What level am I?
Language levels explained for French courses
Are you unsure about your level of language is or which French course is right for you? Read through our levels below (all our courses are mapped to the Common European Framework levels) to get a better idea of which course is right for you. We also have a diagram of the learner journey you can view here, this provides a complete breakdown of modules at every level.
1.1 Beginners (year 1)
This level is ideal for absolute beginners. It 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 modules. This level works towards CEFR* A1 of the Common European Framework.
1.2 Beginners Plus (year 1)
If you've completed an introductory Beginners course, or if you are a ’false beginner’ or rusty returner’ wishing to learn at beginner level, this is the level for you. At this level you can already exchange some personal information and use a few set phrases.
In total there are three Beginners Plus modules (these follow a Beginners module) that make up this level in the first year. This level works towards CEFR A1 of the Common European Framework.
2. Post Beginners (year 2)
For those who have completed a beginners course, have equivalent experience or are returning to learning, having learnt at a higher level.
If you're at post beginner level you'll be able to get by well in a range of predictable day-to-day situations and may be able to talk about past events, such as what you did on holiday last year.
In total there are four Post Beginners modules that make up this level in the second year. This level works towards CEFR A2 of the Common European Framework.
3. Pre-intermediate (year 3)
A pre-intermediate course is intended 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/A-level in the past).
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.
This level is perfect if you wish to reactivate or consolidate prior learning and want to progress to a higher level.
In total there are four Pre-intermediate modules that make up this level in the third year. This level works towards CEFR A2 of the Common European Framework.
4. Intermediate (year 4)
An intermediate course is ideal for anyone able to communicate in everyday situations and on common topics using set phrases with confidence. At this course level 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.
In total there are four Intermediate modules that make up this level in the fourth year. This level works towards CEFR B1 of the Common European Framework.
5. Intermediate Plus (year 5)
Have you lived abroad or studied for more than 4 years in adult education or equivalent? People joining an Intermediate Plus couse will be able to cope with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. You should be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
If you're able to discuss topical issues, express yourself fairly well, and confidently deal with authentic listening and standard reading material, an Intermediate Plus course is right for you.
In total there are four Intermediate Plus modules that make up this level in the fifth year. This level works towards CEFR B2 of the Common European Framework.
6. Intermediate Plus/advanced (year 6)
To join a course 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.
In total there are four Intermediate Plus/advanced modules that make up this level in the sixth year. This level works towards CEFR B2 of the Common European Framework.
7. Intermediate Plus/advanced (year 7)
A language course at an advanced level is suitable for those who can find strategies to understand a wide range of more challenging longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
To join a course at this level, you'll be able to 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.
In total there are four Intermediate Plus/advanced modules tht make up this level in the seventh year. This level works towards CEFR B2 of the Common European Framework.
8. Advanced (year 8 and above)
The fluent Advanced level is ideal for anyone who can understand lively conversation with several fast speakers, even on unfamiliar topics with ease. For this course level, you should be able to 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.
In total there are four Advanced modules tht make up this level in the eighth year. This level works towards CEFR C1-2+ of the Common European Framework.
View our French group courses>
View our Private French lessons>