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Our heritage.
Our expertise.
Your assurance.
Your advantage.

Enter a world of opportunities
for your students, your
teachers and your school
through Addvantage

2019-2020

© Getty images

Our heritage.
Our expertise.
Your assurance.
Your advantage.

About us

Our heritage. Our expertise.

The British Council is the UK’s international Over 70 examination boards and educational institutions
organisation for cultural relations and educational trust us to deliver their exams around the world. We
opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and are recognised for our integrity and professionalism
understanding between the people of the UK and in delivering high-quality exam services and English
other countries. We do this by making a positive teaching and training. Our expert level of knowledge
contribution to the UK and the countries we work with and skill in examination management ensures the
– changing lives by creating opportunities, building delivery of exams is 100 per cent secure, transparent
connections and engendering trust. and fully compliant with exam board regulations.

Our work in English aims to bring high-quality language We can organise exam day sessions from small to very
materials to every learner and teacher who wants large groups of candidates for a wide range of exam
them. In developing and post-conflict countries, we dates and locations. Your students can take exams in
teach English and train teachers through radio, web a modern and comfortable venue or we may be able
and TV broadcasts. We offer more than three million to organise the exam at your school. The exams we
UK examinations worldwide, helping people gain offer are widely known and recognised by schools,
access to trusted qualifications to support their career universities and employers in the Netherlands and
and study prospects. around the world. We are world leaders in delivering
computer-based tests.
We have been in the Netherlands since 1946. The
largest part of our work in the Netherlands is the In the Netherlands, we deliver Cambridge English
provision of UK examinations and qualifications. Qualifications, Cambridge Assessment admission tests,
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA) examinations, the International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) and British Council Aptis.

www.britishcouncil.nl

Facebook.com/BritishCouncilNetherlands
@nl_British

Addvantage Member Scheme

Your assurance. Your advantage.

When you register your students to take exams with the As an Addvantage member you will receive an attractive
British Council you will enjoy the benefits of working package of benefits and enhanced services according to
with a trusted and professional organisation. We care your membership level along with our commitment to you
about your students’ success in exams and in their lives as one of our partners. Addvantage offers your students
beyond the classroom. You can rest assured that we and teachers support and training with exam preparation.
listen to your assessment needs and tailor our exam We provide parents with information and guidance about
services to meet them. exams and organise events and competitions to motivate
your students and celebrate their success. By working
Our dedicated exams team works together with you with us you can access opportunities to promote your
to make sure the exam registration process runs school and grow your network.
smoothly. On the day of the exam our highly-trained and
approachable staff ensure that everyone’s experience Addvantage is more than just about exams alone. It’s
of taking an exam with us is positive and fair. We are about helping students, teachers and schools perform
committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment to the best of their ability and benefit from everything
for children and adults to take exams. the British Council has to offer from high quality
resources for learning, teaching and assessing English to
developing cultural relations with the UK.

Page 3

Our exam partner Our sponsor

The British Council in the Netherlands has long Cambridge University Press is one of the world’s
standing experience of arranging Cambridge leading English language teaching publishers. Its ELT
English Qualifications across the country. materials are used by people in nearly every country
in the world to learn and teach English.
The British Council offers exams on behalf of UK
awarding organisations, professional bodies and The only official exam preparation materials
universities in 95 countries across the globe. We Cambridge University Press and Cambridge
understand the importance of maintaining the quality, Assessment English have brought together their
integrity and standards of international qualifications expertise to develop the official exam preparation
and impose a rigorous Quality and Compliance materials for Cambridge qualifications and tests.
Assessment process to ensure the highest standards Working in collaboration, they have developed a range
of examination administration at all stages of delivery. of official courses, support materials and practice
Our highly-trained and professional staff ensure tests to provide learners and teachers with everything
customer servicing excellence on behalf of the UK they need to successfully prepare for Cambridge
awarding bodies we work with and our strong passion English Qualifications and IELTS. Cambridge University
for supporting learners and teachers is evident in the Press is the only publisher who develops the official
services we offer in conjunction with the exam delivery. preparation materials for Cambridge exams.

