What Comes After Cambridge Flyers? Next Steps Guide 2026

Where Does Cambridge Flyers Sit on the CEFR Scale?

Cambridge Flyers corresponds to A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), described as "Basic User" level, with the ability to understand and communicate in familiar situations. It is a solid foundation, but A2 is still the beginning of a longer journey towards B2 (equivalent to First Certificate) and C1 (Advanced) at secondary and university level.

The Cambridge Pathway After Flyers

Exam	CEFR Level	Recommended Age	Step from Flyers
A2 Key for Schools (KET for Schools)	A2	11–14 years	Next exam-format step (same CEFR level)
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools)	B1	13–16 years	Next CEFR level; normally after A2 Key
B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools)	B2	15+ years	Secondary school target
C1 Advanced (CAE)	C1	17+ years	University or international study goal

How Does KET for Schools Differ from Flyers?

Criteria	Cambridge Flyers (A2 YLE)	A2 Key for Schools
CEFR Level	A2	A2
Exam duration	~75 minutes	~2 hours
Papers	3 papers	3 papers
Reading & Writing	7 parts, picture-supported	6 parts, longer texts
Scoring	Shields (1–15, no pass/fail)	Percentage; Pass / Merit / Distinction
Target age	6–12 years	11–14 years

When Is the Right Time to Take KET for Schools?

13–15 shields in Flyers → can begin KET preparation sooner
9–12 shields in Flyers → 6–9 months of consolidation recommended before moving to KET
Below 9 shields → consider retaking Flyers or consolidating the Flyers foundation first

A Suggested Progression Timeline

Stage	Exam	Cumulative Study Hours
Age 6–7	Starters (Pre-A1)	~100 hours
Age 8–9	Movers (A1)	~150 hours
Age 10–11	Flyers (A2)	~200 hours
Age 11–13	A2 Key for Schools	~300 hours
Age 13–15	B1 Preliminary for Schools	~450 hours
Age 15–17	B2 First for Schools	~600 hours

Maintaining the Flyers Foundation in the Gap Period

The period between completing Flyers and beginning KET preparation often lasts 6–12 months, time that can easily become a gap in practice if there is no regular revision. Flyers English helps children maintain and strengthen the vocabulary, grammar and listening skills built at Flyers level, so a strong foundation is in place when KET preparation begins at the centre.

Summary

Cambridge Flyers is a genuinely impressive achievement and the best foundation for progressing to A2 Key for Schools. The right next step depends on shields achieved, age, and your child's longer-term English goals. Talk to your child's teacher or centre about the optimal timing. In the meantime, maintain consistent daily practice so the strong foundation built for Flyers is not lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam comes after Cambridge Flyers?

The natural next step after Cambridge Flyers is A2 Key for Schools (also called KET for Schools). It sits at the same A2 level on the CEFR but uses longer texts and a more formal exam format, making it a smooth progression from the Flyers foundation.

What level is Cambridge Flyers on the CEFR scale?

Cambridge Flyers corresponds to A2 on the CEFR, described as Basic User level, where a child can understand and communicate in familiar everyday situations. It is a solid foundation, but still the early part of a longer journey towards B1, B2 and C1 at secondary and university level.

How is A2 Key for Schools different from Cambridge Flyers?

A2 Key for Schools runs about two hours compared with roughly 75 minutes for Flyers, and its Reading and Writing paper uses six parts with longer texts instead of seven picture-supported parts. It is also scored with percentages and grades of Pass, Merit or Distinction rather than the shields used in Flyers.

When is the right time to move from Flyers to KET for Schools?

A child who earned 13 to 15 shields in Flyers can usually begin KET for Schools preparation sooner, while 9 to 12 shields suggests about 6 to 9 months of consolidation first. With fewer than 9 shields, it is often better to retake Flyers or strengthen the Flyers foundation before moving on.

What is the full Cambridge pathway after Flyers?

After Flyers the Cambridge pathway moves to A2 Key for Schools, then B1 Preliminary for Schools, then B2 First for Schools, and finally C1 Advanced. The right step depends on a child's age, shields achieved, and longer-term English goals such as secondary school or international study.

How can my child keep up their English between Flyers and KET?

The gap between finishing Flyers and starting KET preparation often lasts 6 to 12 months, so regular daily practice is important to avoid losing progress. Flyers English helps children maintain and strengthen the vocabulary, grammar and listening skills built at Flyers level so they are ready when KET preparation begins.

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The complete list of 20 Cambridge A2 Flyers grammar structures, with examples for every item and tips for practising between class sessions.