IELTS - British Council
Unclaimed Business
|1|1 Reviews (last 12 months)|This business does not respond to reviews
IELTS - British Council
Unclaimed Business
|1
1 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Performance(last 12 months):
Review Distribution
1|1 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (1)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceNN
Ness N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Apr 2026, 08:16
British council poor service
I had the most counterproductive encounter today with your staff even before the test could take place. 1. My picture and passport was accepted quality by your system, when the examiner came on she stated that it was not acceptable quality as I was wearing my prescription glasses and requested I remove them and retake the picture. I did so, she then came back stating it was still not acceptable as I had on a beanie, which she did not mention previously and had in the initial picture as well. She stated that this would be the 2nd and last time I am granted the opportunity to retake the picture. I asked if there was anything else that would compromise this picture, that was it. The 2nd retake was acceptable and we proceeded to the room scan, she deemed my room unacceptable as it opened into a hallway etc. I said I could just go upstairs and take the test in my room, she asked me to logout of the portal and login when I was settled in my room and ready to take the test. I notified her that I would be quick and settled on 7minutes that was at 08:53 I literally read out the time on my phone and asked if 09:00 would be ok, she agreed. I asked if she wouldn’t be the one that needs to logout from her end and she said no, I once again asked her if should I then just logout then log back in, she agreed. She made no mention of any stringent 5 minute policy or rigidity in terms of accessing my test once login back in. Furthermore, my examiner from the previous day requested we login and out again due to video connectivity issues, he recreated a link to enable me to login again. I login and compete the system checks and at 09:00 on the test page, the test was locked. Luckily for me, I took a screenshot of the locked screen and sought immediate assistance. This examiner had not sent a link allow me access so I spoke to a live agent from my dashboard. The agent Kalash was most unhelpful. The British council clearly does not value us as customers, we pay a lot of money for this exam while British Council is making use of call centers in India using agents who cannot speak English, or offer any assistance and outright impede progress. Kalash kindly offered to cancel my exam and refund me or reallocate to some date in the future. I’m completing this test to satisfy the requirements for immigration, time is of the essence, I detected this date for a reason and it makes no sense to not resolve this issue with the simplicity it warrants. I requested to speak to a manager Kalash claimed none was available, I asked him escalate to a senior as he was clearly not aware of the options available and perhaps someone more experienced could offer guidance. Kalash refused both, claiming his unavailable manager would also offer me only 2 options; either to refund me or offer some date in the future. When did we get there. What’s the purpose of a callcenter with live agents if all they do is read off a script and offer no assistance, no troubleshooting and no service. They are not acting in good faith or providing customer service they are being obstacles and complicating very simple issues. The previous days examiner was able to resolve the issue effortlessly, why is today’s examiner ***********. This English examiner, whose English is not up to par, agreed to our time frame, made no mention of an impractical delay and cancellation for a simple issue. She just did not want to work, she tried to cancel my exam based on my picture then managed to based on some arbitrary time constraint. We are aware that should difficulties arise during testing there is an escalation point within the system etc. This was an agreement between myself and the examiner which is recorded, agreeing to meet in 7minutes to proceed with the a test, which they then cancel. After already attempting to cancel it, perhaps she wasn’t in a working mood that day. Pathetic service
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)NN
Ness N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Apr 2026, 08:16
British council poor service