One such collaboration with a UK awarding body is The official sponsor of the Addvantage
our long-standing one with Cambridge Assessment member scheme
English for their range of Cambridge English Cambridge University Press collaborates with the
Qualifications. Globally, the British Council collaborates British Council in the Addvantage member scheme
with Cambridge Assessment English in 50 countries to support learners and teachers by providing
with the aim of helping people learn English and information and convenient access to the official
proving their skills to the world. Cambridge English exam preparation materials and more. Addvantage
Qualifications reflect a path towards learning English, members receive exclusive benefits from Cambridge
step by step. They include a range of exams that University Press booksellers and online training
motivate people of all ages and abilities to learn courses developed by their teacher development
English and develop practical skills for the real world. experts which introduce the principles of assessment
These qualifications are recognised by over 20,000 and teaching of exam levels for Cambridge English
thousand organisations world-wide. Qualifications and IELTS.

For more information: www.britishcouncil.org/
addvantage-cambridge-teachers

Page 4

Addvantage Member Scheme

Why choose Cambridge When you prepare and enter students for Cambridge
English Qualifications? English Qualifications, your school automatically
becomes a Cambridge English preparation centre
Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams and gains access to many benefits including free
that make learning English enjoyable, effective and resources for learners and teachers and marketing
rewarding. They encourage continuous progression support for your school.
with a clear path to improving language skills. Each
qualification focuses on a level of the Common You will join a network of over 50,000 preparation
European Framework of Reference (CEFR), enabling centres in more than 130 different countries. Through
learners to develop and build speaking, writing, Addvantage we will guide you on everything that is
reading and listening skills. Cambridge English available to you and offer you further exclusive high-
Qualifications help you to: quality materials and resources, developed by the
British Council, that help your students prepare for
• Develop your students’ skills and confidence these exams.
• Structure your language-learning curriculum
• Evaluate your students’ progress Our 2019-2020 exam dates
• Help your students prepare for higher level exams
Our Cambridge English Qualifications dates for this
In the Netherlands we organise Cambridge English academic year 2019-2020 are available. Please visit
Qualifications to suit your students’ needs including all our website: www.britishcouncil.nl/exam/cambridge/
levels within Schools, General and higher education dates-fees-locations for more information or contact a
and Business portfolios. We also administer the member of staff at [email protected].
teaching qualification Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT).

We deliver both paper-based and computer-based
formats in a wide range of locations and multiple
dates including in Amsterdam, Den Haag, Eindhoven,
Maastricht, Utrecht, Arhem, Leeuwarden, Groningen,
Zwolle, Vlissingen and Rotterdam.

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Cambridge English Qualifications

Name CEFR Achievement Content Score Test format
of exam level

Pre-A1 A1 These three exams are for young learners aged 6–12. Three papers: Up to five Paper-based
Starters, A1 A2 They build young learners’ confidence and lay the Reading and Cambridge
Movers and foundations for future success in English. All these Writing, Listening, shields for
A2 Flyers exams for young learners are fun, colourful and Speaking each paper
activity based, motivating children to learn.

A2 Key for A2 This qualification helps learners to fully develop their Three papers: Pass with Paper-based
Schools & A2 everyday written and spoken English at Level A2. It Reading and Distinction, and computer-
Key shows that a student can use English to communicate Writing, Listening, Pass with based
in simple situations. The exam builds on the skills Speaking Merit, Pass,
students have achieved at A2 Flyers. Level A1

B1 B1 This qualification shows that a student has mastered Three papers: Pass with Paper-based
Preliminary the basics of English and now has practical language Reading and Distinction, and computer-
for Schools skills for everyday use. Writing, Listening, Pass with based
& B1 It is an important and logical step in a student’s Speaking Merit, Pass,
Preliminary language learning journey between A2 Key for Schools Level A2
and B2 First for Schools.

