Cambridge Preparation Course
Prepare for your Cambridge Exams with our Dedicated Programmes
As one of the world’s most popular English language test, the Cambridge exams and its certificates demonstrates to schools, colleges and employers that your English meets a certain standard. We can help you to get ready for both the FCE and the CAE exams with a range of course options including exam-prep-only and those which combine both General English in the mornings and focussed exam prep in the afternoons.
Key Info
Details may vary between course location
Our Cambridge Examination Courses at CES are designed to prepare you for either First Certificate in English - FCE (B2 First) or Certificate in Advanced English - CAE (C1 Advanced). Exams take place four times per year and your course is planned to finish on the week before the exam will take place.
If you study in Canada, your course runs as full-time exam preparation course. In Ireland, morning lessons will help to develop general language skills (20 lessons) while the afternoon lessons focus on exam preparation (6 lessons). And in the UK, morning lessons will help to build general English knowledge (20 lessons) and the afternoon lessons concentrate on examination skills for your chosen Cambridge exam (10 lessons).
And remember, you can take your Cambridge exam in one of our many test centres. Please visit our test centre websites for Dublin, London, Toronto, Leeds, and Vancouver (all linked) if you would like to book your exam with us. In our other schools, we will help you find a test centre nearby to book your exam.
You can begin your Standard, Intensive and IELTS Prep courses every Monday morning. If you are taking Cambridge, IELTS Express, Business English and Teacher Training courses, these will have specific start dates and times during the year which they run.
In Dublin and Cork, your General English classes run Monday to Friday, starting at 09:00 and ending at 13:00. Classes break at 11:00 for 20 minutes until 11.20.
Cambridge-specific afternoon classes start at 14:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, finishing at 16:00.
In the UK, your General English classes run Monday to Friday, starting at 09:30 and ending at 13:00. Classes break at 11:00 for 30 minutes until 11:30.
Cambridge-specific afternoon classes start at 14:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, finishing at 16:30.
In Canada, this course runs 09:00 - 15:15 Mon to Thurs and 09:00 - 12:15 Fridays
Our school buildings open at 08:30 Monday to Friday and are not open at the weekend.
Your lessons are developed by your teachers and are designed specifically to meet your needs. Every week a new programme will be shared with you so that you will be aware of that week’s learning goals.
All classes at CES use a coursebook. These are available from reception and form an essential part of your lessons. Please note, each level uses a different book, so you will need to purchase subsequent textbooks as you progress.
A level test will be sent to you in advance of your arrival. This will assess your grammar, writing and speaking skills and is used by our academic teams to place you in the most appropriate class.
We offer a system of continuous assessment during your study and at the end of each week our academic team will discuss which students should move to a different level in order to maximise their language experience.
If you feel you are in the wrong level, speak to your class teacher or to the Director of Studies.
Homestay
We carefully choose people and families to host hundreds of students every year. You’ll get to share meals with your host in their home while practising your English in a fun and relaxed setting.
Residential
If you need self-catering student accommodation, we can offer you many options, dependent on availability, in Dublin, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Leeds and Worthing.
Enjoy life in your new home city just like the locals do. Our Social and Cultural Programme is a great way to improve your English, get to know your classmates, and truly experience and understand your new culture. From museum visits to sports afternoons and everything in-between, you’ll be kept busy.
Ready to Start your CES Journey?
CES has a dedicated team that will be able to look after all your needs and requirements with CES Online.