Understanding CEFR, and how we use it at Level Up English Club
Every lesson your child takes is built on the CEFR framework and aligned with Cambridge YLE and Cambridge English Qualifications. Our curriculum is designed to support learners at every English level and help them build real English skills, including confident spoken English.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the international standard used to describe how well someone can use a language. It splits ability into six main levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery), and describes what a learner can actually do at each stage — understand, speak, read and write — rather than just how many words they know.
Not tied to age. CEFR describes ability, not a school year or birthday — two students the same age can sit at very different levels.
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15 teaching levels. Our curriculum breaks the CEFR's broad bands into 15 structured levels, so progress feels achievable step by step.
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Recognised worldwide. Schools, universities and employers across the world use CEFR to understand language ability at a glance.
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Two ways to learn with us
Both class formats follow the same CEFR framework and the same three age groups — they just build different skills. Combine both formats for accelerated learning.
1-to-1 Structured classes
Your child's core lessons, working step by step through our 15-level curriculum at their own pace.
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One-to-one, so pacing is personal to your child
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Follows the structured curriculum, level by level
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Focused on speaking and real-life communication
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Regular progress tracking and feedback
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Ends with Unit Assessments and Level Evaluations
Small group conversation
Small-group, fun, conversation classes, grouped by the same age bands, built around engaging, real-world topics.
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Maximum 5 students of similar-age, similar-level peers
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Follows the structured curriculum, level by level
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International classmates
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Engaging, interactive lesson
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Builds confidence and communication skills
Our Core Curriculum for Every English Level
Every student begins with a trial class, where experienced teachers assess their level and place them at the right starting point.
As they progress, regular reviews and assessments help ensure steady, measurable growth in both English skills and speaking confidence. At the end of each assessment, your child receives a certificate indicating the CEFR level they have achieved.
Level Up
Curriculum
CEFR
Cambridge
Exams
IELTS
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
L6
L7
L8
L9
L10
A1
A2
B1
L11
L12
L13
L14
L15
B2
MOVERS
FLYERS - A2 KEY
B1 PRELIMINARY
B2 FIRST
4 - 4.5 - 5
5.5 - 6 - 6.5
Building a
Foundation
Moving from single words into short, structured sentences about themselves and their world.
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Listening & speaking: Answer simple personal questions; describe objects, animals and family
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Reading: Read short, structured sentences with visual support
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Writing: Complete simple sentence patterns ("I like...", "This is my...")
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Vocabulary: approx. 250+ words
Growing in
Confidence
Describing routines, feelings and preferences, and starting to talk about past and future events.
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Listening & speaking: Talk about routines, hobbies, weather and weekend plans
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Reading: Follow short stories and simple instructions independently
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Writing: Write short, connected sentences on familiar topics
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Vocabulary: approx. 700+ words
Expressing
Themselves
Holding longer conversations, giving opinions and reasons, and using English in real, practical situations.
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Listening & speaking: Give opinions and advice; manage everyday situations like shopping or travel
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Reading: Understand the main points of longer texts on familiar topics
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Writing: Write structured paragraphs, including simple letters and reviews
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Vocabulary: approx. 1,200+ words
Achieving Fluency
Speaking with growing fluency and spontaneity, and using more complex grammar to explain, persuade and speculate.
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Listening & speaking: Discuss abstract topics and debate opinions with confidence
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Reading: Read and analyse a range of text types, including articles and short fiction
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Writing: Write clear, well-structured essays and persuasive pieces
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Vocabulary: approx. 2,000+ words
Achievements
Vocabulary figures are approximate, based on our curriculum's core word lists, and are a helpful guide rather than an exact count. Motivated older students who progress beyond B2 can continue towards C1 Advanced.
How we track progress
Moving up a CEFR level is never just a feeling — it's checked and celebrated at every stage.
1️⃣ Placement at the right level
Every new student is assessed before their first lesson, so they begin at the CEFR level that matches their ability — not their age or year group.
2️⃣ Unit Assessments
Each unit within a level ends with a short assessment, so both student and teacher can see that the material has landed before moving on.
3️⃣ Level Evaluations
At the end of each level, a fuller evaluation checks long-term growth across listening, speaking, reading and writing — not just the most recent unit.
4️⃣ Certificate of Completion
Every student receives a Certificate of Completion at the end of each assessment — a tangible marker of progress to celebrate at home.