This qualification is a great way for learners to Four papers:
Reading and Use
B2 First for prepare for higher level exams, and shows they of English, Writing, Grade A, B, Paper-based
Listening, Speaking C or level and computer-
Schools & B2 B2 have the language skills needed to communicate B1 based

First confidently in an English-speaking environment

whether it may be for work or social purposes.

C1 Advanced C1 This is proof of high-level achievement in English Four papers: Grade A, B, Paper-based
for students preparing for university or professional Reading and Use C or level and computer-
life. This exam is the logical step in your language of English, Writing, B2 based
learning journey between B2 First and C2 Proficiency. Listening, Speaking

This qualification shows the world that you have

mastered English to an exceptional level, with the

C2 C2 fluency and sophistication of a highly competent Four papers: Grade A, Paper-based
Proficiency English speaker. Reading and Use B or C or and computer-
Preparing for and passing the exam means you have of English, Writing, level C1 based
the level of English that’s needed to study or work in Listening, Speaking

a very senior professional or academic environment,

for example on a postgraduate or PhD programme.

Vsit our website for more information about all Cambridge English Qualifications we offer:
www.britishcouncil.nl/exam/cambridge

Page 6

Addvantage Member Scheme
Page 7

Child protection

As the United Kingdom’s international organisation
for cultural relations and educational opportunities
we are committed to protecting children in all areas
of our work. This implies maintaining strong child
protection systems and procedures for employees,
training our examination staff as well as sharing
information about child protection and good practice
with children and parents and carers.

Equal opportunities

We create international opportunities and build
relationships between people of different cultures
and places. Diversity and equal opportunities are an
essential part of our mission. We aim to ensure that
every candidate is treated fairly and objectively and
that they are given optimum conditions to take their
exams. We can make arrangements to accommodate
special circumstances or requirements to enable
test takers to attend a test centre, to understand
questions and to give their test answers.

Green agenda

The British Council holds a unique role globally - and
therefore a unique responsibility - to influence and
empower others to lead healthy, productive and
sustainable lives. Integral to our corporate values
is the unequivocal belief in the power of cultural
relations in helping to make our shared world a better
place to live for everyone. We understand that, in
order for our work to have credibility, we must act in a
way which inspires and shows leadership.

By implementing a strong environmental
management practice we are not only pledging our
support to the greening of the British Council, but
also demonstrating our consistency with the values of
the organisation.

Page 8

Addvantage Member Scheme

Our work in cultural relations

In addition to examinations, we collaborate closely with
partners to identify, design and implement specific activities
in the field of arts, education and society where the
relationship with the UK can add significant value.

We work with partners across the Netherlands to create innovative
and high performing joint activities. Our work in the area of cultural
relations is aimed at building long lasting relationships with individuals
and organisations.
We share news and information about our cultural relations work with
our Addvantage members on a regular basis. We are involved in the
following activities in the Netherlands:

FameLab

FameLab is the international science communication competition for
young scientists from Cheltenham Festivals and the British Council.
FameLab helps young scientists in the Netherlands acquire valuable
skills to communicate their work to non-scientific audiences.

Hoboken Lecture

The Hoboken Lecture is a partnership between the British Council, the
Natural History Museum in Rotterdam and the Royal Academy of Arts
and Sciences (KNAW). Each year, an outstanding British scientist is
invited to Rotterdam to address a wide audience, including students,
academics, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Arts and Disability

We aim to promote the work of disabled artists, disabled-led
companies and inclusive arts organisations in the UK and to share
the ways cultural organisations are increasing access to the arts for
disabled people as audiences and visitors. Together with several
key partners in the Netherlands we develop a network of cultural
organisations with a commitment to champion and strengthen
inclusivity in the Dutch Cultural Sector.

© Getty images

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Addvantage member scheme

What is Addvantage?

