At ELC Eastbourne we offer a Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam Preparation course, a comprehensive study programme designed to fully prepare you for this challenging examination.
The Cambridge C1 Advanced was previously called the CAE or Cambridge Advanced. The Cambridge C1 Advanced is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. C1 is a language level taken from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and is the second highest level in the scale.
At C1 level, you’ll be able to follow an academic course at university, communicate effectively in a work setting, and express yourself with a high level of fluency. The Cambridge C1 Advanced qualification is the internationally recognised proof that you are at this level of English.
Our C1 Advanced English Exam Preparation course provides complete and careful preparation for all aspects of the Cambridge Advanced 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 are designed to improve your overall language ability in addition to developing the English language skills you need to pass your C1 Advanced English exam.
The C1 Advanced exam preparation course includes:
In 2026 you may choose from:
| Dates | Duration | Intensity | Exam on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Jan – 13 Mar | 10 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | *14 Mar |
| 23 Mar – 12 Jun | 12 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 10 Jun |
| 06 Jul – 31 Jul | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 31 Jul |
| 03 Aug – 28 Aug | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 28 Aug |
| 07 Sept – 27 Nov | 12 weeks | 25/30 lessons per week | 25 Nov |
The exam takes place in Brighton with all papers on the same day.
*Saturday exam. Please book accommodation accordingly.
For the longer 10-week and 12-week courses you can choose 25 or 30 lessons per week (18.75 or 22.5 hours). If you have a suitable level and less time, the minimum stay is 4 weeks. for the 4-week courses in July and August, you will study 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week.
If you are planning to study for 24 weeks or more, the C1 Advanced 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 | 10:45–12:30 | 10:45–12:30 | 10:45–12:30 | 10:45–12:30 | 10:45–12:30 |
| 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 | |
|
|||||
If you are an international student, aged 16 years or over, and you already have a CEFR level between B2 and CEFR C1+, then this might be the ideal course for you.
The Cambridge Advanced exam might be required by your school or university or for a future employer, or you might just wish to take this exam to confirm your advanced level of English.
Final exams are normally held in Brighton in March, June, July, August and November. The test centre is International House Trust Assessment (IHTA).
Please note that in some cases the written exam is on the Saturday immediately after the course. All papers take place 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.
Our Exam preparation courses are arranged so that you can study leading up to an official exam date. Courses normally start on set dates for 4, 10 or 12 weeks. If you do not have the time to do a full 10- or 12-week course, the minimum stay is normally 4 weeks. If you are planning to study for longer it is also possible to combine different courses General English and Exam preparation. Please ask for more details.
Most homestays in Eastbourne are in walking distance, maximum 30 minutes. We also have some homestays that are a short bus journey, typically 15-20 minutes.
We can organise a taxi for you and the price (2026) is £130 each way for Gatwick and £190 each way for Heathrow.
No it isn't. Please see our price list for the cost of the exam.
Nervous about your English speaking exam? Wondering how you can get a good score? Worried about achieving the qualification you have dreamed about? To help you, we…
ELC Brighton’s Assistant Academic Director gives her advice on how best to prepare for your Cambridge First, Advanced or Proficiency exam preparation course.
Prepare for your IELTS exam in Eastbourne on this 4-week programme.
The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Exam Preparation course at ELC Eastbourne will get you in top shape for this exam.
Boost your students' English with tailored, closed-group ministays in the UK for ages 13+. ELC offers immersive language and cultural programmes in Brighton,…
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.
The Cambridge C1 Advanced English exam is tough for sure, so we want to feel as confident as possible about taking the exam. Do you have any concerns or worries we can help you with? Do you need some personal advice on whether you’re ready to take this exam before you book?
Whatever your worries, we’re here to help - before you book, once you arrive in the UK, and throughout your course and beyond. What is on your mind right now?