The ASPIRE Competition.
ASPIRE is an international academic competition designed to assess and promote English language proficiency among students worldwide, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Who Can Participate?
Students enrolled in primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary education, aged 6 to 18, are eligible.
Participants are grouped into five age categories (A–E), not by school grade.
Official age range and indicative CEFR level to be announced.
Official age range and indicative CEFR level to be announced.
Official age range and indicative CEFR level to be announced.
Official age range and indicative CEFR level to be announced.
Official age range and indicative CEFR level to be announced.
Competition Structure
Local Stage
Compete at your school or local centre.
National Stage
Top performers advance to represent their country.
International Stage
The best of the best compete globally, with the full test of Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening, and Speaking.
Exam Format
The Local and National Stages each consist of three written components: Reading Comprehension, Use of English, and Writing. The International Stage adds Listening and Speaking, for a total of five components.
Scoring
The Local and National Stages are scored out of 100 points (35 Reading Comprehension, 35 Use of English, 30 Writing). The International Stage is also scored out of 100 points, distributed across all five components.
The official distribution across all five components at the International Stage will be communicated by the Organising Committee.
Qualification
The highest-ranking participants in each age category qualify for the National Stage, based on criteria set annually by the ASPIRE Organising Committee.
Academic Integrity
The use of mobile phones, smart devices, dictionaries, notes, artificial intelligence tools, or any unauthorised materials is strictly prohibited during the competition and may result in disqualification.
Awards and Recognition
Participants may receive Certificates of Participation, Certificates of Achievement, Honourable Mentions, or Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. Special Awards are also given for Best Essay, Best Speaking Performance, Outstanding Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Exceptional Achievement.
- Best Essay
- Best Speaking Performance
- Outstanding Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Exceptional Achievement
Appeals
Appeals can be submitted within the period announced by the Organising Committee and are reviewed by an independent Appeals Committee. The Committee's decision is final.
How to Register
Registration is done exclusively through your school's ASPIRE Local Coordinator or an accredited local examination centre, since the Local Stage takes place in person at a physical venue.
Because the competition is held in person, all participants must register through a partner school or an accredited local examination centre. If your school is not yet a partner, contact us and we can help identify the nearest accredited centre or guide your school through becoming a Local Coordinator.