Your Level
Step 1
What is your level now? Try the test on the web site. Click on Test your English. The test will give you an indication of your level. Make sure you do it by yourself. There is no point asking someone to help you!
Step 2
Now have a look at the English language level chart. It shows you which Cambridge exam to take at each level and what IELTS score you can expect to get.
Students who have successfully completed these levels 'Can Do' the following:
| Level | Speaking / Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
A2Elementary / Pre-Intermediate | Can express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context. | Can understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters. | Can complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information. |
B1Intermediate | Can express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements. | Can understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area. | Can write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters. |
B2Upper-Intermediate | Can follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics. | Can scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice. | Can make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests. |
C1Pre-Advanced / Advanced | Can contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions. | Can read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence. | Can prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate. |
C2Advanced + | Can advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions. | Can understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts. | Can write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy. |
The chart below shows you which exams you can take at each level.
| CEF* | Level | IELTS ** | Cambridge Exam ** | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | Elementary Pre-Intermediate | Basic user | |||||
| B1 | Intermediate | 4 - 5 | Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) | Independent user | |||
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | 5 - 6.5 | Cambridge English: First (FCE) | ||||
| C1 | Pre-Advanced / Advanced | 6.5 - 8 | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Proficient user | |||
| C2 | Advanced + | 8 - 9 | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | ||||
* Common European Framework
** Details of exam dates and fees are in the enrolment form
On main starting dates, and during most of July and August, the Academic Director and Director of Studies will talk to you and give you another test to confirm your level. On other starting dates, this will usually be done during the week before you arrive, either on FaceTime or WhatsApp video and via another online test.
The school does not accept beginners, and elementary students should start their course on main course starting dates.
It normally takes around 3 months to complete each level.
There are 7 possible levels in the school, with more than 1 class at several levels between A2 and C2:
- A2 - Elementary
- A2 - Pre-intermediate
- B1 - Intermediate
- B2 - Upper-intermediate
- C1 - Pre-advanced
- C1 - Advanced
- C2 - Advanced +
It is important for everyone that students are in the correct level and the teacher will always tell a student if s(he) should move up or down . Levels are always discussed during the first Friday interviews.
If a student wants to change level, s(he) should speak first of all to her/his teacher.
- 1) If the teacher is in agreement s(he) discusses the matter with the Director of Studies, who will look for a suitable class for the student. (There may be a short delay until a space becomes available).
- If the teacher thinks that the student is not ready for a change s(he) will suggest the student remains in the class to develop their language, eg grammar, vocabulary, speaking.
- Sometimes the teacher and Director of Studies will suggest a level exit test to see if the student is ready to move. If the result is not satisfactory, the student will be asked to stay in the class.
Procedure for students wanting to enter exam classes
Students requesting exams will automatically be put into an exam class if their entry score is high enough (they may have already done a pre-test prior to arrival if there was a doubt about their level) or if they are already in the school and their teacher thinks they are suitable for the class.
They may also do a pre-test in school or a mock exam at the beginning of the term. If the result is not satisfactory, the teacher will suggest doing either a lower exam or going to a general English class and doing the exam at a later date. Alternatively, if the student prefers, s(he) can still enter for the exam and practise independently for it.
Repeating levels
Occasionally, a teacher thinks that a student should repeat a level or part of a level because their language has not developed well enough for the next one. This is discussed with the student and suggestions for improvement are made. It may not be necessary to repeat the whole level and if the student works hard and shows commitment s(he) may be able to move after a few weeks if the teacher agrees.