Your Progress at Dorset College

🎯 English Levels & Progression

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

This chart shows how you can move from beginner English to advanced (A0 to C1+) at Dorset College, and which exams usually match each level.

🧭How to read this chart

Each card is a CEFR level. It explains what you can usually do in English, what the focus is in class, and which exams you might take at that stage.

📚Level groups

Beginner: A0–A2

Independent: B1–B2+

Advanced: C1–C1+

Your starting level is decided by a placement test and interview when you join the college.

A0 Starter / Beginner Beginner

Little or no English. You are just starting your language journey.

Reading and writing the alphabet.
Very basic classroom language and survival phrases.

🎓 We do not usually recommend external exams yet – we focus on confidence and core skills.

A1 Elementary Beginner

You can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions and understand slow, clear speech.

Daily routines, family and basic personal information.
Short, simple texts and guided writing tasks.

🎓 We normally build your skills towards A2 before suggesting an external exam.

A2 Pre-intermediate Beginner

You can handle simple, everyday tasks and describe your background and routine in simple terms.

Talking about experiences, plans and opinions in basic language.
Understanding short, clear messages and notices.

🎓 Typical route: Trinity ISE Foundation (A2).

B1 Intermediate Independent

You can deal with most situations in daily life or travel and talk about familiar topics in detail.

Describing experiences, events, dreams and ambitions.
Giving reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

🎓 Typical route: Trinity ISE I (B1).

B1+ Intermediate Plus Independent

You are a strong B1 user, extending range and accuracy for more complex situations.

Handling more detailed discussions and longer texts.
Preparing to move into B2-level exam and academic skills.

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

B2 Upper Intermediate Independent

You understand the main ideas of complex text and can interact with fluency and spontaneity.

Participating in meetings and extended discussions.
Writing clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects.

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

B2+ Upper Intermediate Plus Independent

You use English flexibly in many contexts and are close to advanced level.

Handling layered arguments and abstract topics.
Developing the academic language needed for study in English.

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

C1 Advanced Advanced

You understand demanding texts and can express ideas fluently and spontaneously with few obvious searches for words.

Analysing complex information and arguments.
Producing well-structured, detailed academic or professional writing.

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

C1+ Advanced Plus Advanced

You have very high control of English and can use it flexibly and precisely in almost any context.

Operating comfortably in demanding academic and professional environments.
Adapting your language style to different audiences and purposes.

🎓 Learners at this stage typically aim for higher bands in IELTS or maintain level through academic study.

How progression works at Dorset College

From placement test to your next level

When you arrive, you take a placement test and meet our academic team. We place you in the class that best matches your current English level and your goals (work, study, exam or everyday use).

Moving up a level is based on a combination of evidence, not just one test:

📝 Weekly checks – short tests and classroom tasks to see how you are progressing with the syllabus.
📊 Mid-course assessments – usually every 12 weeks to review overall progress.
👩‍🏫 Teacher recommendation – based on your participation, homework and confidence using English.
🎓 Exam results (where relevant) – external exam scores can support progression decisions.

⏱️ Progression speeds vary. Many learners complete a level in around one 12-week cycle, but some need longer and others may move more quickly. Your teacher and academic team will discuss your pathway with you.

Accreditation and Memberships

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