Excellence in English language teaching
Country of origin Saudi Arabia
"The School was recommended to me by my uncle because it has good teachers and a good study atmosphere. All the staff are helpful and you feel that you are in safe hands.My English has really improved here and I hope to do well in the FCE and IELTS exams. My plan is to go to university in England."
Your English level
On your first day with us you will take a placement test. It assesses your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and how well you are able to understand and speak English. This helps us to understand in which class you will be most successful and happy.
Click on the headings below for a summary of each level and which courses are available.
The table at the bottom of the page shows the exam score for each level, so you may want to start here to find out which level your current ability fits into.
For more information on the different types of exam visit the English examinations page.
Level 1: Beginner
Students who only know a few words of English
Courses we offer: English for further studies | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Shopping, simple travel and tourism
Level 2: Elementary
You have a small, basic vocabulary and can communicate on a simple level. You can survive in everyday situations such as shopping, greeting and travelling. You make a lot of mistakes but can make people understand you.
Courses we offer: English for further studies | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Social situations; Travel and tourism
Level 3: Pre-intermediate
You can communicate well in everyday social and travel situations and understand some of what is said to you. You are familiar with basic grammar but need to develop this further. You need to build your vocabulary and listening skills.
Courses we offer: English for further studies | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Academic English (CATS Cambridge or CATS Canterbury); English for further studies; IELTS preparation; ESOL Preparation; One-to-One; Certificate of Business English; Study Holidays
Level 4: Intermediate
You are a confident speaker and understand much of what you read and hear. You have a reasonable vocabulary and can survive well in most situations. You now need to become more fluent and accurate, use more complex structures and sophisticated vocabulary.
Courses we offer: English for further studies | IELTS Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Programme at CATS Canterbury / CATS Cambridge / Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts; University Foundation
Level 5: Upper intermediate
You can communicate effectively in most situations, discussing and expressing opinions on a wide range of topics. You will continue to broaden your vocabulary to become more fluent and accurate.
Courses we offer: ESOL Preparation | IELTS Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Some university degree / diploma courses; Internship; Some English in the workplace; Programme at CATS Canterbury / CATS Cambridge / Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts; University Foundation
Level 6: Advanced
You express yourself clearly and effectively. You have a sound grasp of major tenses and grammatical structures. You read widely and can follow the majority of what is heard on TV, radio and film.
Courses we offer: ESOL Preparation | IELTS Preparation | Certificate of Business English | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: University degree / diploma courses; Entry into the English-speaking job market
Level 7: Proficiency
You use a range of language close to that in your own language. You have no problems understanding or communicating. You now wish to extend your vocabulary and explore the nuances of idiomatic English.
Courses we offer: ESOL Preparation | Certificate of English – Standard | Certificate of English - Intensive | One-to-One
Where it can take you: Postgraduate university degree; Senior level work in an English speaking environment
Exam scores by level:
| Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Elementary | Level 3: Pre- Intermediate | Level 4: Intermediate | Level 5: Upper Intermediate | Level 6: Advanced | Level 7: Proficiency | |
| IELTS | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5+ | 5.0+ | 6.5+ | 7.5+ |
| TOEFL | n/a | n/a | n/a | Paper: 425+ Computer: 113+ Internet: 38+ |
Paper: 500+ Computer: 173+ Internet: 61+ |
Paper: 575+ Computer: 232+ Internet: 91+ |
Paper: 625 - 300 Computer: 263 - 300 Internet: 106-120 |
| TOEIC | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 650+ points | 800+ points | 900+ points |
| Cambridge exam | n/a | n/a | KET | PET | FCE | CAE | CPE |
| CEFR | n/a | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| ALTE | n/a | Level 0 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |