London Assessment International (LAI) Partners with City & Guilds to Launch New Global Education Initiative
New partnership combines academic excellence with future-ready skills to transform international education
21 July 2025
London, UK – A bold new era in global education began last Thursday with the official launch of London Assessment International (LAI). Delivering International GCSEs, A-Levels, and Level 3 Foundation Programmes, this initiative is accredited by City & Guilds -one of the world’s most respected names in skills development, certification, and vocational education.
The launch event, hosted at City & Guilds’ London headquarters, bought together global education leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries - including the Chairman of the Inter Board Committee (IBCC), Pakistan) - who praised the initiative as a major advancement in international education standards.
Government recognition signals global credibility
Pakistan has become the first nation to officially license LAI’s City & Guilds accredited programmes, marking a significant milestone in international recognition.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Government of Pakistan has granted an official licence to deliver LAI’s City & Guilds Accredited International GCSEs and A-Levels,” said Dr Ghulam Mallah, Chairman of IBCC. “This step reflects our commitment to giving students access to high-quality, internationally benchmarked programmes that meet the future demands of global education.”
Bridging academic excellence and real-world skills
LAIs innovative approach combines rigorous academic standards with practical, employability-focused skills development, backed by City & Guilds’s 147 years of expertise in assessment, workforce development, and education strategy.
“We are delighted to collaborate with LAI on this pioneering venture”, said Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds. “Our focus has always been to ensure learners are equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the skills and attributes employers value most. By combining rigorous academic standards with practical, transferable skills, this partnership sets a new benchmark for international programmes.”
Technology-driven assessment innovation
LAI is positioned to become the most technologically advanced education provider globally, featuring:
- AI-powered assessment tools
- Digital examination platforms
- Automated marking systems
- Secure online delivery infrastructure.
These innovations deliver flexibility, transparency, accessibility, and innovation for learners across the world while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Global recognition and university pathways
To ensure international comparability and recognition, LAI has initiated a comprehensive benchmarking review with Ecctis. This process will validate alignment with UK-regulated standards and global frameworks, supporting seamless progression to leading universities and career opportunities worldwide.
Vision for the future of education
“LAI represents a fresh, future-facing approach to international education, said Dr. Amir Saadati, Executive Director of LAI. “We’re bringing together academic depth and vocational relevance, supported by digital innovation and global partnerships. With City & Guilds as our founding partner, we are committed to creating a robust, credible, and inclusive system that reflects the real needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.”
Implementation timeline
Schools worldwide will be able to apply for LAI accreditation from January 2026, with teaching commencing in the 2026–27 academic year. The programmes will be available through a wide network of accredited centres, supported by ongoing professional development for educators and administrators.