NEAS is pleased to celebrate the successful Quality Review of Indooroopilly State High School (SHS).
The review highlighted strengths across several areas, including well-structured curriculum design, experienced and TESOL-qualified teachers, and effective use of digital learning platforms. The school’s commitment to supporting student wellbeing was also noted, with dedicated HSP classrooms, an international student hub, and structured homestay arrangements.
Stakeholder feedback was positive, and the school’s ongoing commitment to quality improvement through its strategic planning was evident throughout the review process.
NEAS acknowledges the efforts of staff and leadership at Indooroopilly State High School in maintaining a supportive and engaging learning environment for international students.
Impact English Brisbane Joins NEAS as a Quality Endorsed Member
NEAS is pleased to welcome Impact English College Brisbane as a newly Quality Endorsed Member following a successful Management Meeting.
Located in Brisbane’s CBD, the centre attracts students from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South America, fostering a dynamic and multicultural learning environment. Impact English Brisbane offers well-structured course pathways, supported by dedicated student advisors who guide learners throughout their studies. The centre’s facilities were also recognised for their functional design, with ample student spaces that enhance the overall experience.
Attendance monitoring processes comply with regulatory standards, and students benefit from structured progress meetings and individual feedback. The centre also provides after-class activities designed to develop study skills and cultural awareness.
As a registered Cambridge test centre, Impact English Brisbane offers students the opportunity to undertake internationally recognised examinations. The centre also engages in ongoing validation and moderation activities to ensure continuous course improvement, particularly for its in-house developed programs.
Congratulations to Oxford International Digital Institute on achieving NEAS endorsement as a quality product and service for their Oxford ELLT.
NEAS reviewed Oxford ELLT using Quality Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, evaluating its underlying research, fulfilment of purpose, quality assurance processes, innovation, and contribution to the English Language Teaching (ELT) community.
This test was designed with the student experience in mind, ensuring a smooth and supportive test-taking journey. With 24/7 portal access, test takers have the flexibility to complete tasks at their convenience, while user-friendly interfaces, helpful resources, and dedicated support help them approach each module with confidence.
Advanced AI technology is leveraged to enhance the test experience, from dynamic test item progression to strong online security protocols. The responsive model ensures a fair and accurate assessment while keeping the test competitive and up to date through continuous item creation and expansion.
A combination of AI proctoring and expert human examiners ensures accurate and reliable results. Ongoing quality reviews and benchmarking keep the test relevant and aligned with industry standards, reinforcing its credibility and effectiveness.
Impact English College Melbourne Achieves NEAS Quality Endorsement
NEAS is pleased to announce the Quality Endorsement of Impact English College Melbourne. Centrally located on Bourke Street, Impact English College offers a dynamic and immersive learning environment with modern facilities, diverse course offerings, and a strong commitment to student support.
The recent Quality Review highlighted Impact English College’s well-structured curriculum and commitment to high-quality teaching and assessment. Students benefit from engaging and interactive learning experiences, with teachers incorporating diverse methodologies and assessment tools to enhance language development. The Centre’s English-Only policy reinforces immersion, and its unique Barista/Café English Course provides students with a specialised learning experience.
Impact English College is commended for its strong student support framework, including structured orientation sessions, welfare services, and personalised academic guidance. Students have access to a well-equipped campus, extracurricular activities, and a range of additional learning opportunities to complement their studies.
NEAS recognises Impact English College’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to delivering quality English language education.
NEAS Welcomes Sun Pacific College (SPC) Cairns as a Quality Endorsed Member.
NEAS is pleased to announce the Quality Endorsement of Sun Pacific College (SPC) Cairns. Established 25 years ago, SPC provides intensive English language programs in a unique campus-based learning environment in northern Cairns.
The recent NEAS Quality Review highlighted SPC’s structured approach to course delivery, assessment, and student support. The Centre offers General English courses from Beginner to Advanced, as well as IELTS preparation and Cambridge FCE/CAE programs. A strong focus on assessment alignment with learning outcomes was observed, along with an integrated online reading and journal program that supports students’ language development.
