Ofqual reports ESOL certificates rose 8.2% in Q2 2026
20 Sep 2026
If you need to prove your English for a UK visa, this new data shows more people are taking ESOL qualifications. Ofqual published its quarterly vocational and other qualifications statistics on 17 September 2026.
The report says 132,570 ESOL certificates were awarded in Quarter 2 of 2026. That compares with 122,550 in Quarter 2 of 2025. This is an 8.2% increase.
The report also gives some background on English rules. It says: "In May 2025, the Home Office proposed changes to immigration requirements including a requirement for new applicants for certain individual visas to need B2 English, a higher standard than the previous B1." It adds that the policy was "introduced from 8 January 2026 for some visas", with "changes to other visas coming into force from 26 March 2027."
The report does not name specific visa routes. It points readers to other government publications for details. Check the official guidance for your own route to see which English level applies to you. This report is statistics only. It does not set any new rule, fee or deadline.
Sources: