New international assessment body partners with City & Guilds

London Assessment International (LAI) officially launched at City & Guilds’ London headquarters last week, with global education leaders and policymakers – such as Pakistan’s chairman of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), Ghullam Mallah – in attendance.

Accredited by skills development and vocational devlopment giant City & Guilds, LAI will deliver international GCSEs, A-Levels, and Level 3 foundation programs, with a focus on employability. LAI’s emphasis on technology involves features such as AI-powered assessment tools, digital examination platforms and automated marking systems.

Pakistan has become the first country to officially license the programs, but schools around the world will be able to apply for LAI accreditation from January 2026,

“This step reflects our commitment to giving students access to high-quality, internationally benchmarked programs that meet the future demands of global education,” said Mallah.

Teaching will commence in the 2026/27 academic year, with programs available through accredited centres.

This step reflects our commitment to giving students access to high-quality, internationally benchmarked programs that meet the future demands of global education
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Meanwhile, ECCTIS is benchmarking LAI’s programs to make sure they align with UK-regulated standards and global frameworks, meaning students will be able to seek career opportunities around the world once they have finished with their programs.

“Our focus has always been to ensure learners are equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the skills and attributes employers value most,” said Kirstie Donnelly, chief executive of City & Guilds. “By combining rigorous academic standards with practical, transferable skills, this partnership sets a new benchmark for international programs.”

“We’re bringing together academic depth and vocational relevance, supported by digital innovation and global partnerships,” said Amir Saadati, executive director of LAI. “With City & Guilds as our founding partner, we are committed to creating a robust, credible, and inclusive system that reflects the real needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.”

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