I had the most counterproductive encounter today with your staff even before the test could take place. 1. My picture and passport was accepted quality by your system, when the examiner came on she stated that it was not acceptable quality as I was wearing my prescription glasses and requested I remove them and retake the picture. I did so, she then came back stating it was still not acceptable as I had on a beanie, which she did not mention previously and had in the initial picture as well. She stated that this would be the 2nd and last time I am granted the opportunity to retake the picture. I asked if there was anything else that would compromise this picture, that was it. The 2nd retake was acceptable and we proceeded to the room scan, she deemed my room unacceptable as it opened into a hallway etc. I said I could just go upstairs and take the test in my room, she asked me to logout of the portal and login when I was settled in my room and ready to take the test. I notified her that I would be quick and settled on 7minutes that was at 08:53 I literally read out the time on my phone and asked if 09:00 would be ok, she agreed. I asked if she wouldn’t be the one that needs to logout from her end and she said no, I once again asked her if should I then just logout then log back in, she agreed. She made no mention of any stringent 5 minute policy or rigidity in terms of accessing my test once login back in. Furthermore, my examiner from the previous day requested we login and out again due to video connectivity issues, he recreated a link to enable me to login again. I login and compete the system checks and at 09:00 on the test page, the test was locked. Luckily for me, I took a screenshot of the locked screen and sought immediate assistance. This examiner had not sent a link allow me access so I spoke to a live agent from my dashboard. The agent Kalash was most unhelpful. The British council clearly does not value us as customers, we pay a lot of money for this exam while British Council is making use of call centers in India using agents who cannot speak English, or offer any assistance and outright impede progress. Kalash kindly offered to cancel my exam and refund me or reallocate to some date in the future. I’m completing this test to satisfy the requirements for immigration, time is of the essence, I detected this date for a reason and it makes no sense to not resolve this issue with the simplicity it warrants. I requested to speak to a manager Kalash claimed none was available, I asked him escalate to a senior as he was clearly not aware of the options available and perhaps someone more experienced could offer guidance. Kalash refused both, claiming his unavailable manager would also offer me only 2 options; either to refund me or offer some date in the future. When did we get there. What’s the purpose of a callcenter with live agents if all they do is read off a script and offer no assistance, no troubleshooting and no service. They are not acting in good faith or providing customer service they are being obstacles and complicating very simple issues. The previous days examiner was able to resolve the issue effortlessly, why is today’s examiner ***********. This English examiner, whose English is not up to par, agreed to our time frame, made no mention of an impractical delay and cancellation for a simple issue. She just did not want to work, she tried to cancel my exam based on my picture then managed to based on some arbitrary time constraint. We are aware that should difficulties arise during testing there is an escalation point within the system etc. This was an agreement between myself and the examiner which is recorded, agreeing to meet in 7minutes to proceed with the a test, which they then cancel. After already attempting to cancel it, perhaps she wasn’t in a working mood that day. Pathetic service
0
Replies (0)CJ
Charles J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Aug 2024, 11:30
IELTS - British Council
My son has just written the exam to teach in Australia . He received between 8.5 and 9 scores for all his exams except the written one which they gave him a 6.5 out of 7 . Please explain to me how a person who passes everything else with flying colours in English and fails the the written exam by .5 . Something strange going on here . He then asked for remark and they could not have done as he had a reply within 5 mins that his mark stays the same . This is a person who received distinction in his teaching degree for english .What a farce and complete money making bunch of nitwits. He has to now pay R3500 to rewrite it and another R5000 to fly to Durban to do it .
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)CJ
Charles J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Aug 2024, 11:30
IELTS - British Council
My son has just written the exam to teach in Australia . He received between 8.5 and 9 scores for all his exams except the written one which they gave him a 6.5 out of 7 . Please explain to me how a person who passes everything else with flying colours in English and fails the the written exam by .5 . Something strange going on here . He then asked for remark and they could not have done as he had a reply within 5 mins that his mark stays the same . This is a person who received distinction in his teaching degree for english .What a farce and complete money making bunch of nitwits. He has to now pay R3500 to rewrite it and another R5000 to fly to Durban to do it .
