outlined in General Condition J1 and TQ23 shall apply to this undertaking;

   2. 6.2 Ofqual may publish this undertaking on a date to be confirmed following consultation with Cambridge English;

   3. 6.3 Ofqual may provide information to other UK qualification regulators or any relevant government department, bodies or agencies in line with Ofqual’s ‘Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action’ policy (2025)^{[footnote 1]}, including information relating to Cambridge English’s performance under the undertaking and the sharing of any updates provided by Cambridge English and Ofqual’s analysis of it^{[footnote 2]};

   4. 6.4 Ofqual may take regulatory action in respect of any failure to comply with the terms of this undertaking which may include the issue of a Direction, the imposition of a Monetary Penalty, Withdrawal of Recognition, Costs Recovery, and/or any other such action as it deems appropriate, acting in accordance with Ofqual’s ‘Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action’ policy (2025)^{[footnote 3]}’;

   5. 6.5 Nothing within this undertaking restricts Ofqual’s ability to conduct its own review, audit, investigation and/or other monitoring activity of Cambridge English at any time.

Signed: Francesca Woodward, Global Managing Director (Responsible Officer), Cambridge English

Date: 29 May 2026

1. And as amended from time to time. ↩

2. In accordance with sections 156 and 157 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. ↩

3. And as amended from time to time. ↩