English language Examination Courses at St. Clare's, Oxford

Most students at St. Clare's take one or more examinations and we offer a wide range of well known and recognised qualifications. The following programmes lead to an examination:

General English and English plus Academic Studies

Each of these programmes can lead either to a Cambridge examination at the appropriate level two or three times per year or an IELTS examination at frequent intervals throughout the year. Consider the University Foundation Course or the Advanced Studies Programme.

IELTS Bridge to University

The IELTS Bridge to University course enables students to prepare for the IELTS test that is required for many universities.

IELTS Sprint

This is a special, short, sharply-focused programme to enable students to prepare for the IELTS test.

  • Afternoon classes focus on the skills specifically required for the IELTS examination.
  • Our teachers are experienced in improving your examination skills through practice tests and exercises.
  • Students need an Upper Intermediate level of English to benefit fully from the course.
  • Most universities in the UK regard a score of 6.5 on the IELTS scale as the minimum for undertaking an undergraduate or graduate programme.
  • You receive information and advice about entry to a British university from the St. Clare's Careers & Higher Education Adviser

Cambridge Examinations Level Examination dates
Preliminary English Test (PET) Lower Intermediate to Intermediate March, May, November
First Certificate in English (FCE) Upper Intermediate March, June, December
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) Advanced March, June, December
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Very Advanced June, December
IELTS Level Examination dates
No specific level, but candidates need to be at least Upper Intermediate Every month (but no repeat tests within 3 months)
Link to this table for a useful guide to help you see which examination(s) are appropriate for your level of English.
Other examinations are available on request: TOEIC, TOEFL, BEC

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