0
Replies (0)GM
Gideon M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Nov 2023, 06:51
Unfair practise from British Council IELTS
I registered to write my online test on 6 and 7 November. I uploaded a copy of my passport and British Council sent communication that i meed to upload a colour copy of ID. I however did not receive this email and other emails as they all went to my spam. I only realised that my test was cancelled when i logged on to the test portal on 5 November. Now they cancelled the test and are saying they will not refund or give me a new date to take this test. I saved for a year to write this test and it is disturbing to know that a reputable institution like British Council will employ policies were they just take people’s hard earned money despite not providing the service. They obviously sold my slot to another person and benefited twice while I languish and have to look for another R4800 to re book the test. This is shameful & unfair.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)GM
Gideon M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Nov 2023, 06:51
Unfair practise from British Council IELTS
I registered to write my online test on 6 and 7 November. I uploaded a copy of my passport and British Council sent communication that i meed to upload a colour copy of ID. I however did not receive this email and other emails as they all went to my spam. I only realised that my test was cancelled when i logged on to the test portal on 5 November. Now they cancelled the test and are saying they will not refund or give me a new date to take this test. I saved for a year to write this test and it is disturbing to know that a reputable institution like British Council will employ policies were they just take people’s hard earned money despite not providing the service. They obviously sold my slot to another person and benefited twice while I languish and have to look for another R4800 to re book the test. This is shameful & unfair.
0
Replies (0)DS
Divava S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Oct 2023, 06:25
IELTS- British Council
I have written a test(IELTS) on the 14/09/2023 in Dlogan House Johannesburg and i encountered a problem during the duration of the test,i sent them a complaint and they promised to come back to me within 2 working days but they did not responded yet. I have tried to send another emails to remind them and I'm still waiting and do not know what to do next. We are paying lots of money for that test and they do not value our complaints I'm very disappointed in British Council because they advertise themselves as professionals
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)DS
Divava S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Oct 2023, 06:25
IELTS- British Council
I have written a test(IELTS) on the 14/09/2023 in Dlogan House Johannesburg and i encountered a problem during the duration of the test,i sent them a complaint and they promised to come back to me within 2 working days but they did not responded yet. I have tried to send another emails to remind them and I'm still waiting and do not know what to do next. We are paying lots of money for that test and they do not value our complaints I'm very disappointed in British Council because they advertise themselves as professionals
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 May 2023, 08:36
Do not use them
In hindsight, I should have checked HalloPeter first before registering with IELTS. The written test doesn't allow you to finish early when you are done, you have to wait for the timer to run out. I raised my hands a few times in order to ask if they can end the test and the proctor did not answer me. Before the timer ran out, the internet connection dropped and I could not get back in on time. I emailed them immediately afterward to ask if they can mark where I got, it because I did finish the test. I was just waiting for the timer to finish. They refuse to do it.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 May 2023, 08:36
Do not use them
In hindsight, I should have checked HalloPeter first before registering with IELTS. The written test doesn't allow you to finish early when you are done, you have to wait for the timer to run out. I raised my hands a few times in order to ask if they can end the test and the proctor did not answer me. Before the timer ran out, the internet connection dropped and I could not get back in on time. I emailed them immediately afterward to ask if they can mark where I got, it because I did finish the test. I was just waiting for the timer to finish. They refuse to do it.
