Kids English Path: Pre-A1 to A2 (Starters to KET)

The ladder at a glance

FoundationsGrammar basics
StartersPre-A1 · ages 6–8
MoversA1 · ages 8–10
FlyersA2 · ages 9–12
A2 KeyA2 · ages 11+

Stage 1 · Foundations (before Starters)

If your child is new to English, start here: short grammar lessons written for children, plus first listening practice with very short dictations.

Grammar for Kids – 19 lessonsNouns, colours, can/can’t, there is/there are… one small topic per lesson, with pictures and instant-check exercises.Course hub
Primary Dictation (Grade 1–2)Your child listens and types a few words at a time – 23 short animal and nature stories that train listening and spelling together.Listening

Stage 2 · Pre-A1 Starters (ages 6–8)

The first Cambridge exam. Work through the tests in order; a child scoring 80%+ across a whole book is ready for the next one.

Starters hub – every test in one place27 Reading & Writing tests and 12 Listening tests in the real 2018 format, organised by book, plus a 12-week plan and parent FAQ.Level hub

Stage 3 · A1 Movers (ages 8–10)

Movers hub – 27 R&W + 27 Listening testsThe middle rung: longer texts, five-part listening. Includes 10 extra AE4U mock tests written in-house for more practice.Level hub

Stage 4 · A2 Flyers (ages 9–12)

Flyers hub – A2 in kid-sized stepsThe top of the young learners ladder. Same A2 grammar as A2 Key, tested with child-friendly topics.Level hub

Stage 5 · A2 Key for Schools (ages 11+)

The first “real” certificate exam. A confident Flyers child can move straight onto this.

A2 Key hub – 68 practice pagesReading & Writing and Listening tests from 7 books plus Extra and Complete KET sets, all marked instantly.Level hub
Alternative: TOEFL PrimaryIf your child’s school prefers the TOEFL family, the Primary and Step 2 materials cover the same age range.Optional branch

A week that works

Two short lesson days (20 min)

One Grammar for Kids lesson or one part of a practice test. Stop while it is still fun.

One listening day (15 min)

A Listening test part or a primary dictation. Headphones help children focus.

One test day every 2–3 weeks

A full Reading & Writing or Listening test in one sitting. Note the score; 80%+ twice in a row means move up.

Parent questions

What age should my child start?

Cambridge designed Starters for ages 6–8, but readiness matters more than age: if your child can read simple words in their own language, they can start Foundations now and Starters within a few months.

Does my child have to take the real exams?

No. Many families use the ladder purely as a structured curriculum. The real exams (booked through a Cambridge centre) are motivating milestones, but the levels are valuable either way.

How long does each level take?

Typically 6–12 months per level at 3–4 short sessions a week. Moving slowly through Movers is normal – it is the biggest jump on the ladder.

Are these real past papers?

No – they are original AllEnglish4U tests written in the official format (same parts, question counts and timing), so practice here transfers directly to the real exam.