Distinctions all round with ESB

Jakka Pranav Swaroop Naidu

Distinctions all round with ESB

June 3, 2024

Congratulations to the 12 fantastic Future Leaders who completed their Level 2 Certificate in Speech with English Speaking Board (ESB). 

We are thrilled to be working with ESB again this year on another oracy project!

ESB work with young people in under-represented communities, where they help all learners to possess the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations. By developing speaking and listening skills, young people gain confidence to express themselves in all situations.

Villiers Park

We recently held this year's oracy project in Swindon with 12 of our Future Leaders from Lawn Manor Academy and Lydiard Park Academy. Students worked hard on their Level 2 Certificate in Speech to hone their skills in public speaking with practice interviews and telephone calls. Students also developed valuable employability skills by creating their own CVs and presentations. Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park CEO said:

"The course develops young people’s communication and presentation skills as well as providing practical support with sessions on CVs, job applications and interviews. We ran the course for the first time in 2023 and the feedback was amazing. Students told us that the course increased their confidence, allowed their creativity to shine and helped them to mentally prepare for the future. They also told us how proud they were to present on subjects that they are personally passionate about."

We are thrilled to be working with ESB again this year on another oracy project!

ESB work with young people in under-represented communities, where they help all learners to possess the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations. By developing speaking and listening skills, young people gain confidence to express themselves in all situations.


We recently held this year's oracy project in Swindon with 12 of our Future Leaders from Lawn Manor Academy and Lydiard Park Academy. Students worked hard on their Level 2 Certificate in Speech to hone their skills in public speaking with practice interviews and telephone calls. Students also developed valuable employability skills by creating their own CVs and presentations. Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park CEO said:

"The course develops young people’s communication and presentation skills as well as providing practical support with sessions on CVs, job applications and interviews. We ran the course for the first time in 2023 and the feedback was amazing. Students told us that the course increased their confidence, allowed their creativity to shine and helped them to mentally prepare for the future. They also told us how proud they were to present on subjects that they are personally passionate about."


We are proud to deliver this course that empowers our students to recognise that their voice is important and gives them the tools to confidently communicate in all situations!



It is brilliant to announce that all 12 students who participated and worked so hard on the Level 2 Certificate in Speech, have been awarded Distinctions in their assessments. This is a wonderful outcome and a huge credit to the team, as well as our liaisons, Mr Jacklin and Mrs Stewart and tutor Julia Ward.

Want to learn more about this project? Send us an email to programmes@villierspark.org.uk 

Students in a construction workshop observing a bricklaying demonstration.
By Bronagh Sumner February 10, 2026
National Apprenticeships Week is an opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and the wider economy – and their vital role in improving social mobility.
Hand holding
By Bronagh Sumner January 14, 2026
Discover how Villiers Park alumni Josie and Clara came full circle, returning as Progression Coaches to support students through the programme that shaped them.
By Bronagh Sumner December 22, 2025
Jenny joined our team 15 years ago and has worked in various roles from Progression Coach to Programmes Manager and now Strategic Projects Manager. Jenny is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of others and supporting young people to reach their fullest potential.
A lecture hall presentation with presenters on the stage and an audience in curved rows.
By Clara Smith December 17, 2025
In November we visited Canterbury Christ Church for a University Insight Day giving Future Leaders the chance to explore campus life first-hand.
By Bronagh Sumner December 17, 2025
We have recently been sharing the wonderful stories of those who have been a part of Villiers Park over the years.
Offshore wind turbines with a construction platform in the ocean under a clear blue sky.
By Bronagh Sumner December 12, 2025
" [Villiers Park] offered me the tools that helped me settle into university life quicker, something that many young students lack and struggle with throughout their time at uni. "
Exterior view of a large, ornate building with a clock tower and a green lawn in front.
By Bronagh Sumner December 11, 2025
Villiers Park is delighted to continue its collaboration with Trinity College Cambridge, a partnership which supports hundreds of young people from under-represented backgrounds every year, breaking down barriers into higher education.
By Bronagh Sumner December 8, 2025
" I remember most the residentials, with the opportunity to experience stretching and enriching lectures, activities and tasks in a friendly and warmly academic environment. "
A group of people sitting at a table having a discussion in a bright room. One person is in a wheelchair.
December 5, 2025
In November, 18 Year 12 students from our Tyneside hub attended an Employer Insight Day at Sopra Steria’s Edinburgh office. As our principal partner, we work closely with Sopra Steria and were delighted to offer these students the opportunity to explore the variety of career paths available within the Edinburgh office and beyond.
By Bronagh Sumner November 26, 2025
"It’s incredible to come full circle. Villiers Park supported me when I needed it most, and now I have the privilege of helping to make those same opportunities available to others.”