Addvantage is the British Council’s complimentary examinations member scheme for schools and institutions
which register candidates for Cambridge English Qualifications with us. It’s our way of saying thank you for
continuing to choose the British Council as your exams provider and to welcome new schools.

The member scheme offers attractive benefits for your students, your teachers and your school. Partner with us
and enjoy the benefits of working with a trusted and professional organisation.

How do I register candidates with the British Council and join Addvantage?

It’s easy to start registering your students for exams with the British Council and join our Addvantage member
scheme. We welcome all new schools and institutions that would like to work with us. If you have a group of exam
candidates, we can complete their exam registration for you. We will also offer you extra benefits and enhanced
services a member of Addvantage.

We work with a wide range of schools in towns and cities across the Netherlands from language centres to state,
private and international schools. We welcome back all schools that may have taken a break and would like to work
with us again.

What you do What we do

1 Contact us for more information about offering exams and Give you all the information you need to get started such
tell us about your school and your students’ exam needs. as our exam dates, locations, support with learning and
teaching resources, marketing support, how to register
your students and how to get the exam results.

2 Register your candidates for exams quickly and easily with Guide you with your students’ registration and take care
our group registration form and pay one collective payment. of all the exam administration.

Complete your Addvantage application online: Confirm your membership by email from our exams team.
3 www.britishcouncil.nl/exam/schools-institutions/

addvantage-scheme/application

4 Start enjoying your membership benefits right away. Send you a welcome pack which includes the Addvantage
member logo and promotional materials for your school.

5 Continue to register candidates each year to automatically Offer an attractive package of benefits and enhanced
renew your membership. services each year.

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Addvantage Member Scheme

How does Addvantage work?

Your school will qualify for a membership level depending on the total number of registrations made with us in the
previous academic from 01 September to 31 August. We offer three membership levels. The more exams you register
the greater the benefits.

Memberhsip levels Number of registrations
Addvantage Basic 1 to 30
Addvantage Premium 31 to 79
Addvantage Premium Plus 80 and above

Your membership level is evaluated and renewed each year. Once you are a member, we will contact you at the
beginning of each academic year with your membership level and to inform you of the benefits you are entitled to.
Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.britishcouncil.nl/addvantage-scheme for full details

Addvantage benefits

All schools that use our exam services receive the following benefits along with our expertise, dedication
and commitment to you.

Our standard level of service

• A high quality exam experience for all our exams, including taking the listening component
with state-of-the-art audio equipment

• Paper-based and computer-based exams available throughout the year in a wide range of locations
for your convenience

• Modern, comfortable and easily accessible venues
• A dedicated exams team to support you throughout the year
• Highly-trained, friendly and experienced personnel who meet British Council and exam board standards
• Highly-trained staff to meet our child protection standards and the requirements of candidates

who have special educational needs
• Free English language practice resources for kids at: learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org
• Free English language practice resources for teens at: learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org
• Free articles, lesson plans, activities and materials for teachers of English at: www.teachingenglish.org.uk
• Free publications in English language and ELT research for teachers, trainers and ELT professionals at:

englishagenda.britishcouncil.org/research-publications
• Free mobile apps for students and teacher to use as additional tools to learn English at:

learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/apps

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© Getty images

Addvantage benefits

In addition to our standard level of service, you will be entitled to the following benefits according to your
membership level which are aimed at supporting your students, teachers and school. These benefits are valid in
the academic year of 2019-2020.

Benefits for your students Basic Premium Premium
Plus
Standard access to LearnEnglish Exams from the British Council: 
our innovative and personalised practice website for Cambridge 
English Qualifications: B2 First, B2 First for Schools and C1 Advanced. 
LearnEnglish Exams is available to all candidates that you register for  
these exams. Standard access has advice, tips, strategies and online 
practice in Listening, Reading, Use of English, Writing and Speaking:
learn-english-exams.britishcouncil.org 

Writing access to LearnEnglish Exams. Writing access gives the 
candidates the option to submit up to two writing answers online and
receive feedback from a British Council expert.

