Your Progress at Dorset College

🎯 CEFR Progression Ladder

Dorset College – English Language Levels (A0 – C1+)

Access • Transfer • Progression – an overview of how learners move through CEFR levels at Dorset College.

Starter / Beginner

Little or no English. Learners begin with key sounds, words and very simple classroom language.

Focus: Literacy support, alphabet, essential survival phrases.

🎓 External exams are not usually taken at this stage – internal assessment and classroom evidence guide progression.

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Elementary

Understands and uses very basic everyday expressions; can introduce themselves and ask/answer simple questions.

Focus: Survival language, classroom English, basic reading and listening.

🎓 External exams are not usually taken at this stage – learners build towards A2 and their first external exam.

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Pre-Intermediate

Can communicate in simple, routine tasks; can describe in simple terms aspects of their background and everyday routine.

Focus: Everyday conversations, short texts, familiar topics.

🎓 Typical external exam route: Trinity ISE Foundation (A2).

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Intermediate

Can handle most situations in daily life, work or study; can produce simple connected text on familiar topics.

Focus: General fluency, opinion, narrative, longer discourse.

🎓 Typical external exam route: Trinity ISE I (B1).

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B1+

Intermediate Plus

Stronger control of B1 functions; developing range, accuracy and confidence in more demanding situations.

Focus: Extending vocabulary, greater accuracy, preparing for B2.

🎓 Preparation towards Trinity ISE I / II and higher-level exam options.

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Upper Intermediate

Can understand the main ideas of complex text and interact with fluency and spontaneity with native speakers.

Focus: Academic/workplace communication; external exam preparation.

🎓 Typical external exams: Trinity ISE II (B2), Cambridge B2 First, and for some learners IELTS (from B2+).

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B2+

Upper Intermediate Plus

Uses English flexibly in a wide range of contexts; can follow and contribute to extended, complex discussions.

Focus: High-level B2 performance; bridging to C1 and Higher Education readiness.

🎓 Exam options: Trinity ISE II / III, Cambridge B2 First, IELTS (Academic or other routes, depending on goals).

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Advanced

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts; can express ideas fluently and spontaneously.

Focus: Complex argument, academic literacy, professional communication.

🎓 Typical external exams: Trinity ISE III (C1), Cambridge C1 Advanced, IELTS Academic.

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C1+

Advanced Plus

Very high-level control; can use English flexibly and precisely in almost any context, including demanding academic/work settings.

Focus: Near-native performance; high-stakes academic and professional tasks.

🎓 Learners typically take Cambridge C1 Advanced or higher-band IELTS, depending on university or professional requirements.

How progression works

Learners enter at the most appropriate level based on a placement test and induction. Progression is based on multiple evidence points: weekly tests, mid-cycle assessment, classroom performance and teacher recommendation.

📝 Weekly tests check learning against syllabus outcomes.
📊 Mid-cycle tests (typically every 12 weeks) review cumulative progress.
🔄 Transfers between levels happen when evidence shows readiness.
🎓 Higher Education pathways are supported at upper levels (B2+ and C1 only).

⏱️ Progression timelines are indicative, not fixed.
Learners generally progress through a 12-week cycle, but as every learner progresses at a different rate some may require more than one full 12-week cycle to move comfortably to the next level.

Accreditation and Memberships

Dorset College is recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English Language Teaching (ELT)

Your Progress at Dorset College

Dorset College – English Language Levels (A0 – C1+)

Accreditation and Memberships

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