Step Up English Pathway
At Step Up, English is taught through a clear, practical and guided pathway. Our programme follows a CEFR-aligned structure, helping each student understand where they are, what they are learning and the next step.
With defined stages, regular assessment and internal Step Up certificates, students can progress with more confidence, from first foundations to independent, fluent communication for school, work and everyday goals.
Teacher-led learning
The pathway is delivered by Step Up teachers with experience across children, teens and adults, supported by academic coordination and regular communication with students and families.
Meet the Step Up teamLevel guidance, lesson planning and feedback throughout each stage.
Group needs and pathway progression are followed with the teaching team.
Progress checks, feedback and internal certificates make the next step clear.
CEFR levels are used as an international reference for organising learning. Progress depends on attendance, participation, individual study and continuous assessment.
Students start building the foundations of English. They learn to understand and use simple everyday expressions, introduce themselves, share personal information and interact in very basic situations with support.
By the end of A1, students should be able to communicate in simple familiar situations using short phrases, essential vocabulary and basic structures.
Best for
Students who are starting out or need to strengthen the basics.
Students gain more confidence communicating in frequent everyday situations such as family, school, shopping, routines, personal interests and basic information.
By the end of A2, students should be able to join simple conversations, understand short messages and talk about immediate needs with more independence.
Best for
Students who already have some basics but still need confidence and consistency.
Students begin communicating with more independence. They learn to handle common situations in travel, school, work and social life, explaining opinions, experiences, plans and goals.
By the end of B1, students should be able to maintain conversations about familiar topics, understand main ideas and produce simple organised texts.
Best for
Students who want to use English more practically and independently.
Students develop greater fluency, accuracy and flexibility. They work with more complex texts and conversations, learning to argue, explain viewpoints and communicate more naturally.
By the end of B2, students should be able to communicate confidently in academic, professional and social contexts, understand complex ideas and express themselves clearly.
Best for
Students preparing for exams, studies, work or international communication.
Students refine advanced communication, working on fluency, accuracy, sophisticated vocabulary, structured writing and comprehension of demanding content.
By the end of C1, students should be able to use English flexibly and effectively in academic, professional and social contexts, producing clear, well-structured and detailed communication.
Best for
Students who need advanced English for university, international careers, advanced exams or professional goals.
To make progress clearer and more motivating, each level of the Step Up English Pathway is divided into four stages. Students work towards shorter goals, receive regular feedback and recognise progress across the journey.
01
Level foundation
Builds the essential base for the level, focusing on confidence, core vocabulary, key grammar and practical communication.
02
Consolidation
Strengthens language control, expands useful vocabulary and helps students communicate with greater accuracy and understanding.
03
More independence
Develops more independence, broader language use and more confident communication in familiar and real situations.
04
Preparation for the next step
Consolidates the full level, improves consistency and fluency and prepares the student to move to the next level.
Example A1 route: A1 Foundation -> A1 Development -> A1 Progression -> A1 Mastery -> A2 Foundation
Peak and Off-Peak groups follow the same Step Up English Pathway. Both use regular weekly contact, teacher guidance, progress checks and the Foundation to Mastery stage structure.
Availability depends on level, demand and open seats. Step Up confirms the recommended group after a trial class or level check.
LIMITED OFF-PEAK GROUPS
The Off-Peak English groups follow the same Step Up Accelerated English Pathway, with regular weekly contact, clear stages, teacher guidance and progress checks. These groups are designed for students who can study during selected morning or Friday schedules.
Off-Peak Only · Selected morning & Friday schedules · Not available for peak-time groups · Limited seats - first come, first served
Check off-peak availabilityA1-C1 or equivalent
2 hours per week
Small groups
Max 8 students
Morning and Friday schedules
First come, first served
Level check recommended
Seat confirmed after registration/payment
At the end of each stage, students complete an internal progress assessment. This helps confirm development and recommend the next step in the pathway.
Step Up certificates are internal school certificates. They recognise completion of the internal pathway and assessment, and can support CVs, workplace records, interviews or personal learning goals.
We start with a trial class or level check so the Step Up team can recommend the most suitable group, level and schedule.
Both follow the Step Up English Pathway. Off-Peak groups use selected morning or Friday schedules and places are limited.
Step Up certificates are internal school certificates. They recognise completion of stages and levels in our internal pathway, but they do not replace external official exams.
Yes. Adults can join the appropriate Fluency group after a level check, or ask about private support if their schedule or goal needs a more flexible option.