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Find your starting point

Guide to English levels

We grade every student's English using the internationally recognised Common European Framework (CEFR). Find your level below — and don't worry about getting it exactly right: everyone takes a placement test before arrival.

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Accredited & trustedAccredited by the British CouncilMember of IALC — International Association of Language CentresMember of Quality EnglishMember of English UK
The CEFR ladder

From first words to full fluency

A0
CEFR A0

Beginner

  • Can communicate very basic needs and understand very simple conversational language.
  • Has a limited vocabulary for everyday situations.
  • Can read and produce short, simple pieces of writing.
A1
CEFR A1

Elementary

  • Can communicate basic needs and speak about personal topics.
  • Has sufficient vocabulary for everyday routines.
  • Can recognise main grammatical structures.
  • Can write short personal texts and notes.
A2
CEFR A2

Pre-intermediate

  • Can communicate in everyday situations and hold short conversations.
  • Can use main grammatical structures.
  • Can write texts with some detail.
B1
CEFR B1

Intermediate

  • Can communicate with some confidence in a reasonable number of situations.
  • Has good control of main grammatical structures.
  • Can write longer texts using paragraphs with reasonable accuracy.
B2
CEFR B2

Upper-intermediate

  • Can communicate effectively and express ideas and opinions in most situations.
  • Can discuss a range of topical issues.
  • Can use a wide range of structures with reasonable accuracy.
  • Can produce a range of written texts using the correct register.
C1
CEFR C1

Advanced

  • Can express feelings, opinions and ideas accurately and precisely using a wide range of vocabulary.
  • Can produce the full range of texts with natural cohesion.
  • Can understand authentic texts with little difficulty.
  • Has a very good degree of grammatical control.
What happens next

Your level, confirmed before arrival

  • 1
    Complete the placement testA friendly written assessment will be sent to you to complete before your first day.
  • 2
    Join the right classYou study with classmates at your level, so lessons are always challenging but never overwhelming.
  • 3
    Move up as you improveRegular progress checks mean you move up a level the moment you're ready.
Adult student in class with a teacher
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☎ +44 (0)1202 422300 💬 WhatsApp: +44 1202 422300 📍 30 Beaufort Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 5AL
British CouncilIALCQuality EnglishEnglish UKEst. 1966

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