British Council launches new AI-powered tool to enhance English learning and fluency

Riyadh – A new artificial intelligence-powered tool has been launched by the British Council to help English learners around the world build confidence and fluency through real-time speaking practice.

The innovative system, known as AiBC, combines the organization’s long-standing teaching expertise with modern technology to make language learning more interactive, flexible, and effective.

It is designed to assist learners in improving their grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and clarity while offering personalized feedback that helps them track their progress.

The AiBC system is not intended to replace traditional teaching but to complement it. It acts as a support tool that works alongside classroom instruction and online courses, allowing learners to strengthen their speaking skills between lessons.

The British Council emphasized that AiBC creates an opportunity for students to practice English conversations in a safe, judgment-free environment, making language learning more engaging and less intimidating.

Developed internally by the British Council’s team of English-language specialists, AiBC reflects over 90 years of experience in teaching and assessing English proficiency.

Instead of relying on repetitive or multiple-choice exercises, the system uses simulated conversations that mirror real-world scenarios.

This approach encourages natural interaction and helps users apply language skills to practical, everyday situations, which is crucial for building genuine fluency and confidence.

Mark Walker, the British Council’s director of English and exams, highlighted that the new tool bridges the gap between human expertise and artificial intelligence.

He explained that AiBC merges teaching experience with AI to give learners realistic conversation practice and continuous progress monitoring, enabling them to communicate confidently anytime and anywhere.

Learners can repeat exercises as many times as they wish, receiving detailed, downloadable reports that analyze grammar accuracy, vocabulary use, speech fluency, and overall clarity.

This personalized feedback system ensures that every learner receives guidance specific to their learning needs. The tool’s design encourages self-improvement and provides flexibility for users who want to practice outside of scheduled lessons or who prefer studying at their own pace.

The British Council describes AiBC as a “human-first” system because it keeps teachers and live instruction at the core of the learning experience.

The AI functions as a helpful supplement, offering extra opportunities for speaking practice without replacing the essential human interaction that comes from real classrooms.

The organization explained that many learners today seek flexible speaking options beyond traditional learning environments, and AiBC effectively meets this demand by offering instant, accessible practice sessions.

The launch of AiBC follows recent research by the British Council showing that nearly 80 percent of teachers in the UK have already adapted their teaching methods to include AI-driven tools.

This shift reflects the growing role of technology in education, and AiBC responds by using AI to extend learning, not automate it.

It empowers both teachers and learners by providing additional tools to reinforce classroom knowledge and foster continuous improvement.

Initially, AiBC will be made available to existing users of the British Council’s online learning platform. The organization has not yet announced wider availability or pricing details but aims to expand access in the future.

The rollout marks a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into global language education while maintaining the British Council’s human-centered approach to teaching.

The British Council operates in over 100 countries and is widely recognized for promoting cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and English-language proficiency.

With the introduction of AiBC, the organization continues its mission to make English learning more effective, inclusive, and adaptable to the evolving needs of learners in a digital age.