Speaking access to LearnEnglish Exams. Speaking access gives the
candidates the option to submit up to two speaking answers online and
receive feedback from a British Council expert.

British Council digital posters for you to print with hints and tips to
help your candidates prepare for Cambridge English Qualifications: B1
Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency exams.

British Council posters with hints and tips to help your candidates
prepare for Cambridge English Qualifications: B1 Preliminary, B2 First,
C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency delivered to your school.

Opportunity for students and teachers to participate in our Our Future
competition for exam candidates across Europe and win fantastic
prizes. Find out more at www.britishcouncil.org/exam/our-future

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Addvantage Member Scheme

Addvantage benefits

Benefits for your teachers Basic Premium Premium
Plus
Three free modules and a further discount of 15% on British Council 
TeachingEnglish Training: high-quality and innovative teacher  
development online training. 
https://teachingenglish.english.britishcouncil.org/ 

Access to the Schools Area of LearnEnglish Exams. LearnEnglish  
Exams is an online resource, created by British Council, that offers 
candidates last-minute practice and revision exercises online to help
prepare and succeed at Cambridge English Qualifications. You can 
read expert advice and teaching tips for each skill. You can view your 
students’ progress and results.

An exclusive discount on exam preparation and teaching materials by
Cambridge University Press. with Educasent. 

Opportunity to register with first priority for our Addvantage teacher
development workshops and seminars..

Opportunity to register with first priority for our annual British Council
Conference for Teachers.
www.britishcouncil.nl/events/british-council-conference-teachers-2019

NEW! One complementary book of your choice per member provided
by Cambridge University Press from a selection of their English
Language Teaching 2019 catalogue.

NEW! One complementary 20-hour online methodology course
‘Understanding assessment’ with certificate of completion provided
by Cambridge University Press. Teachers will be invited to join a free
webinar introduction to this course and the platform.

NEW! Complementary access for your teachers to one 20-hour
Testing and Assessment online methodology course provided by
Cambridge University Press. Teachers may choose from:

• How to teach Cambridge English: Advanced (C1 Advanced
• How to teach Cambridge English: First (B2 First)
• How to teach IELTS
• Learning Oriented Assessment

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Addvantage benefits

Benefits for your school Basic Premium Premium
Plus
A €10 discount per candidate on Cambridge English Qualifications at the 
point of registration. This offer excludes exams for young learners and  
computer- based formats. 
 
A start of year pack of downloadable British Council Addvantage and  
Cambridge Assessment English promotional materials. 
 
A start of year pack of British Council Addvantage and Cambridge
Assessment English promotional materials delivered to your school. 

Our Addvantage member logo for your digital and printed promotional 
materials following our guidelines of use.

A certificate to display on your premises indicating your Addvantage 
membership delivered to your school at the start of the academic year.

An attractive plaque to display on your premises indicating your
Addvantage membership. 

Our Addvantage newsletter with exam information, advice and tips for 
exam preparation, upcoming events and more sent to you by email 
every quarter.

Our e-guide to English language exams and helping children with exam
preparation for parents: www.britishcouncil.nl/english-exams-guide

Our printed guide to English language exams and helping children with
exam preparation for parents delivered to your school.

Option to organise exams on your premises. This is available for any
type of Cambridge English Qualification and is subject to minimum
number of candidates, venue regulations, and availability. Contact us at
[email protected] for more information.

A dedicated British Council representative to support you with all of your
exams needs throughout the year.

A British Council representative to attend your open day seminars for
parents and about British Council examinations services at your school.

A British Council representative to attend events and certificate
ceremonies at your school.

NEW! Information and guidance on the range of free high-quality online
learning and teaching resources available from Cambridge Assessment
English, Cambridge University Press and British Council.

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Addvantage Member Scheme

LearnEnglish Exams

LearnEnglish Exams is an online resource, created by the British Council to help candidates achieve success in
Cambridge English Qualifications. There are two levels: Success in B2 First and Success in C1 Advanced. It offers
exam candidates last-minute practice and revision exercises online. It aims to boost candidates’ knowledge, skills
and confidence before taking B2 First, B2 First for Schools and C1 Advanced.

