Cambridge ESOL have recently had a big reorganisation of their website and it’s all very commercial and generally not the kind of thing I would personally want to see from a non-profit educational group. There’s having to scroll down a page of links to materials you have to pay for before you find the previously easy-to-find free sample tests, the rather silly rebranding of the exams as Cambridge English: First etc, and then marketing guff about the YLE exams like this:

“Tests are designed to make learning fun and children are encouraged by working towards certificates and earning ‘shields’  that record their progress.” (I’d mark my IELTS students down for having no logical link between the two halves of that sentence)

“Children who learn English when they are young have an advantage that will stay with them all their life.” (Simply not true – children studying extensive EFL classes have no advantage over people who start studying the language later)

“with the right methods, they can learn English quickly, effectively and enjoyably. Even the most basic certificate is a start on the pathway  to qualifications that are useful for work and study.” (Again, what is the link between those two ideas??)

“Making  learning a new language enjoyable is an important part of encouraging progress  and building confidence. Cambridge English: Young Learners encourages younger  children to work towards three certificates, Starters, Movers and Flyers” (and again!!)