Trinity College London

Trinity College London: assessing communicative and performance skills since 1872

Trinity College London is an independent educational charity, awarding organisation and publisher founded in 1872. Its work focuses on the assessment of communicative and performance skills in four areas: music, drama, combined arts and English language. The organisation describes itself as internationally recognised in its field.

According to data on its website, the organisation assesses more than 700,000 candidates a year and operates in more than 80 countries, although its regional information section indicates a presence in more than 60 countries. It offers exams and qualifications tailored to each country, with specific information on fees, product offering and local contacts.

Music: grades, diplomas and certificates

In music, Trinity College London supports students' education through assessments covering a wide spectrum of styles, including classical, jazz and rock & pop. Its catalogue of music qualifications includes:

• Classical & Jazz Grades
• Classical Performance Diplomas
• Rock & Pop Grades
• Rock & Pop Diplomas
• Theory of Music Grades
• Theory of Music Diplomas
• Music Certificate Exams
• Certificate for Music Educators
• Teaching Diplomas
• Awards & Certificates in Musical Development

Drama and performing arts

The drama offering accompanies students from their first steps to industry-aligned professional training. Candidates develop skills applicable both on stage and beyond it. The qualifications available in this area are:

• Acting for Screen
• Musical Theatre
• Performance Arts
• Speech and Drama
• Professional Performing Arts Diplomas
• Digital assessments
• Arts Award
• Trinity Stars — Young Performers Awards
• Communication Skills

English: exams for students, teachers and visas

In English language, the organisation offers qualifications for those who want to learn the language, teach it or apply for a UK visa. Its exams include the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) and the tests for UKVI. The catalogue includes:

• GESE – Graded Examinations in Spoken English
• ISE – Integrated Skills in English
• ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
• CertTESOL
• TYLEC (young learners)
• Teach English Online
• CertOT
• CertPT
• DipTESOL

Recognition, research and institutional collaboration

Trinity College London is recognised by governments and carries out research activities. The organisation works in collaboration with educational organisations; for example, in 2012 it partnered with India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to deliver training in speaking assessment methods. In March 2026, it announced a strategic collaboration with Yamaha Corporation to expand access to music education in India.

The organisation also publishes news and events related to its sector, such as the annual Future of English Language Teaching (FoELT) conference, whose 2026 edition will be held on Saturday 3 October 2026, or its participation in IATEFL 2026.

Career opportunities and educator development

The organisation offers training and support programmes for teachers and candidates, as well as exam preparation resources. For those who wish to work with Trinity College London, there are routes such as becoming a registered exam centre, a listed SELT course provider or a listed education agent. The organisation also has job opportunities and supports its staff's professional development through internal and external training, coaching and mentoring.

International presence and support resources

Trinity College London provides exams and qualifications in more than 60 countries, with country-specific information on fees, product offering and contacts. Its website includes support sections for candidates, teachers, parents or guardians, as well as exam preparation resources. The organisation maintains a blog, Trinity Notes, and publishes success stories from students and teachers around the world.