An internationally recognised language qualification can help your entry into higher education and strengthen your career prospects. Southbourne School of English can help prepare you for these examinations by providing you with the skills, techniques and confidence that you will need.
We offer a variety of courses for students at different levels. Preparation time for the examinations listed takes between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the course chosen.
Please see the separate leaflet “Adult Courses - Dates & Fees” for details of our course and examination dates.
Cambridge exams
Students taking Cambridge examinations are tested for their suitability on enrolment. They will receive regular homework, regular examination counselling and a comprehensive mock examination during their course.
• Key English Test (KET)
- A basic test of writing, speaking, reading and listening skills
- Course duration is 6 weeks - Mornings consist of 15 hours general English tuition per week
- Afternoons consist of 6 hours specialised KET tuition per week
- Suitable for elementary and pre-intermediate level students (A1/A2)
• Preliminary English Test (PET)
- A test of writing, speaking, reading and listening skills - An excellent stepping stone to FCE - Course duration is 6 weeks - Mornings consist of 15 hours general English tuition per week
- Afternoons consist of 6 hours specialised PET tuition per week - Suitable for intermediate level students (B1)
• First Certificate in English (FCE)
- The most widely taken examination, used to demonstrate the ability to use English effectively
- Recognised worldwide and suitable for professional purposes
- Course duration is between 9 and 12 weeks - Course includes 21 hours of tuition per week - Suitable for upper-intermediate level students (B2)
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
- Becoming one of the most important Cambridge exams, especially for career purposes and UK university entry
- Course duration is between 9 and 12 weeks - Course includes 21 hours of tuition per week - Suitable for advanced level students (C1)
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)*
- The most prestigious of the Cambridge exams, especially important for students working in a professional environment and UK university entry - Course duration is 12 weeks
- Course includes 21 hours of tuition per week - Suitable for students who already have CAE (C2) *Only available for groups.