Language Levels Explained - CEFR
The language programme is made up of six week evening modules or ten week daytime modules. You can take a one–off module or progress from absolute beginner to advanced level through eight language levels as you improve.
You can also fast-track between levels by opting for one-to-one tuition available in personal language training Booster Packages. Visit our Personal Language Training section for further details.
Our levels are mapped to the Common European Framework*, CEFR, these levels are set out below.
You can also try our Language Bio to help you self-assess where you are now and what you want to achieve. Take me to the Language Bio!
You might like to try your hand at our grammar quiz to test your grammatical knowledge.
Take me to the French Grammar Quiz!
Beginners
This level is for absolute beginners and is suitable if you wish to start from the beginning and have no previous knowledge of the language. We differentiate between absolute beginners and beginners plus.
Working towards CEFR* A1 0 contact hours needed.
Beginners Plus
This level is for those who have completed an introductory survival course, our Starting Out Module or Weekender for Beginners or if you are a ’false beginner’ or rusty returner’ wishing to learn at beginner level. You can exchange some personal information and use a few set phrases. This level is made up of 6 incremental evening modules or two daytime modules.
Working towards CEFR A1 from5-9 hours needed for first module.
Post Beginners
For those who have completed a beginner’s course have equivalent experience or are returning to learning, having learnt at a higher level. You should be able to get by well in a range of predictable day-to-day situations, although key ‘beginner level’ topic areas will be revisited and reinforced. At this stage you will learn to handle problems linguistically in familiar situations. You may be able to talk about past events, such as what you did on holiday last year, although this will be introduced/ consolidated within the first two modules of the Headway programme.
Working towards CEFR A2 from approx 50 hours needed for first module.
Pre - Intermediate
For those who have completed a post-beginners course recently (approx 90 contact hours), have equivalent experience or are returning to learning having learnt in the past at a higher level. You may have studied to GCSE or ‘O’ Level in the past. You wish to reactivate/consolidate prior learning progressing to a higher level. You can cope adequately in predictable day to day situations. You will be able to talk about what you usually do, what you have done, used to do and will do (use present, present perfect, imperfect and future) though you may still make basic errors. You will be able to interact with a native speaker providing they speak slowly and clearly. There is still a strong emphasis on listening and speaking. An ‘Easy reader’ reading text will be introduced at this level.
Working towards CEFR A2 from approx 100 hours needed for first module.
Intermediate
Working towards this level you should be able to communicate in everyday situations and on common topics using set phrases with confidence. You should be able to use present, future and some past tenses with reasonable accuracy and deal fairly confidently with authentic listening and reading materials at basic level. You will be able to give commands, make polite requests, cope with problems and unpredicted events in everyday routine situations and justify opinion simply.
Working towards CEFR B1 from approx 150+ hours needed for first module.
Intermediate Plus
You may have lived abroad, or studied for more than 4 years in adult education or equivalent. You will be able to discuss topical issues and express yourself fairly well. You can confidently deal with authentic listening and standard reading material.You’ll be able to cope with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. You’ll be able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
Working towards CEFR B2 from approx 200 hours needed for first module.
Pre - Advanced
At this level you should be able to express yourself quite fluently, although not always accurately, with a wide range of vocabulary and a command of comprehensive grammar structures. You should be able to use the target language in a variety of contexts. You can marshal arguments and express opinions. You can interact with a degree of spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You can write discursively to explain and sustain argument and debate topical issues. You will be fairly comfortable reading most authentic texts of contemporary writing.
Working towards CEFR B2 from approx 200+ hours needed for first module.
Advanced
You will be able to find strategies to understand a wide range of more challenging longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself comfortably, fluently and spontaneously without too much obvious searching for expressions. You’ll be able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You can produce succinct well-organised writing on complex subjects.
CEFR B2 + from approx 200+ hours needed for first module.
fluent Advanced
You can understand lively conversation with several fast speakers, even on unfamiliar topics with ease. You can take part in extended discussions and debates on complex areas of personal, professional or cultural interest. You’ll be able to summarise information from different spoken and written sources, rehearsing arguments presented. You can express yourself spontaneously, fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. You’ll be comfortable reading a range of texts, contemporary novels and important literary works. At this level you’ll be able to maintain your level of proficiency through a range of cultural, literary and media-based activities.
CEFR C1-2 + from approx 200+ hours needed for first module.