ESOL Cadets

Our suite of English language exams for young learners aged 6 to 13, available in paper format.

Who are ESOL Cadets qualifications for?

The English for Young Learners ESOL Cadets qualifications are designed for learners aged 6 to 13 who are speakers of other languages and are beginning to learn English. Their aim is to reward young learners’ achievements in learning the English language and to motivate and make their early learning experiences fun and enjoyable, giving them the confidence to achieve further success in language learning. All ESOL Cadets exams and support materials have been designed by English language teachers to develop and assess a young learner’s ability to communicate in English. Tasks use child-friendly topics and contexts children experience on a day-to-day basis, such as My Family, Animals, Games and My Favourite Food, etc.

Why choose ESOL Cadets?

Fully contextualised exam materials for young learners.
We publish sample exam materials, handbooks and support documents.
All exam tasks are set, marked and moderated by our UK based team.
No assessment ‘windows’ – exams are available on demand.
Results available online, including a breakdown of learner performance per unit.
All learners receive a certificate.

ESOL Cadets Qualification Levels & Sample Exams

ESOL Cadets qualifications and exams are available at three different levels, which are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR).

ESOL Cadets Stage 1

Stage 1 is designed to reflect A0 level, or a Pre-Entry level of English. This level is suitable for Candidates who are just starting out in learning English. This is also sometimes described as ‘Pre-A1’ Level, or ‘Absolute Beginner’.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 50 minutes
  • Availability: International
ESOL Cadets Stage 2

Stage 2 is approximately the level defined in CEFR as A1. This level is suitable for Candidates who are very basic users of English and can communicate in a simple way. This is also sometimes described as the ‘Breakthrough’ or ‘Beginner’ level.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 1 hour
  • Availability: International
ESOL Cadets Stage 3

Stage 3 is approximately the level defined in CEFR as A2. This level is suitable for Candidates who are basic users of English and able to begin to express themselves in familiar contexts. This is also sometimes described as the ‘Waystage’ or ‘Elementary’ level.

  • Format: 1 Speaking exam, 2 paper-based exams for Listening, and combined Reading and Writing
  • Total Exam Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 mins
  • Availability: International

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