Dear Ammara

My initial thoughts are that the requirement could be discriminatory, the following points need to be taken into consideration, a) is the IELTS requirement essential for the individual, if they have lived and worked in the UK for 4 years, b) does IOE have a structure in place where they can test, writing, listening and reading skills of potential students, c)international students who do not have IELTS does this mean that that the IOE would reject their application without  measuring their level of skills .  Such students could  potentially claim discrimination if they are in the UK under the Equality Act 2010, and if they could demonstrate that they fulfilled the course entry requirement  in the areas of English writing, listening and reading skills without having an IELTS.

Therefore my answer to your questions is perhaps to look at alternative means of testing, yes this could potentially be discriminatory.

Hope this helps, happy to discuss further if you wish.

Regards

Ferhat

Ferhat Nazir-Bhatti: Equality and Diversity Advisor

London School of Economics and Political Science

Tele:  0207955 6171 Fax: 0207 8523646

Visit the Equality and Diversity at LSE website and blog

Dear all,

I have just come across a situation where an international student has applied for a course and has been told they need particular English qualifications i.e. IELTS or equivalent to gain a place on the course.   The student does not have any of these qualifications but has had all their formal education in the medium of English and has lived and worked in the UK for over 4 years.  She is claiming that placing this general criteria on her  and not allowing for discretion is indirectly discriminatory.

Does anyone have any thoughts, advice or views on this?

Many Thanks

Kind regards

Ammara

Ammara Khan

Equalities Manager

Institute of Education, University of London

20 Bedford Way

London WC1H OAL

Telephone: 020 7612 6321

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Please note I only work Mon - Thurs