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CEFR and Cambridge Young Learners levels, explained for parents

What Pre-A1, A1 and A2 mean, how they match Cambridge Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers, what children can typically do at each level, and how CurioKids places and moves children.

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The short version

Three terms, in plain words

CEFR
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international standard from the Council of Europe that describes language ability on six main levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).
Pre-A1
Pre-A1 describes what learners can do before they reach A1. The Council of Europe added descriptors for it in the CEFR Companion Volume.
Cambridge English Qualifications for young learners
Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers are English tests for children from Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Their names show the CEFR level each one is aimed at.

Level by level

What children can typically do at each level

A general guide, based on the CEFR descriptions. Every child is different, and skills often grow at different speeds.

Pre-A1 Cambridge Pre A1 Starters

Pre-A1 is the stage before A1 on the CEFR scale: a child understands and uses familiar words and very short, simple phrases, mostly about themselves and the things around them.

Children at Pre-A1 can typically:

  • Recognise and say everyday words for colours, numbers, animals, toys, food and family.
  • Follow short, simple instructions such as “Stand up” or “Point to the cat”.
  • Answer very simple questions about themselves, such as their name and age.
  • Read and write some simple words, with help.

A1 Cambridge A1 Movers

A1 is the first of the six main CEFR levels (beginner): a child understands and uses familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, and can take part in a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

Children at A1 can typically:

  • Understand simple sentences about familiar topics when people speak slowly and clearly.
  • Ask and answer simple questions about themselves, their family and what they like.
  • Read short, simple texts, such as a picture story with a few sentences.
  • Write short, simple sentences.

A2 Cambridge A2 Flyers

A2 is the second CEFR level (elementary): a child understands sentences and common expressions about familiar topics, and can describe simple things about their life and communicate in simple, everyday situations.

Children at A2 can typically:

  • Understand the main points of clear, simple speech about everyday topics.
  • Talk about their day, their interests and things that happened, in simple language.
  • Read short stories and simple texts about everyday life.
  • Write short messages or a short, simple story.

After A2, the CEFR scale continues with B1, B2, C1 and C2.

Side by side

CEFR, Cambridge and CurioKids compared

CEFR levels, Cambridge English tests for young learners and the CurioKids stages compared
StageCEFR levelCambridge English testWhat it meansAt CurioKids
Phonics StarterBefore the CEFR levels–Learning to read in English, sound by sound.Where most children begin: 52 lessons in 10 units.
Pre-A1Pre-A1Pre A1 StartersFamiliar words and very short phrases about themselves and their world.The first CEFR-based level, after Phonics Starter.
A1A1A1 MoversEveryday expressions and simple questions and answers, spoken slowly and clearly.The second CEFR-based level.
A2A2A2 FlyersSimple conversations and short texts about everyday life, including the past.The third CEFR-based level.

At CurioKids

How we place and move children

Levels are set by your child's teacher, from what they see in lessons.

  1. Step 1: A starting level in the free first lesson

    In the free first lesson, the teacher gets to know your child and records a starting level.

  2. Step 2: Phonics Starter first

    Phonics Starter teaches reading sound by sound. Most children start with Phonics Starter; a child who already reads can be placed straight into a CEFR-based level after the free first lesson.

  3. Step 3: Teachers assess as your child learns

    Teachers record new assessments as your child progresses: an overall level, plus listening, speaking, reading and writing.

  4. Step 4: Moving up

    When a teacher assesses your child at a higher level, they move up. Children leave Phonics Starter when they are assessed at Pre-A1 or above.

  5. Step 5: A certificate each time

    Each time your child moves up a level you get a certificate (PDF), and you can follow their progress in your parent dashboard.

More about Phonics Starter and the whole curriculum.

Not affiliated with Cambridge

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. CurioKids does not run Cambridge English tests.

FAQ

Questions about levels

What does CEFR stand for?

CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, published by the Council of Europe. It describes language ability on six main levels, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, and is used around the world to describe how well someone understands, speaks, reads and writes a language.

What is Pre-A1?

Pre-A1 is the stage before A1. A child at Pre-A1 knows familiar words and very short phrases, can follow simple instructions and can answer simple questions about themselves. At CurioKids it is the first CEFR-based level after Phonics Starter, and it corresponds to Cambridge Pre A1 Starters.

Are Starters, Movers and Flyers the same as CEFR levels?

They are Cambridge English tests for children, each aimed at one CEFR level: Pre A1 Starters at Pre-A1, A1 Movers at A1 and A2 Flyers at A2. The CEFR describes the level; the tests are one way to measure it.

Does my child need to take a Cambridge test?

No. CurioKids lessons follow CEFR-based levels, and your child's teacher assesses their level as they learn. Cambridge tests are optional, taken separately at an authorised exam centre, and CurioKids does not run them.

How does CurioKids decide my child's level?

The teacher records a starting level in the free first lesson, then records new assessments as your child learns: an overall level, plus listening, speaking, reading and writing. Most children start with Phonics Starter; a child who already reads can be placed straight into a CEFR-based level after the free first lesson.

How long does it take to move up a level?

It is different for every child. It depends on where they start, how many lessons they have each week and how much English they hear and use between lessons. Your child's teacher moves them up when their assessment shows they are ready, and you get a certificate each time.

Where does Phonics Starter fit in?

Phonics Starter is the CurioKids reading course before the CEFR levels: 52 lessons in 10 units, from letter sounds to reading sentences. It is not a CEFR level itself. Children move into Pre-A1 or above when their teacher's assessment shows they are ready.

Is CurioKids connected to Cambridge?

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. CurioKids does not run Cambridge English tests.

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