Learn more about how to gain access to the platform with the below step-by-step advice:

How to access our LearnEnglish Exams Hints & Tips
platform?
1. The sooner you submit your group registration
1. Complete your group registration form and send it form, the earlier you can access the platform and,
back to your chosen examination centre (see page 17). the sooner your students can start preparing for their
upcoming Cambridge English Qualification.
2. Request access to the LearnEnglish Exams platform
directly with your centre manager or at addvantage@ 2. The login details can be provided in one of two forms:
britishcouncil.nl. Please note that you can only
request access once you have sent your group • The teacher can provide his/her email adress and
registration form. the logins will be sent directly to that email address. For
example, a teacher registering 30 canddiates will receive
3. Our Addvantage team will get back to you shortly all 30 separate emails with one login detail per email.
after receiving the request and will create the logins for
you and your candidates within approximately 2 weeks. • The teacher can provide the candidates’ email adresses
and the logins will be sent directly to the candidates.

© Getty images
Page 17

What our customers say about us

‘The British Council are a very professional organisation ‘It [the British Council] reputedly stands for a qualified
dealing efficiently with hundreds of Cambridge exams standard of English at the exams as well as good
every year, yet with a personal approach. Always helpful service when it comes to the organisation of the
and always looking for the best solutions for us, for our exams. Examiners are almost invariably native
candidates. [...] we prepare students for their future speakers of English and qualified teachers. [...] Even
careers in a wide range of professions and a Cambridge with our large numbers of candidates, the exams are
English General or Business Certificate has great added always well-organised and prepared in detail. We never
value to them.’ worry about the logistics of the exams.’
Ellen Keates, Senior English Lecturer at Christelijke Jessica Abcouwer, English Teacher and Head of
Hogeschool Windesheim English Department at Johan de Witt-Gymnasium,
Dordrecht
‘The whole experience of registering candidates for
exams, the easily accessible regional venue for the ‘Although the British Council is a worldwide organisation,
exam in Eindhoven (less than five minutes’ walk from you have one local contact person, whom you can ask
the train/bus station) and the well organised exam days anything and everything concerning the Cambridge
have all contributed to my readiness to unhesitatingly exams. This makes the British Council easily accessible
and wholeheartedly recommend working with the no matter where you live. [...] They are well-organised
British Council to anyone teaching Cambridge English.’ and offer quality exams.’
Sheila MacLeod, Cambridge English Teacher at Marjolein Hounjet-Van den Dries, Senior Teacher at
Huygens Lyceum, Eindhoven Mgr. Frencken College, Oosterhout

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Addvantage Member Scheme

Our examination centres

One of the advantages of taking Cambridge English Qualifications with the British Council is that we have a wide
network of examination centres throughout the Netherlands. If you would like to register exam candidates with us
please contact your nearest exam centre directly.

Amsterdam (NL001), Den Haag (NL003), Rotterdam Leeuwarden, Groningen, Zwolle (NL007)
(NL071) T + 31 (0)6 2861 9297
T + 31 (0)20 550 6060 [email protected]
[email protected]
Vlissingen (NL050)
Eindhoven, Maastricht (NL004) T + 31 (0)118 489 798
T + 31 (0)645 966 905 [email protected]
[email protected]

Utrecht, Arnhem (NL005)
T + 31 (0)345 558 619
[email protected]

For more information on the Addvantage member scheme please visit www.britishcouncil.nl/addvantage-scheme
or contact us at: [email protected]

Page 19

Addvantage is our examinations member scheme for schools, language centres,
universities and other institutions which register candidates for Cambridge English Qualifications
with the British Council in the Netherlands.
For more information please contact Jan van Uum our Exams Relations Manager
at [email protected].

All images ©Getty Images
© British Council 2019 
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.