ielts course London | ielts courses London with Kingstreet

IELTS Test and Cambridge Examinations

IELTS Test

The International Language Testing System is the most common proof of English language level asked by British and Australian universities.

UK colleges and universities usually ask for a good grade in IELTS as an entrance requirement. The National Health Service also ask non-native nurses and doctors to prove their level of English with an appropriate IELTS grade.

The IELTS test doesn't 'pass' or 'fail' students, but instead candidates are given an overall grade between 1.0 and 9.0. The grade needed to enter higher education in the UK will depend on the type of course and the university, but students need to aim for a minimum of 6.5 which is the equivalent of the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE).

When?	Every Saturday (click link for details)
How long?	3.5 hours
Where?	Central London
What?	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Grades?	From 1.0 to 9.0
Results?	Available after 2 weeks

Cambridge Exams

We prepare students for 4 exams:

Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) for intermediate level students
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Cambridge University also offer another exam for lower level students. At the moment we do not prepare students to take this exam, but we can offer students guidance on private study so they can familiarise themselves with the exam.

Cambridge Key English Test (KET) for elementary level students

When?	Every month (click link for details)
How long?	4 hours over 2 days
Where?	Wimbledon and central London
What?	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Grammar
Grades?	A, B, C - pass D, E - fail
Results?	Available after 5 to 7 weeks

Which exam should I take?

All English language students should aim to take the FCE, which is the minimum qualification needed to convince employers that you can work in an English speaking environment. At King Street College it would take an average beginner a year to 18 months to reach FCE level. If your level is higher, your grammar better or you study intensively it should be possible to take it earlier. After FCE most students try to pass CAE and CPE. These are difficult exams, but the discipline of studying for them helps your general English skills. Students are fully counselled by the Director of Studies on the best study programme for their situation.

How do I know when I am ready to take an exam?

Students studying in an exam level class will be given a 'mock' or practice exam to find out if they have a chance of passing the real thing. If you pass the mock we will recommend that you sit the exam.

How do I enrol for an exam?

You can enrol in the school offices. Usually enrolment takes place three months before the exam. We will remind students when it is time to enrol.

Is the UK Border Agency concerned about exams?

Yes! Quite correctly the UK Border Agency wants to know that students are making progress and working towards qualifications that will help them in their professional or academic life. It is therefore essential that long-term students from non-EU countries pass Cambridge exams.

The college also organises twice termly tests (mid-term and end-term) which students at all levels take. These internal test results form the basis of the Progress Reports the UK Border Agency require as part of the visa extension process.

What happens in a typical exam preparation lesson?

Students will study the commonly tested areas of language - grammar and vocabulary and learn the skills necessary to deal with the various types of questions that appear in the exams. All four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are developed and tested. Time is also spent on exam technique and study skills.

In a typical lesson, students might study:

phrasal verbs versus formal English
formal letter writing - a job application
identifying errors - study skills
gap filling activities based on past exam papers