Designates identified

"...The Secretary of State designates the following persons as competent to determine that an applicant has sufficient knowledge of English for the purposes of naturalisation, when that applicant has produced an educational qualification other than an ESOL Entry 3 Certificate as described in the DfES "Adult ESOL core curriculum..."

The complete announcement is at http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/news/press_releases/new_language_requirement.html

Also, in case you missed it, this one:  http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,172-1211138,00.html

Great!  Thanks for the update Garry!  Now if they would just tell us where to find such persons!  I'm sure that will come eventually.  This helps a lot.  

I have to say...this is the biggest load of crapola I've ever seen.  I can't believe the list of designees!  I'm all for the English requirement, but really, is there any point in making the process difficult for people who are FLUENT in English?  Why should I have to go to an ESOL teacher and ask (and probably have to pay...you can bet they'll start charging eventually) for their signature?!?!  I could teach ESOL, for goodness' sake!   

Does my high school diploma from an American, English-speaking school count?  Does my degree from an American, English-speaking college count?  Does my experience teaching public school to English-speaking American kids count?  No!  Ugh.   

ok I am lost... what is this all about?

nvrwas, there is  now a requirement that those applying for naturalization must prove that they are fluent in English (at least to a certain level...like that of a 10 year old child or so).  The problem is that there doesn't seem to be any leeway for native English-speakers....it looks like everyone is going to have to either take an ESOL class or have an ESOL teacher (or their equivalent) sign off on their ability to speak the language.

why thats just silly!!!

I have to say...this is the biggest load of crapola I've ever seen.  I can't believe the list of designees!  I'm all for the English requirement, but really, is there any point in making the process difficult for people who are FLUENT in English?  Why should I have to go to an ESOL teacher and ask (and probably have to pay...you can bet they'll start charging eventually) for their signature?!?!  I could teach ESOL, for goodness' sake!   

Does my high school diploma from an American, English-speaking school count?  Does my degree from an American, English-speaking college count?  Does my experience teaching public school to English-speaking American kids count?  No!  Ugh.   

I was thinking the same thing.  I mean - by the time I apply I'll have been working as a legal secretary in this country for 2 years - I think the boss whose grammar I correct would be more than happy to attest I have the English skills of a 10-year-old. 

right on peedal.

this is just silly. I mean, please - anyone who DOESNT speak english well enough but has a friend who is a teacher or at least knows of one that can be paid off can EASILY get certified.

A poor review here... 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/814466.cms

...where English is listed as one of the official languages in their constitution.

I cannot even believe that an ESOL class is even a POSSIBILITY.  That is just so farking insulting.  I'll sit an exam if I have to, but take a class?

The English Speaking Board offers assesments. You dont have to take the class - they'll just talk with you for 15 minutes and observe you in a short group setting to determine your skill level and grant a certificate saying you meet the ESOL Entry Level 3 requirement. It costs about £28.

Why should we have to PAY anything to PROVE we can speak English? 

I'm sooooooooooooooooo frustrated about this!   

Why should we have to PAY anything to PROVE we can speak English?

I'm sooooooooooooooooo frustrated about this!

Ditto

Good to know that it's not necessary to take a class, but I still find it a bit insulting.  Oh well.