CEFR levels for children explained: Pre-A1, A1 and A2

What is the CEFR?

The CEFR is a framework, developed by the Council of Europe, that describes language ability in the same way across languages and countries. It isn't a test or a course. It's a shared scale that schools, publishers, exam boards and teachers use, so that “A1” means the same thing wherever you are.

The scale has six main levels in three bands:

Each level is described with “can do” statements: short descriptions of what a learner can understand, say, read and write. Because young children are only beginning, a Pre-A1 stage describes what they can do before they reach A1.

What can children do at Pre-A1?

At Pre-A1, children are taking their first steps in English. They recognise and use familiar words and very simple phrases, especially with the help of pictures, gestures and a supportive adult. A child at this stage can typically:

• Understand simple instructions such as “sit down” or “point to the red ball”.
• Name everyday things: colours, numbers, animals, family members, toys and food.
• Answer simple questions about themselves with a word or short phrase, such as their name and age.
• Recognise letters and read some short, familiar words.
• Copy or write simple words.

What can children do at A1?

At A1, children can use English for basic, everyday purposes. They still need people to speak slowly and clearly, but they understand and use short sentences about familiar topics. A child at A1 can typically:

• Follow short classroom instructions and simple stories told with pictures.
• Talk about themselves, their family, school, likes and dislikes in short sentences.
• Ask and answer simple questions such as “Where is…?”, “What's this?” and “Do you like…?”
• Read short texts on familiar topics, such as a simple story or a note.
• Write short sentences, for example about their day or a picture.

What can children do at A2?

At A2, children can manage simple, routine conversations and understand the main point of short, clear texts. They use a wider range of words and start to link their ideas together. A child at A2 can typically:

• Understand the main points of short conversations and stories about everyday topics.
• Describe past events and experiences in simple terms, such as what they did at the weekend.
• Take part in short conversations, asking and answering questions.
• Read short stories and simple factual texts and find specific information in them.
• Write a short message, story or description, joining ideas with words like and, but and because.

How long does it take a child to move up a CEFR level?

There's no fixed time. How quickly a child moves through Pre-A1, A1 and A2 depends on how much English they hear and use, how often they have lessons, their age and their own pace. A child who hears English at home every day will progress differently from one who meets it only in lessons, and both are normal paths.

It's also normal for a child to be further ahead in some skills than in others. Many children understand far more than they can say, and some speak confidently long before they write easily. The “can do” statements help you see these differences rather than reducing progress to a single mark.

Is my child's CEFR level linked to their age or school year?

Not directly. The CEFR describes ability, not age. A 6-year-old and a 10-year-old can both be working at A1, though they'll enjoy very different topics and activities. That's why good courses for children teach to the child's level while choosing content that suits their age.

Schools and courses may say which level they aim for in a particular year. If you'd like to know how your child's school uses the CEFR, ask their teacher. Parents in Malaysia can read our guide to English in Malaysian primary schools and the CEFR.

How can I tell which level my child is at?

Start with the “can do” lists above and think about what your child does comfortably, without help. Then look for patterns rather than single moments: a child who can chat about their day in short sentences and read a simple story is probably working within A1, even if some answers still come out as single words.

A teacher can give a clearer picture. Listening to your child speak, read and answer questions for a few minutes usually shows where they are confident and where they need support. That's the best starting point for choosing activities, books or lessons.

How can I help my child move up to the next level?

Give them more English to hear, more reasons to speak and a little more challenge each time. What that looks like depends on where they are now:

• From Pre-A1 towards A1: read picture books together, name things around the house and on walks, and encourage short phrases instead of single words (“a big red bus”).
• From A1 towards A2: ask open questions such as “What did you do at school today?”, help your child tell stories about the past, and let them read short books on their own before talking about them.
• At every level: keep it enjoyable, praise effort and let your child hear English used for real things, such as songs, games, recipes and messages to family.

How do CEFR levels relate to Cambridge Starters, Movers and Flyers?

CEFR Pre-A1, A1 and A2 correspond to the Cambridge English Young Learners levels Starters, Movers and Flyers. CurioKids is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press and Assessment. Read more in our guide to Cambridge Starters, Movers and Flyers.

How does CurioKids use CEFR levels?

After Phonics Starter, CurioKids children move on to CEFR-based levels Pre-A1, A1 and A2. After lessons, your child's teacher gives feedback, you can follow progress in your parent dashboard, and your child receives a level-up certificate (PDF) when they move up a level. See how our levels work and what's in the curriculum, or book a free first lesson from our Singapore or Malaysia page.