At ELC Eastbourne we offer an in-depth course designed to prepare you for the examinations for the Cambridge B2 First qualification (previously called the Cambridge English: First, or FCE).
The Cambridge B2 First English was formerly known as Cambridge English: First, or FCE. A B2 First qualification demonstrates to potential employers and educational institutions that you possess the English language abilities to live and work in a country where the primary language is English, or take classes and study in courses that are provided in English.
B2 First is the third highest qualification on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale, and shows you are skilled enough in English to work and live independently in an English-speaking country or organisation.
At ELC Eastbourne we provide you with practical, comprehensive preparation for all aspects of the B2 First English examination.
* Minimum age: please see more information regarding levels of care and supervision for 16 and 17 year olds in international classes. We occasionally accept 15 year olds in international classes provided they are part of a group with a group leader.
Cambridge English Examination preparation courses at ELC Eastbourne are designed to improve your overall language ability in addition to developing the English language skills you need to pass the B2 First English exam.
The B2 exam preparation course includes:
In 2025 you may choose from:
| Dates | Duration | Intensity | Exam date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep – 28 Nov | 12 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 25 Nov |
In 2026 you may choose from:
| Dates | Duration | Intensity | Exam date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Jan – 14 Mar | 10 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 13 March |
| 23 Mar – 12 Jun | 12 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 09 June |
| 06 Jul – 31 Jul | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 30 July |
| 03 Aug – 28 Aug | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 27 Aug |
| 07 Sep – 27 Nov | 12 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 24 Nov |
The exam takes place in Brighton with all papers on the same day.
*Saturday exam. Please book accommodation accordingly.
If you are planning to study for 24 weeks or more, the B2 First English Exam Preparation Course can be taken as part of our Study Year Programme.
| Course options | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/30 lessons | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 |
| 25/30 lessons | 11:00–12:30 | 11.00-12:30 | 11:00–12:30 | 11.00-12:30 | 11:00–12:30 |
| 25/30 lessons | Lunch break | ||||
| 25/30 lessons | 13:30–14:30 | 13:30–14:25 | 13:30–14:25 | 13:30–14:25 | |
| 30 lessons | 14:35–15:30 | 14:30–15:30 | 14:35–15:30 | 14:35–15:30 | |
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If you are an international student, aged 16 years or over, and possess a CEFR level of B1 to CEFR C1+ then this might be the ideal course for you. It will help prepare you for Cambridge’s third-highest qualification and demonstrate your English language abilities.
Final exams are normally held in Brighton. All papers are taken on the same day. Please contact us for details.
We book the exam with the test centre about 5 or 6 weeks before the exam date so if you take the 4-week course, your should register for the exam before you start the course. If you are taking the 10 or 12-week courses you will have plenty of time to see how you are getting on and what is best.
London Gatwick airport is the nearest airport to Eastbourne, then London Heathrow airport. From Gatwick there are direct trains to Eastbourne (about 55 minutes). From Heathrow the train takes about 2 hours 35 minutes and you will have to go into central London. Alternatively we can arrange taxi transfers. These take about 60 minutes from Gatwick to your accommodation and 90-105 minutes from Heathrow.
We can organise a taxi for you and the price (2024) is £115 each way for Gatwick and £160 each way for Heathrow.
No it isn't. Please see our price list for the cost of the exam.
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Our language learning levels relate closely to how the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) define them, but with a difference which we have found to help our students at Elementary level.
| ELC level | Equivalent CEFR levels | |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | ||
| A1 | ||
| Upper A1 | Lower A2 | |
| A2 | ||
| B1 | ||
| B2 | ||
| C1 | ||
| C2 | ||
We offer an English level test which anyone can take. It involves 50 questions and, depending on your level, will probably take you from 10 to 20 minutes. At the end of it, we will tell you your probable level.
But when you book, we will ask you to take a more detailed and accurate test, to make sure that you start in the class which is best for you.
Before you go to another page, please let us know what you think about this First Certificate (B2 First) preparation course. Is it what you’re looking for? Did you want something slightly different? Tell us what you’re looking for and let’s see if we can help you out!