CEFR Levels Explained for Parents: Pre A1, A1, A2, B1 and B2
Schools and exams describe English with CEFR levels. A plain guide to what each level means for a child, and how it matches the Cambridge exams for young learners.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international scale that describes what a learner can do in a language. It has six main levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (very advanced). For young children there is also Pre A1, the very first steps.
Knowing the levels helps you understand your child's school reports and exam certificates, and see real progress.
Pre A1: first steps
Your child can understand and say single words and very short phrases about familiar things: colours, numbers, animals, toys and family. They can follow simple instructions with pictures and gestures. This is the level of Cambridge Pre A1 Starters.
A1: beginner
Your child can talk about themselves and their day in short, simple sentences, ask and answer easy questions, and understand slow, clear speech about everyday topics. This is the level of Cambridge A1 Movers.
A2: elementary
Your child can take part in simple conversations, describe people, places and past events, understand short texts and notices, and write a short message. This is the level of Cambridge A2 Flyers and A2 Key for Schools.
B1 and B2: independent users
At B1, a learner can deal with most everyday situations, tell a story and explain an opinion. At B2, they can talk fluently with native speakers on many topics. For most children, these levels come later, often in secondary school.
How Little Fluent uses the levels
Our five levels run from first English (Tiny Talkers, for ages 4–5) through Starters (Pre A1), Movers (A1) and Flyers (A2) to A2 Key for Schools, with 478 lessons in all. We suggest a starting level from your child's age, and the teacher may move your child after the first lessons. On your family page you can see how many lessons of the level your child has done and how many words they have said.