Junior, Senior and the English levels at the tutoring center - What does each one mean?
If you are a parent and looking for English tutoring in Orestiada, you have surely heard terms like Pre-Junior, Junior, Senior, Lower, and Proficiency. At The English School we believe that every parent should know what each of these levels means, how long they last, and what skills the child acquires at each stage.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the English levels for children, so you can understand exactly where your child is or where they will enter and how they will progress to Proficiency.
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Before we explain the levels of the tutoring center, you should know that everything is based on Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is the international system used throughout Europe for assessing language skills.
The CEFR divides language knowledge into 6 levels:
All levels of the tutoring center (Pre-Junior, Junior, Senior, Lower, Proficiency) correspond to these international categories. At the end of the article, you will see a complete correspondence table.
Pre-Junior: The first contact with English
The Pre-Junior is the preparatory level for kindergarten or 1st and 2nd grade. At this age, the goal is not to learn grammar, but to familiarize the child with the language through play, songs, and interactive activities.
What does the child learn in Pre-Junior?
- Alphabet and sounds
- Basic vocabulary (colors, numbers, animals, family)
- Simple greeting and self-introduction expressions
- Letter recognition and first contact with writing
Junior A & B: The solid foundation of English
The classes Junior is the starting point for most of our students. At this stage, children acquire the linguistic background that will accompany them throughout their journey.
Junior A (3rd grade)
At Junior A, the child:
- Learns basic grammar (Present Simple, verb tenses be and have)
- Is taught simple everyday vocabulary
- Forms simple sentences and dialogues
- Begins reading and writing
Junior B (4th grade)
At Junior B, the knowledge is enriched:
- More complex tenses are introduced (Present Continuous, Past Simple)
- The vocabulary doubles
- Students write short texts (descriptions, messages)
- The most extensive oral communication begins
Senior A, B, C, D: The complex linguistic thinking
The classes Senior covering the middle grades of Primary School and the beginning of Junior High School. At this stage, the child is not just learning words and rules - it builds language thinking in English.
Senior A (5th Grade)
All the basic tenses (Present Perfect, Past Continuous) are introduced here, questions become more complex, and the student begins to write paragraphs.
Senior B (6th Grade)
Future tenses (Future Simple, Going to), the comparison of adjectives, and modal verbs are taught. Vocabulary is enriched with more complex topics (environment, travel, technology).
Senior C (1st Year of Junior High)
Serious preparation for the first exams begins here. Students learn to write essays, summarize texts, and argue.
Senior D (2nd Year of Junior High)
At Senior D, the student is ready for the first major diploma: the B2 First (Lower). The syllabus focuses on exam preparation and practice in all skills (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, Use of English).
Lower (B2 First): The first major success
The Lower (officially B2 First Certificate from Cambridge or ECCE from Michigan) is the first internationally recognized diploma that the student obtains. It corresponds to level B2 of the CEFR and is considered "good knowledge" of the English language.
What does the Lower prove?
The student can:
- Understand texts in newspapers, magazines, and simple literary works
- Watch movies, series, and news in English
- Write texts of 150-200 words with clear argumentation
- Participate in discussions on everyday and broader topics
Proficiency (C2): The highest degree
The Proficiency (officially C2 Proficiency from Cambridge or ECPE from Michigan) is the highest international English diploma. It corresponds to level C2 of the CEFR and certifies "excellent knowledge" of the language.
Why is the Proficiency worth it?
- Professional value: recognized worldwide, significantly increases career opportunities
- Academic access: often required for studies at international universities
- Lifelong: has permanent validity, does not expire
- ASEP and public sector: maximum scoring for language proficiency
At The English School, our goal is for students to reach Proficiency by the end of the 1st year of high school, thus leaving time for high school subjects and preparation for the Panhellenic exams without pressure from English.
Consolidated English Levels Table
In the table below, you can see all the levels of the tutoring center with their correspondence to the CEFR and the international certificates:
| Level | Class | CEFR | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Junior | Kindergarten - 2nd Grade | - | - |
| Junior A | 3rd Grade | A1 | Cambridge Starters |
| Junior B | 4th Grade | A1-A2 | Cambridge Movers |
| Senior A | 5th Grade | A2 | Cambridge Flyers / KET |
| Senior B | 6th Grade | A2-B1 | Cambridge KET |
| Senior C | 1st Gymnasium | B1 | Cambridge PET / NOCN B1 |
| Senior D / Lower | 2nd Gymnasium | B2 | Cambridge B2 First / Michigan ECCE |
| Advanced | 3rd Gymnasium - 1st Lyceum | C1 | Cambridge C1 Advanced |
| Proficiency | 1st Lyceum | C2 | Cambridge CPE / Michigan ECPE |
Why gradual progression is important
In a good English tutoring center in Orestiada, the transition from level to level does not happen mechanically. Each stage is built upon the previous one, aiming for the children to have solid knowledge, not just diplomas.
At The English School, we place special emphasis on:
- Small class sizes so that the teacher can promptly identify each student's difficulties
- Modern methods of teaching with authentic material and interactive activities
- Systematic assessment and updating parents on progress
- Preparation for exams without stress, with simulations of real conditions
If you want to learn more about the English for Children and Teenagers in Orestiada or for the preparation for English exams, you can view our programs in detail or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions about English Levels
At what level will my child be placed?
The level is determined by age, previous knowledge, and the learning pace of each child. At The English School, we conduct individual assessments before enrollment to place the student in the right class, ensuring the appropriate challenge without causing stress. If necessary, they may be moved to another class during the year.
How many years does it take from Pre-Junior to Proficiency?
The smooth progression from Pre-Junior to Proficiency C2 usually takes 8-10 years. Our goal is for students to take the B2 (Lower) exams by the latest in the 2nd year of Junior High School and to reach level C2 by the 1st year of High School, leaving time for High School and the Panhellenic exams without pressure.
What is the difference between Junior A and Junior B?
Junior A is the initial level for children in the 3rd grade of elementary school, where basic grammar, the alphabet, numbers, and simple vocabulary are taught. Junior B is the continuation in the 4th grade, where vocabulary is enriched, more complex tenses are introduced, and students begin to form more extensive sentences and dialogues.
Can a child skip levels?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to skip levels. If a child has been exposed to English outside of the tutoring center (from family, travel, or living abroad) and it is proven during the assessment that they possess a higher level, they can be placed directly in an advanced class. We evaluate each case individually.
When is the Lower (B2 First) and when is the Proficiency (C2)?
The Lower (B2 First Certificate from Cambridge or ECCE from Michigan) corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework and is considered 'good knowledge' of English. The Proficiency (C2 from Cambridge or ECPE from Michigan) corresponds to level C2 and is the highest certificate, indicating 'excellent knowledge' and equivalent to the ability of a native speaker.
What happens after the Proficiency?
After Proficiency C2, students can choose specialized programs such as IELTS Academic for studies abroad, Business English for professional use, or Special English Course for the Panhellenic exams. Proficiency is the starting point, not the end of learning.
Ready for the next step?
At The English School, the English Tutoring Center and Foreign Language Center in Orestiada, we assess your child's level and recommend the ideal program.