Working your way through the language levels
To get the most out of your modern foreign language learning, you need to make sure you start off at the right level.
Our courses start at Beginners level, which is suitable for someone who has no previous experience of the language. We then have courses available at all levels through to Advanced which is the equivalent to Postgraduate level.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure at what level to start. Our experienced language teachers will assess your level at the beginning of the course to check that you are in the right group.
A brief description of the different language levels
Basic User Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) A1 – Beginner
Simple and routine tasks. Simple and direct exchange of familiar and routine matters.
Beginners: Suitable for learners who have never studied the language.
Beginners Plus: Suitable for those who have previously studied the language for up to 30 hours; or for those with very basic knowledge of the language.
Improvers: Suitable for learners who have previously studied the language for up to 60 hours (pre-GCSE level).
Basic User CEFR A2 – Elementary
Dealing with practical everyday demands. Managing simple routine exchanges.
Improvers Plus: Suitable for those who have previously studied the language for up to 100 hours; or for those who completed GCSE some time ago or completed a CEFR A1 qualification in the language.
Lower Intermediate 1 – Suitable for those who previously studied the language for up to 150 hours; or for those who completed GCSE recently (grade A-C).
Independent User CEFR B1
Minimum level to work abroad. Deal with most situations likely to occur while travelling or at work.
Lower Intermediate 2: Suitable for those who previously studied the language for up to 200 hours; or for those who recently achieved a GCSE (grade A*) or completed an CEFR A2 qualification in the language.
Intermediate: Suitable for those who previously studied the language for up to 280 hours.
Independent User CEFR B2
Access to Universities abroad.
Post Intermediate: Suitable for those who previously studied the language for up to 400 hours; or for those recently achieved AS/A2 or completed a CEFR B1 qualification in the language.
Proficient User CEFR C1
Access to Universities abroad.
Advanced – Conversation & Culture: Suitable for those who previously studied the language for up to 500 hours minimum; or for those who have completed a CEFR B2 (or C1) qualification in the language.
Contact Brasshouse Languages Team
For more information on how to join a Modern Foreign Language course