MTS is the first IELTS test centre in the UK to launch IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper

You may have heard that the traditional (100% paper-based) IELTS test has officially been phased out globally. However, the reality is one of ‘evolution not revolution’ because the IELTS partners have now introduced a new choice for candidates in certain territories, including the UK, and we are pleased to announce that MTS is the very first IELTS test centre in Britain to offer the new, hybrid ‘IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper’ delivery mode. This mode of IELTS delivery is designed for those who prefer not to type out their IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 essays on a keyboard. It therefore combines the efficiency and speed of a computer-based test with the familiar comfort of handwriting your answers.

Our first official IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper test date will take place on 13 July 2026 at our London (Chiswick) exam centre.

Following our initial London (Chiswick) launch, MTS will roll out this option across our other major UK IELTS test centres throughout the summer and autumn, including:

1. London Kings Cross

2. Birmingham

3. Manchester

4. Glasgow

5. Edinburgh

6. Milton Keynes

7. Belfast

Why the change? The evolution of IELTS

The IELTS partners regularly review and improve their services to ensure they meet the needs of today’s test takers. Recent data shows higher satisfaction among test takers who choose IELTS on Computer because it is more convenient, delivers faster results, and offers the IELTS One Skill Retake option, where test-takers can re-sit just one skill instead of all four skills.

Because of this, from the end of June 2026, IELTS is transitioning away from traditional fully paper-based testing. All IELTS tests are now delivered via computer. However, the IELTS partners also recognise that many candidates still prefer the physical act of handwriting their Writing exam answers. To ensure everyone feels confident and supported, the IELTS partners have now introduced the ‘Writing on Paper’ option in selected markets.

What is IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper)?

The new hybrid format give test takers a choice. Here is how it breaks down on test day:

-Listening & Reading: Test takers will complete these components digitally on a computer, benefiting from seamless navigation and fast delivery.

-Writing: The questions will appear on screen, but test takers will be given official paper and a pen to handwrite their answers for the Writing component.

-Speaking: As always, this remains a face-to-face interview with a human examiner.

To reassure Recognising Organisations and other IELTS stakeholders, extensive research was conducted by the IELTS partners to assess score comparability between the traditional paper test and this new hybrid mode. The results prove that scores are completely comparable across formats, both overall and within each score band. The new mode of delivery is designed to give test taker choice while maintaining the exact same stable, reliable, and secure standards that institutions trust.

Why some UK test takers prefer writing on paper

While typing is pretty much ubiquitous for many aspects of life, writing a high-stakes exam under pressure is a different story. As one of the largest networks of IELTS test centres in the UK, we have data that confirms that there is a continuing and persistent demand for handwriting in the UK amongst many of our test takers.

For instance, our data shows that Nurses taking IELTS with MTS in the UK show a strong preference for written exams (double the UK average). For healthcare professionals accustomed to rapid, precise notation, writing by hand provides comfort and focus.

Similarly, Chinese students exhibit a marked preference for written exams compared to the average UK-based IELTS candidate, finding that handwriting allows them to better manage their pacing and rhythm.

And finally, we know that Indian and Pakistani test takers in the UK also show a stronger than average preference for paper-based Writing tests.

By supporting the IELTS partners in delivering the IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper exams in the UK, MTS is ensuring these vital candidate groups (and anyone else who experiences ‘keyboard anxiety’ when it comes to long passages of writing) can sit an IELTS test in the UK in the way that feels most natural to them.

Important details and key benefits of IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper

1. Fast results: You still get the rapid turnaround times of the computer-delivered test format (1-5 days).

2. One Skill Retake is included: Have you missed your target score in just one section? One Skill Retake is fully available for the IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper test; however, it must be taken in the same delivery mode as your original test (meaning if you chose IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper originally, your retake must also be IELTS on Computer with Writing on Paper (and not IELTS on Computer).

3. Same global recognition: This update does not change the skills assessed, the test construct, or how institutions interpret your results. It holds the exact same global validity and security.

4. Past paper tests remain valid: If you recently took a traditional 100% paper-based test, all current 100% paper-based test results are unaffected and remain valid until the end of their recommended two-year period.

5. Fair access: Existing Access Arrangements (including large print, braille, and hearing impaired (lip-reading support) will continue to be fully accommodated.

(Important note: In line with official guidelines, the Secure English Language Test (SELT) IELTS test for UK Visas & Immigration purposes will only be available in the fully digital format. The Writing on Paper option is only available for standard IELTS Academic and General Training tests).

Book your IELTS Test now

If writing comes more naturally to you than typing, Writing on Paper can help you give your best performance on test day. Spaces for our first session on 13 July 2026 at London (Chiswick) are extremely limited and have almost sold out, and slots for our upcoming summer rollouts in Kings Cross, Birmingham, Manchester, and Belfast will be released over the coming weeks.

To book, visit the IELTS booking platform, tick the "IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper)" option under the ‘Choose your test format’ section, select the dates from the digital calendar, and choose an MTS centre by scrolling down (if needed) to find us.