Parents of children studying Pingu's English Schools will soon be able to get of formal assessment of their child's language progression through a new deal between Linguaphone Group and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).

From this summer, participating franchised Pingu's English Schools will also act as official Cambridge ESOL testing centres. Under these new arrangements, and through its network of franchised partners, Pingu's English students will receive full test preparation and support to undertake the Cambridge English Young Learners English: Starters test; one of the best known international English tests for children.

Commenting on this new collaboration, Derek Price, Chief Executive Officer with the Linguaphone Group, said: "The Linguaphone Group has a strong heritage in delivering first-class language programmes worldwide. The Pingu's English learning syllabus and methodology already ensures that our students will develop real confidence in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English, using our wide variety of imaginative activities and resources.

"This strategic collaboration with the world-famous University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations will now enable our students to take a formal exam to demonstrate the strong foundation in the English language that they have acquired with us, to an international standard."

Dr Mike Milanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, added: "We are delighted that Pingu's English will now give children the opportunity to take the Cambridge Young Learners tests. Research shows that these tests are a fun, motivating experience for children, helping them to get used to taking tests without seeing them as a stressful experience and giving them a valuable reward for their efforts."