learndirect to drive UK government e-Assessment

learndirect is delighted to have been awarded the government’s framework contract for the provision of computer based testing services with immediate effect.

The single supplier framework will run for four years and will provide the contracting basis for all major e-assessment contracts from across government.

learndirect is already an established e-assessment provider and, for the last eight years, has been responsible for the delivery of the Life in The UK Test on behalf of the Home Office, with more than 1.5m candidates being tested since its launch.

Once fully operational, the framework will position learndirect as one of the world’s largest e-assessment providers.

Sarah Jones, Chief Executive at learndirect, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the framework contract. We have proved over the years we can deliver government e-testing services, with the Life in the UK Test being available 100 per cent of the time and, as importantly, with high levels of candidate satisfaction. We also supported Home Office Immigration* to become the first government agency to offer 100 per cent online bookings and payments for customers, a service which went live in June 2011. We hope to be able to offer this high standard of service to our new government clients as well as exciting new innovations.”

A government spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce the award of the framework to learndirect. The first contract to be awarded under the framework will be the driving theory test on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) across the UK, and will provide candidates with an expanded test centre network and continued value for money.”

*Known as UK Borders Agency until April 2013.