0
Replies (0)AO
Arno O
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Feb 2022, 05:53
IELTS the worst
On the 29th January which had to be a normal general English test turned out to be a horrible experience for me. We were asked to register at 7:30 in the morning, upon my arrival we waited quite a bit before someone came to assist us. The atmosphere felt as if you were in a prison and that is the way we got treated. No politeness, very cold and rude. Those people made me nervous never mind the test. The registration of all the candidates took very long hence we started our first exam very late. After finishing the first test I put up my hand to go to the bathroom and was told in a very rude manner that I am not allowed to go. The man just walked away. I waited for about another 5 min and put up my hand again because I really had to go. A lady came to me then and I explained to her that I have use the bathroom. She then said that I have to first start my test and then I can go. This meant losing time from my reading test and I rushed like a mad person, coming back my finger print did not work and a lot of my test time went to waist. I started my reading test but really struggled to concentrate and get back into it. I just felt rushed and the way I got treaded left me furious. I had to push ahead because this test means a lot to me and my husband. The listening, reading and writings test was now finished and the gentleman said for those who still need to conduct the speaking tests, go and take a 30min break and then come back. By that time I had no idea of how late it was because we were asked to put away all our belongings. As soon as I got downstairs to take a break, I looked at the time and it was just before 13h00. 13h00 is the time my speaking test was allocated to me so I went back upstairs and told them because I was scared they might penalize me. I was then told not to worry, go take a break. It was not even 5min that same man found me and said that they are waiting for me. That guy is really next level rude….I honestly almost joked on my sandwich. Needless to say there was no time for lunch and I was marched back upstairs and asked to take a seat. You won’t believe but after all that urgency I was made to wait an hour before starting the speaking test. I at some stage of this horrible 7 hour ordeal (between tests) asked to use my phone so I can let my husband know that that this is taking much longer than expected. I was told to just go sit back down and calm down. What is this….a prison and why do I need to be ill treated like that. We paid a lot of money and a person should be allowed to go to the bathroom in between tests, not during the tests. I am very shocked and disappointed. My advice would be to go anywhere but IELTS.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)AO
Arno O
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Feb 2022, 05:53
IELTS the worst
On the 29th January which had to be a normal general English test turned out to be a horrible experience for me. We were asked to register at 7:30 in the morning, upon my arrival we waited quite a bit before someone came to assist us. The atmosphere felt as if you were in a prison and that is the way we got treated. No politeness, very cold and rude. Those people made me nervous never mind the test. The registration of all the candidates took very long hence we started our first exam very late. After finishing the first test I put up my hand to go to the bathroom and was told in a very rude manner that I am not allowed to go. The man just walked away. I waited for about another 5 min and put up my hand again because I really had to go. A lady came to me then and I explained to her that I have use the bathroom. She then said that I have to first start my test and then I can go. This meant losing time from my reading test and I rushed like a mad person, coming back my finger print did not work and a lot of my test time went to waist. I started my reading test but really struggled to concentrate and get back into it. I just felt rushed and the way I got treaded left me furious. I had to push ahead because this test means a lot to me and my husband. The listening, reading and writings test was now finished and the gentleman said for those who still need to conduct the speaking tests, go and take a 30min break and then come back. By that time I had no idea of how late it was because we were asked to put away all our belongings. As soon as I got downstairs to take a break, I looked at the time and it was just before 13h00. 13h00 is the time my speaking test was allocated to me so I went back upstairs and told them because I was scared they might penalize me. I was then told not to worry, go take a break. It was not even 5min that same man found me and said that they are waiting for me. That guy is really next level rude….I honestly almost joked on my sandwich. Needless to say there was no time for lunch and I was marched back upstairs and asked to take a seat. You won’t believe but after all that urgency I was made to wait an hour before starting the speaking test. I at some stage of this horrible 7 hour ordeal (between tests) asked to use my phone so I can let my husband know that that this is taking much longer than expected. I was told to just go sit back down and calm down. What is this….a prison and why do I need to be ill treated like that. We paid a lot of money and a person should be allowed to go to the bathroom in between tests, not during the tests. I am very shocked and disappointed. My advice would be to go anywhere but IELTS.
