Levels

We offer classes at different levels; from Beginner to Proficiency. These courses are aligned to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) published by the Council of Europe as well as the ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) 'Can do' statements for general language ability at each of the CEFR levels.

You can find out more about these ways of assessing language ability by following the links to the right of this text.

Beginner

At this level, students are being introduced to the language. A Beginner student would normally have no prior experience of studying English and would be learning to ask and answer basic questions, such as "What is your name?" and "Where do you come from?".

Elementary / CEFR Level A1

At this level, a student has mastered the basics and is increasing their language as some more complex structures are introduced.

Pre-Intermediate / CEFR Level A2

At this level, students are becoming more confident to use and explore the language. Mistakes are common but students can communicate with little difficulty.

Students at this level may be interested in taking the Key English Test (KET).

Intermediate / CEFR Level B1

At this level, students consolidate what they have already studied and are introduced to new, more difficult, areas of the language. A student should be able to communicate easily and should be able to correct their own mistakes.

Students at this level may be interested in taking the Preliminary English Test (PET).

Upper Intermediate / CEFR Level B2

At this level, students are expected to have mastered most of the more difficult structures and concepts; however, many students will need to widen their vocabulary and make sure that they use the grammar rather than simply understand it.

Students at this level may be interested in taking the First Certificate in English (FCE).

Advanced / CEFR Level C1

At this level, students make very few mistakes and are able to communicate with ease on a range of topics. Students will be introduced to complex structures and should be able to integrate these into their language production.

Students at this level may be interested in taking the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).

Proficiency / CEFR Level C2

At this level, students are able to deal with any given subject with confidence and accuracy. Language production should be more natural, with little to distinguish a Proficiency student from a native speaker.

Students at this level may be interested in taking the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).