Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Which grade for which application
Levels and minimum grades are from gov.uk's approved UK test list; uses and prices are from Trinity's SELT page. GESE is not on the overseas list.
| GESE grade | CEFR | Trinity lists it for | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 | A1 | Partner or parent leave to remain, Representative of an Overseas Business, International Sportsperson | £160 |
| Grade 3 | A2 | Partner or parent extension after 2.5 years | £160 |
| Grade 5 | B1 | ILR and British citizenship | £160 |
| Grade 7 | B2 | ILR on or after 26 March 2027 (not yet bookable) | Not stated |
Format and results
Trinity says GESE Grade 5 is a 10-minute one-to-one test in two parts: a topic you prepare in advance (with a Topic Form you bring) and a conversation on two subject areas the examiner chooses. Examiners join by video; at a Trinity centre you sit it on a tablet set up by a steward.
Trinity says provisional results are emailed by 9am the day after the exam and the digital certificate link within 4 to 7 days. Its optional Exam Protect costs £35 and includes one retake and one reschedule. Trinity's Integrated Skills in English (ISE) is its 4-skill SELT for work and study visas, at £200.
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Where you can take it
Gov.uk's UK centre list dated 23 October 2026 shows 20 Trinity SELT centres: 3 in London plus Stratford and Croydon, and one each in Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Preston and Sheffield.
Trinity says it offers tests seven days a week. Gov.uk says to check the provider's website for dates and not to contact a centre directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is GESE Grade 5 accepted for British citizenship?+
Yes. It is on gov.uk's UK list at B1 (pass), and Trinity lists it for naturalisation.
Can I take GESE in India or Pakistan for a spouse visa?+
No. Gov.uk lists Trinity as a SELT provider only inside the UK. Outside the UK use IELTS Life Skills, PTE Home, LanguageCert or Skills for English.
How many Trinity SELT centres are there?+
Gov.uk's list dated 23 October 2026 shows 20 Trinity centres in the UK. Trinity says over 20.
Is there a GESE test for B2 ILR from 2027?+
Trinity says GESE Grade 7 (B2, 15 minutes) will be introduced for ILR from 26 March 2027. It was not yet bookable or on gov.uk's list on 30 October 2026.
Keep reading
Related
- ILR English goes to B2 in 2027
- IELTS Life Skills A1, A2 and B1
- PTE Home A1, A2 and B1
- The approved UK SELT list
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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