Cambridge English exams form a progression of six international certifications, from Starters to First (FCE), spanning pre-A1 to B2 level across the whole of basic education.
From ages 6 to 15, students at Astoria International School, a , sit six Cambridge English exams, all internationally recognised by the University of Cambridge and aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Understanding this journey helps families see exactly what their children are learning, and which language skills are being certified along the way.
What is Cambridge English certification, and why does it matter?
Cambridge English is the University of Cambridge’s English language assessment division, whose certificates are recognised by more than 13,000 universities, employers and institutions worldwide.
These certifications reflect an independent standard that holds for life. For a family investing in a , it’s a concrete guarantee for their child’s future.
CEFR levels explained in plain language
The CEFR defines six levels of language proficiency, from A1 to C2, and every exam in the is aligned with this scale. The advantage for families is concrete: their child’s certificate needs no explanation, especially when applying to a European university.
In practical terms:
- A-level users are basic users, able to communicate in simple, familiar situations;
- B-level users are independent users, able to argue a point and understand a range of topics;
- C-level users reflect proficiency close to that of a native speaker.
The journey from Starters to First (FCE) spans pre-A1 to B2, running alongside the whole of an Astoria student’s basic education.
Cambridge Young Learners (Starters, Movers and Flyers)
The Young Learners English (YLE) exams were designed for children aged 6 to 12, and stand out immediately for a feature rarely seen in formal assessment: there’s no pass or fail.
Each skill is recognised with shields, on a scale of one to five, turning a child’s first encounter with formal assessment into a positive experience, free of unnecessary pressure.
«Pre-A1 Starters»: the starting point
Designed for children aged 6 to 8, Starters assesses everyday English (family, animals, school, and so on) through pictures and short tasks.
It covers reading, writing, and listening and speaking, taking around 45 minutes in total. It sits just below CEFR level A1 – but the truth is, this is only the beginning.
A1 Movers: confidence on the rise
Usually taken between ages 8 and 11, Movers corresponds to CEFR level A1 and marks a clear step up from Starters.
Vocabulary expands, short stories appear to interpret, and students are expected to ask simple questions and describe situations in greater detail.
The exam runs for approximately one hour in total.
A2 Flyers: the top tier of Young Learners
Usually taken between ages 9 and 12, Flyers is equivalent to CEFR level A2 and forms the natural bridge to the main suite of exams.
Students start comparing situations, using a wider range of verb tenses, and organising their speech with greater structure and coherence.
Cambridge Key (KET): A2 level
Previously known as “KET”, A2 Key is the first exam in Cambridge English’s main suite. At this level, students can already express themselves in everyday, real-life situations — answering and asking questions about familiar topics, understanding simple messages, and producing short, practical written texts.
The exam assesses reading, writing, and listening and speaking, taking around two hours in total. At Astoria, it’s usually taken during , and represents the first Cambridge certificate with a formally assigned CEFR level.
Cambridge Preliminary (PET): B1 level
B1 Preliminary (previously known as “PET”) certifies an intermediate level of English that clearly goes beyond passive recognition.
At this level, students can already speak comfortably on familiar topics, interpret authentic texts across a range of contexts, and write coherently and with communicative intent.
All four skills are assessed over roughly two and a half hours, in an exam that marks the transition to a genuinely independent language user and provides demanding preparation for the FCE, in line with Astoria International School’s .
Cambridge First (FCE): B2 level
Known worldwide as “FCE”, B2 First is the most widely requested Cambridge English certificate for entry into higher education and the international job market. At this level, students demonstrate that they can communicate in English clearly and effectively, in both academic and professional settings.
Compared to the earlier exams, the FCE introduces a specific Use of English component, testing command of grammar and vocabulary in context, which makes the exam more demanding and comprehensive.
Lasting around three and a half hours in total, it’s accepted by thousands of universities and employers worldwide, and corresponds to the level every Astoria Year 9 student reaches.
Consolidated list of stages by age
- Pre-A1 Starters (Pre-A1, ages 6–8): reading, writing, and listening and speaking;
- A1 Movers (A1, ages 8–11): reading, writing, and listening and speaking;
- A2 Flyers (A2, ages 9–12): reading, writing, and listening and speaking;
- A2 Key/KET (A2, Lower Secondary): reading, writing, and listening and speaking;
- B1 Preliminary/PET (B1, Lower/Upper Secondary): reading, writing, and listening and speaking;
- B2 First/FCE (B2, Upper Secondary/Year 9): reading, writing, use of English, and listening and speaking.
How Cambridge English exams work at Astoria
Astoria International School is an accredited Cambridge English exam centre: students sit their exams on the school’s own premises, in rooms they already know, with no need to travel to an external centre.
The results reflect this commitment: Astoria consistently achieves between 95% and 98% “A” grades in Cambridge English exams, with 100% of Year 9 students completing the journey to B2 level without exception.
These figures are the result of years of integrated preparation, with qualified teachers and a structured methodology built around each student.
If you’d like to see this journey up close, : our team would be delighted to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Cambridge English exams compulsory at Astoria?
They are an integral part of the school’s Educational Project, and preparation runs throughout the school year. Sitting the exam is strongly encouraged as a way of externally validating the level reached, which happens on the school’s own premises thanks to its Cambridge accreditation.
2. What happens if my child doesn't get the expected grade?
In the Young Learners exams, there’s no pass or fail, as the result is always expressed in shields per skill. In the CEFR-level exams, the certificate identifies the level the student has actually reached. AIS’s integrated preparation is designed precisely to ensure every child arrives at the exam with the confidence and knowledge needed to be certified at the level they’re being assessed on.
3. Do Cambridge English certificates expire?
No. All Cambridge English certificates are issued with no expiry date and remain valid for the holder’s lifetime.
4. From what age can my child start this journey at Astoria?
The journey begins with Starters, usually in Primary School, at around age 6. The school’s progressive structure ensures every child advances at their own pace, with personalised support at every stage, all the way through to the FCE at the end of Year 9.
5. Are Cambridge English certificates recognised by Portuguese universities?
Yes. Portugal’s leading universities accept Cambridge English certificates as proof of English language proficiency, whether for admissions purposes or for exemption from language course units. The level most commonly required is B2, corresponding to the FCE, which means Astoria students arrive at Higher Education having already met that requirement.
