Management of the largest English language teaching project in the world to be handed over to the beneficiary

20 July 2011

Earlier this week, Bell, a provider of English language services worldwide, and its partner in the Middle East - Obeikan Education, learned that they would no longer be required to provide services to King Saud University in relation to its preparatory year programme for the new academic year.

Over the last four years, Bell and Obeikan Education have helped King Saud University to establish what has been described as the largest English language teaching project in the world. Due to the success of the project, King Saud University is now in a position to take on the management of the programme, as was agreed from the outset, which will take effect from September 2011.

Throughout the pioneering programme, Bell and Obeikan Education have helped over 20,000 male and female students improve their English and prepare for undergraduate studies at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Greg Watson, Bell's Chief Executive, comments: "Bell is proud to have been involved in such a pioneering project. In addition to helping students develop their English language skills, Bell and Obeikan Education have created a robust management and operational infrastructure suitable for a large-scale project of this kind, which has enabled King Saud University to take on the future management of the programme."

Bell's role in delivering the project has included curriculum design, quality assurance and academic oversight, implementing assessment frameworks, development of teaching and learning resources and teacher training and professional development. Fundamental to the success of the project has also been the recruitment, induction and deployment of over 620 staff to Riyadh, with many taking advantage of the Bell-funded training programme. During the four year programme, over 110 staff took a teaching qualification, such as the Delta, or undertook an MA or PhD.

Bell and Obeikan Education will manage the King Saud University Preparatory Year Programme until August 2011. During the transition period, all staff involved on the project will have the opportunity to talk to HR representatives at Obeikan Education to discuss potential future employment opportunities.

Bell and Obeikan Education will continue to work together on other projects in the Middle East.

Enquiries:

Natalie Dawe
Marketing Communications Manager
Bell Educational Trust
Hillscross,
Red Cross Lane
Cambridge, CB2 0QU
England
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 275500
E-mail: natalie.dawe@bell-worldwide.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Bell_English

Notes to Editors

About Bell

Bell is a provider of high-quality English language training services worldwide. Each year, over 100,000 students from more than 120 countries learn English with Bell at one of its 34 worldwide teaching centres, projects or through e-channels.

The organisation provides teacher training, educational management, consultancy and project services to international organisations, universities and governments. Bell's mission is to change lives by providing education, training and cultural experiences for people worldwide.

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Students at King Saud University in Riyadh