Cambridge C1 Advanced CAE Examination Course

Your Cambridge Advanced C1 (CAE) Exam Preparation course in Bristol

At ELC Bristol, depending on your level, you can prepare for the Cambridge English B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) exams.

ELC Bristol's teachers are experienced in preparing students for the Cambridge English exams. We run the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Preparation Course throughout the year.

The objectives of the CAE preparation course at ELC Bristol are based on the syllabus in the coursebook chosen by the teachers and on the needs and requests of the students in the class. The main class teacher makes a programme for the class each week with these objectives in mind.

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Classes

The Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) examination preparation course at ELC Bristol enables students to develop the grammar, vocabulary and all the necessary skills and techniques that they need to do well in the exam. On two afternoons a week, students get additional practice for the writing paper and other parts of the exam and on the other two afternoons there may be more of a focus on topics such as Business English, Music, Film or British Life and Culture.

We do not believe in just practising with past papers at ELC Bristol. When you start the course, we familiarise you with the exam and then, as with the General English courses, we focus on the 4 skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. In so doing, we help you reach the level of English required to pass the exams.

Course facts

  • Courses include 21 full hours of classroom time per week (including elective classes).
  • Average class size: 11. Maximum: 14.
  • You should be at least C1 before joining a Cambridge Advanced class.
  • Usual minimum period of enrolment: 4 weeks.
  • At the start of your course, you are given a Cambridge exam course book which forms the basis for your studies and comprehensively covers the Cambridge syllabus.
  • You can take the Cambridge exams in the local examination centre, which is a 15 minute walk from the school.
  • Your ‘main’ teacher will co-ordinate your overall programme with a clear focus on student learning and progress. You will have up to three teachers each day.

Your level

Depending on your level, you can prepare for the Cambridge English First B2 (FCE), Advanced C1 (CAE) or Proficiency C2 (CPE) exams at ELC Bristol.

If you would like to join a Cambridge course and we are not sure if you have the right level, we will ask you to do a Cambridge pre-test.

Your tests and assessments

Exam practice is given throughout the course, but especially in the weeks leading up to the exam. Mock exams are usually held two or three weeks before the exams take place.

Cambridge preparation courses are not ‘closed’, which means that students can join the course at a later date if they are not able to attend the full period. However, the minimum period of enrolment is usually 4 weeks.

Most, but not all, class members are exam candidates. A few of our General English students also ask to join the classes.

The course fees are the same as our normal fees. The exam is taken at the local exam centre in Bristol and the exam fee is payable direct to the exam centre.

Sample Timetable - 28 lessons (21 hours) a week

09:15 - 10:0010:00 - 10:4510:45 - 11:1511:15 - 12:0012:00 - 12:4512:45 - 14:0014:00 - 14:4514:45 - 15:3015:45 - 16:45
Grammar using a suitable, modern course bookListening / Pronunciation practice - can include work in the multimedia centreBreakReading skills & vocabulary buildingSpeaking skills & vocabulary buildingLunch breakMonday & Wednesday
Writing/exam practice

Tuesday and Thursdays For Levels B2 - C2
Communication skills/Other topics such as British Life and Culture, Music, Film, Business English etc
Monday & Wednesday
Writing/exam practice

Tuesday and Thursdays For Levels B2 - C2
Communication skills/Other topics such as British Life and Culture, Music, Film, Business English etc
Optional supervised self-study

ELC Bristol Cambridge examination results:

2022 Results

Students taking examNumber who passedPass RateABCCE
Cambridge English: First (FCE)242292%08249-CE B1
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)413278%04156-CE B2
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)251976%6856-CE C1

2020 Results

Students taking examNumber who passedPass RateABCCE
Cambridge English: First (FCE)362364%122013-CE B1
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)392872%291711-CE B2
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)312581%71086-CE C1

2021 Results

Students taking examNumber who passedPass RateABCCE
Cambridge English: First (FCE)12867%0174-CE B1
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)311961%041512-CE B2
Cambridge English: Prodiciency (CPE)151280%2371-CE C1

If you have dyslexia, you may be able to get extra time in the exam. Please bring with you a recent (last 2 years) certificate translated into English. The Cambridge exam centre in Bristol will need to see this when you apply for the exam.

* Sometimes the exams are held in the week after the end of the course, in which case students should book an extra week’s accommodation (if required).

Compare ELC Bristol’s exam results with the UK and international averages

Need help to decide which course is best for you? Get in touch.

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