SPC provides a comprehensive student experience, including on-campus accommodation, recreational facilities, and structured study support. The Centre maintains a dedicated welfare framework to assist students with their transition to life and study in Australia. Regular stakeholder feedback is used to inform continuous improvement initiatives across teaching, administration, and student services.
NEAS congratulates Sun Pacific College on achieving Quality Endorsement and demonstrating a commitment to quality in English language teaching.
NEAS congratulates South Australian College of English (SACE) on its successful Quality Review Activity.
SACE stands out for its strong academic leadership and highly experienced teaching team, ensuring students receive well-structured and engaging learning experiences. Students praised their teachers for their clear explanations, well-prepared lessons, and supportive approach.
The Centre fosters a welcoming and diverse learning environment, with students from across the globe benefiting from interactive classroom activities, personalised feedback, and well-planned assessments. The Club SACE program and community engagement initiatives further enrich the student experience, offering valuable opportunities to develop language skills beyond the classroom.
SACE’s commitment to quality course delivery, student welfare, and ongoing professional development demonstrates its dedication to excellence in English language education.
We are thrilled to bring to you the 2025 NEAS Conference keynote speakers!
Technology is transforming education, breaking down barriers, and creating new ways for students and teachers to connect. But as digital tools become more embedded in English Language Teaching (ELT), we must ask: is technology truly enhancing learning and community-building, or are we losing something in the process?
Cathy Jones Assessment Development Specialist, LANGUAGECERT
Have you ever wondered if our students are truly ready to communicate in a world full of AI, deep fakes, and fake news? At the 2025 NEAS Conference, Cathy Jones, an Assessment Development Specialist from the UK, introduces a fresh perspective on the importance of strong oracy skills.
In her session, Cathy explains why live, spoken assessments can better reveal students’ critical thinking and genuine communication skills compared to traditional written tests. More importantly, she explores how oracy builds community: creating spaces where every voice is heard and authentic dialogue leads to deeper connections between educators and learners.
Jarrad Merlo AI Product Manager at Pearson’s Accelerator, Pearson
We’ve all seen what ChatGPT can do – and where it falls short. But the next wave of AI innovation is here, and it’s far more powerful than anything we’ve seen before. Say hello to “agentic AI” – large language models with tools, memory, autonomy, and the ability to perform real-world actions. These aren’t just poem-writing chatbots; they’re multitasking digital workers that can research, plan, execute, and collaborate – outperforming humans in terms of speed and cost, and competing on quality.
In this provocative yet practical keynote, Jarrad Merlo will show you exactly how ‘AI agents’ work and how they’ll begin to transform the English language sector. From automating admin tasks to generating assessments at scale, AI agents are poised to become your most productive new team members.
Whether you’re a teacher, test developer, or decision-maker, this session will help you make sense of this powerful – and potentially uncomfortable – technology. Jarrad won’t push a vision; he’ll simply demonstrate what’s already possible, share some examples, and invite you to consider the near-term impact of agentic AI on your context.
The 2025 NEAS Conference will include panel discussions that bring together government regulators, and international student leaders, to share their knowledge on the changing education industry. These sessions will explore key challenges and opportunities in the sector, giving attendees a chance to hear directly from those who shape and experience it firsthand.
In this facilitated discussion between a sample of our members and our guests from government, we will take a close look at the challenges facing the sector. Representatives from ASQA and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) are confirmed to join us, with TEQSA participation pending confirmation. We all know that NEAS membership enhances and complements regulated compliance by embedding continuous improvement. This session will explore how we can best define and maintain quality in an environment of uncertainty and change.
Carmen Basilicata, Executive Director, Integrity Branch, ASQA
Responsible for ASQA’s Integrity Unit, Carmen overseas ASQA’s intelligence, investigations and enforcements operations to prevent and detect threats to the integrity of VET, and to deter and disrupt illegal behaviour and the exploitation of vulnerable students. Carmen is also responsible for entry to the market, ASQA’s primary function to prevent threats and safeguard the integrity of VET, as well as ASQA’s Industry, State and Territory engagement and Course Accreditation functions. Read more…
The Tuition Protection Service Director is a statutory position created under the Commonwealth legislation. Melinda is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the long-term sustainability of the Tuition Protection Service.
