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 academic, professional or Cambridge exam goals.
CEFR levels are used as an international reference for organising learning. Progress depends on attendance, participation, individual study and continuous assessment.
Beginner
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.
Elementary
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.
Intermediate
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.
Upper-Intermediate
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.
Advanced
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
Regular path
Accelerated path
Intensive path
Duration can vary according to starting level, attendance, age, goals and need for individual reinforcement.
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, but they do not replace official external exams such as Cambridge English Qualifications.
Cambridge exam preparation tuition
Step Up offers Cambridge exam preparation tuition for students who want to finish the school year with more confidence, stronger performance and a clear goal.
The programme follows the rhythm of school in Portugal, developing reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, exam technique and time management across the year.
Step Up provides Cambridge exam preparation tuition. Official exam registration and certification are completed through an authorised Cambridge exam centre. Step Up does not issue Cambridge certificates.
Recommended Step Up level: A2
For students with basic English foundations who are ready to prepare for their first structured Cambridge English exam.
Recommended Step Up level: B1
For students who can communicate in familiar situations and want to consolidate intermediate English for school, travel and everyday communication.
Recommended Step Up level: B2
For students aiming to demonstrate upper-intermediate English and communicate with more confidence in academic, social and international contexts.
Recommended Step Up level: C1
For advanced students preparing for demanding academic, professional or international goals where a high level of English is required.
Our Cambridge preparation can be planned around the Portuguese academic year, helping students build skills gradually and prepare with confidence before the main end-of-year exam period.
September / October
November / December
January / March
April / May
May / June
Exam readiness depends on the student's level, attendance, independent study and progress during the course. Step Up prepares students for Cambridge exams but does not guarantee exam results.
Step Up offers Cambridge exam preparation tuition. Registration for the official exam should be made through an authorised Cambridge exam centre, according to availability and calendar.
We begin with a level assessment and a conversation about the student's goals. Then we recommend the most suitable exam, such as A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First or C1 Advanced.
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, depending on the level and goal. For adults, we may recommend individual preparation, a small group or integration into the appropriate English pathway.
Book a level assessment or ask about Cambridge preparation before choosing a class.