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.
We are excited to have Luke Kennedy as our closing plenary speaker. Luke’s journey reminds us that our toughest challenges can actually open doors to new growth and opportunities. His message of resilience encourages us to embrace change, look past difficulties, and draw strength from the communities we build together.
Luke Kennedy is far from your typical inspirational speaker. His story stretches from street survival and near-death experiences to becoming a best-selling author, a successful corporate trainer, and a mentor for young people. Luke shows us that overcoming hardship isn’t just possible, but it can inspire personal and professional growth. A message that feels especially relevant now, as the international education sector in Australia faces critical, make-or-break challenges.
The Power of Resilience and a Transformative Mindset
Luke’s story offers a fresh perspective on the power of mental strength and transformative mindset shifts. His approach goes beyond just managing difficulties; it’s about thriving amidst uncertainty. By addressing wellness and mental health, he offers practical strategies to build emotional and mental resilience, nurture a sense of purpose, and cultivate environments where people feel connected and ready to embrace change.
A Closing Plenary Speaker Who Delivers More Than Inspiration
Luke isn’t just here to talk about resilience: he’s here to show us how to live it. As the closing plenary speaker at this year’s NEAS Conference, Luke will go beyond motivation, providing real strategies to help us navigate change and uncertainty. His engaging, no-nonsense approach will provide us with the tools to turn adversity into opportunity and strengthen our sense of community, connection, and belonging.
With so much change and uncertainty in Australia’s international education sector, Luke’s message couldn’t be more timely. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times, it’s about moving forward with purpose.
Join us at the 2025 NEAS Conference and gain real, practical strategies to navigate change. Luke’s session will help you shift your mindset, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. As a community, we will come together to embrace change and shape the future of international education, stronger and more connected than ever.
Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.
It’s election time! There are all sorts of things being said about international students. In particular, I see reports about the impact of international students on the accommodation sector.
Regardless of whether international students put pressure on the rental market (and there’s plenty of evidence to refute this), NEAS offers a valuable contribution. We’ve now moved into quality assurance for the homestay industry. Often forgotten or considered an option for under 18s, this sector is vibrant and presents real opportunities for a great adult student experience as they transition into life in Australia – albeit temporarily.
Homestay also plays a role in building communities and provides genuine assistance to offset the cost of living with an income to the homestay hosts. If there is any pressure on the rental market, growing the homestay sector under quality-endorsed conditions offers a sustainable solution.
How do students know they’re being placed well and will be looked after? As always, look for the NEAS tick. NEAS recently issued a media release on the topic.
NEAS Tackles Housing Pressure by Providing Smarter International Student Accommodation Solutions
NEAS Australia is urging both Labor and the Coalition to adopt a more informed and practical approach to international education policy – one that not only protects Australia’s $50+ billion education export industry, but also eases housing pressures facing everyday Australians.
As the leading quality assurance body for English language teaching and international student accommodation, NEAS is already offering real solutions for quality-assured housing. Specifically designed for international students, the research-backed NEAS solution does not compete with Australian housing accessibility or affordability.
“Rather than scapegoating international students for housing shortages, when they occupy less than 6% of availability according to the Student Accommodation Council, we need to look at real, long-term solutions – and NEAS is leading the way,” said NEAS CEO Adam Kilburn. “Expanding access to formal, quality-assured homestay helps improve the student experience, and puts money in the pockets of Australian families.”
NEAS supports recent calls from the Property Council of Australia for universities to play a more active role in securing accommodation for students before they arrive. When provided to NEAS’ quality standard, these housing options offer more than just shelter – they ease the cost of living crisis for Australians and support the students’ ability to culturally adapt during their stay.
“More than 80% of international students leave the country after they finish their studies,” Kilburn said. “They’re temporary visitors – not long-term residents.”
Through its role as the leading quality assurer in student accommodation – particularly homestay – NEAS ensures offerings are safe, regulated, and beneficial for both students and Australian families.
“When done properly, homestay provides international students with vital support and cultural integration – while offering Australians a chance to host and earn an income,” Kilburn added. “It’s a win-win for Australian families, the community and international students.”
NEAS is calling on all sides of politics to invest in practical housing solutions that protect Australia’s international education reputation while helping to ease the cost of living crisis at home.
ABOUT NEAS
NEAS Australia is a leading industry-based independent quality assurance body serving the English language teaching sector and related areas, including homestay accommodation. Its quality endorsed membership extends across the country and globally into South East Asia.
