The agreement aims to meet the growing demand for computer-based exams in China

Deshini Chetty, assistant director of business development at Cambridge ESOL said: “This latest agreement with ATA is part of our wider commitment to providing high quality assessments that can be used to monitor progress, increase employability and provide study opportunities.”

China Daily reported last year that more than 300 million Chinese study English, nearly a quarter of the country’s population, and demand is expected to grow.

In the next five years, all schools will begin teaching English in kindergarten and all state employees younger than 40 will be required to master at least 1,000 English phrases.

Keen to meet the demand Cambridge said the new partnership would provide greater access to its language exams, ranging from tests for young learners to school-age students, as well as act as a launchpad for assessment products throughout Asia.

It also opened 21 new test centres last year and has commissioned research on the country’s evolving ELT needs.

Walter Wang, the president of ATA said: “ATA is honoured to work with one of the most prominent examination boards in the world.

“We identify and provide services to high quality and renowned international exam programmes to be introduced in China and other parts of Asia. We are pleased to see ESOL assessment solutions are being more accessible by students in Asia.”