Melinda has held several senior roles in the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, with extensive knowledge in operational policy and program management in employment services. Read more…
In this panel we will hear the journey of two international students from arrival to belonging, highlighting the challenges they face and the contributions they make to the community.
Ogunbodede Olaitan MD, Medical Practitioner, NSW Health
Olaitan Temitope Ogunbodede is a medical practitioner with NSW health and holds a doctoral degree in Immunology from the University of Sydney.
He arrived in Australia about half a decade ago as an international student from Nigeria on a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade international Scholarships. Read more…
William Nguyen is a student leader, speaker and passionate advocate for international students, dedicated to fostering belonging and building inclusive communities. Arriving in Australia at 15 with no English, he understands the challenges of navigating a new country.
Now a third-year Education/Media Arts student at UNSW, he has spoken to over 7,000 people at universities and conferences, serving as an MC and guest speaker. Read more…
William Nguyen, NSW International Student Ambassador, Study NSW
Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.
I’ve just come from reading the news for the morning. There’s a lot going on. Donald Trump attracts attention; conflicts and tensions continue and here in Australia, we have an election coming up. Should we brace for change? Regardless of the actors and which party, politician or nation state holds sway, whether we agree with the direction or not, we’re always in the midst of change.
The same is true for us here at NEAS.
Rima Ibrahim, our Manager of Quality and Professional Development, has decided to move on to other things. We’re sad to see her go and we are very grateful for all the work she has done, especially during the pandemic. Many of you know Rima and I’m sure with me you wish her all the best. Go well Rima!
Here at NEAS, rather than bracing for change we’re embracing it! I have advertised The Manager Quality and Professional Development role. You can find out more about the role here. You will see that the role is very project oriented and future focused. It contributes to a packed, positive NEAS agenda all aimed at improvements for our members. Some of our member-focused initiatives include:
Delivering our much-loved annual Sydney conference. With its theme of belonging, NEAS commits to diversity, to inclusion and to our role in welcoming others to Australia. We’re set to introduce you to new ideas and new people opening a new window on the world
Introducing a new platform making it easier for members to access their NEAS services
Securing a stronger member presence in Asia so that we can bring people together on the international stage
Reinvigorating our professional development offering
Completing a review of our own performance and implementing some of the changes you have suggested.
There’s so much more to say and share with you. I could write extensively on each of the above. If you want to know more about Rima’s role or if you’d like to talk to me about any of the above, please get in touch with me.
A conference for everyone who believes in community
The NEAS 2025 Conference is more than just an industry event: it’s a gathering of people with similar interests and a celebration of belonging. Our theme this year, “Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities,” reminds us of the contributions that international students and migrants make to education, workplaces, and society.
Whether you work in ELICOS, AMEP, higher education, vocational training, or community-based English programs, NEAS 2025 is the conference for you!
Why attend? We have something for everyone
No matter your role in the industry, NEAS 2025 has something for everyone:
Sessions focused on leadership, innovation, and quality assurance in education, helping you stay navigate the complexities of our industry
Practical training sessions and expert-led discussions designed to introduce new teaching techniques, classroom strategies, and insights into student engagement
Opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain career insights, and connect with potential mentors who can guide your professional journey
A hub for collaboration and networking, where decision-makers come together to discuss the future of ELT
At its heart, this conference is a chance to come together as a community – to learn, share, and inspire each other.
The program is taking shape!
We are currently finalising the program, and we can’t wait to share what we have planned!
You can look forward to hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, who will share their insights on creating a sense of belonging and community, drawing on their personal experiences and their work with international students and migrants. You can also look expect sessions focused on innovation and AI, exploring their potential to transform ELT and create wider community benefits.
There will be select hands-on workshops designed to provide practical tools for educators, managers, and industry leaders, offering practical strategies and fresh perspectives.
With dedicated networking opportunities throughout, the conference will also be a hub for connection, collaboration, and meaningful discussions across the ELT sector, and beyond.