0
Replies (0)TM
Thato M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Nov 2020, 15:11
A costly, incompetent inconvenience
I wrote my test on 19 November at the Pretoria centre. An unpleasant experience from the first minute. Address is wrong. No signage/flags like at JHB branch. Outside they have a poster saying to wait in the reception area before being escorted. I waited for an hour. When the time for my test came, I went to go enquire and was asked “who said you must wait?” Really? Then there’s the Covid questionnaire you need a phone for. I didn’t have a phone on me and a smart phone should not be an expectation. Also, this is a link that can be sent a day before, like every other establishment. In my test, someone had a problem with their computer. This caused commotion as they tried to set up right behind me. While this person was rightfully given the opportunity to write and finish while we waited, there was no consideration or effort to help resolve my issue, which was that I missed a whole recording during the listening test. These tests are not cheap. One sitting is literally more than what 75% of households in this country live on monthly. This disturbance cannot and should not be taken lightly. I have yet to touch on the incompetence and rudeness of the staff at this particular branch. Wow. What an expensive inconvenience. I did complain to British Council and was given the standard response that I must reapply for a re-write, pay, and sit for all four sections - again.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)TM
Thato M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Nov 2020, 15:11
A costly, incompetent inconvenience
I wrote my test on 19 November at the Pretoria centre. An unpleasant experience from the first minute. Address is wrong. No signage/flags like at JHB branch. Outside they have a poster saying to wait in the reception area before being escorted. I waited for an hour. When the time for my test came, I went to go enquire and was asked “who said you must wait?” Really? Then there’s the Covid questionnaire you need a phone for. I didn’t have a phone on me and a smart phone should not be an expectation. Also, this is a link that can be sent a day before, like every other establishment. In my test, someone had a problem with their computer. This caused commotion as they tried to set up right behind me. While this person was rightfully given the opportunity to write and finish while we waited, there was no consideration or effort to help resolve my issue, which was that I missed a whole recording during the listening test. These tests are not cheap. One sitting is literally more than what 75% of households in this country live on monthly. This disturbance cannot and should not be taken lightly. I have yet to touch on the incompetence and rudeness of the staff at this particular branch. Wow. What an expensive inconvenience. I did complain to British Council and was given the standard response that I must reapply for a re-write, pay, and sit for all four sections - again.
0
Replies (0)RM
Ruth M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Oct 2020, 08:45
Disappointment and headache with British Council SA
I was booked to write my IELTS test on the 21st of March 2020 and this ended up being postponed due to the COVID lockdown. The British Council informed me in August that they are now accepting rescheduling of the test for those affected by the lockdown. I selected the 30th of September as my test date for the Computer Based Delivery (CD). On the 30th of September l wrote my CD IELTS test in Centrurion reference A3-ZA001-S-3865570. On the IELTS website they state that results for CD IELTS are made available 3-5days after seating. But they delayed releasing my results only made the online result available on the 15th of October. On this same date they sent an SMS that indicated the IELTS Results Form/Certificate will be posted the following day meaning 16 October. Its now the 21st of October I have not received my certificate. When you phone no one answers and when you send an email you get machine response. I have left messages on their FB page no one replies. This is unprofessional, I urgently need my IELTS certificate to complete my immigration application. Have been patient for too long and British Council South Africa seems to be taking clients for granted. If they are serious they should provide details of the courier company they used to post my certificate as well as a tracking reference. In the absence of these I get they sense they don't care and it does not bother them that I am being disadvantaged and about to lose on a great opportunity because they are withholding my certificate. I paid R3700 for a service, but am getting nothing, headaches and disappointments. Where is the integrity of this company?
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)RM
Ruth M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Oct 2020, 08:45
Disappointment and headache with British Council SA
I was booked to write my IELTS test on the 21st of March 2020 and this ended up being postponed due to the COVID lockdown. The British Council informed me in August that they are now accepting rescheduling of the test for those affected by the lockdown. I selected the 30th of September as my test date for the Computer Based Delivery (CD). On the 30th of September l wrote my CD IELTS test in Centrurion reference A3-ZA001-S-3865570. On the IELTS website they state that results for CD IELTS are made available 3-5days after seating. But they delayed releasing my results only made the online result available on the 15th of October. On this same date they sent an SMS that indicated the IELTS Results Form/Certificate will be posted the following day meaning 16 October. Its now the 21st of October I have not received my certificate. When you phone no one answers and when you send an email you get machine response. I have left messages on their FB page no one replies. This is unprofessional, I urgently need my IELTS certificate to complete my immigration application. Have been patient for too long and British Council South Africa seems to be taking clients for granted. If they are serious they should provide details of the courier company they used to post my certificate as well as a tracking reference. In the absence of these I get they sense they don't care and it does not bother them that I am being disadvantaged and about to lose on a great opportunity because they are withholding my certificate. I paid R3700 for a service, but am getting nothing, headaches and disappointments. Where is the integrity of this company?
0
Replies (0)