Exam Preparation

Preparing for the main English examinations

Meridian offer students the opportunity for any of the main English language exams IELTS and the Cambridge Suite (FCE, CAE, CPE). With the full support of teachers, practice exams are held and techniques to improve outcomes are explored. 

Course hours 21-25

Tuition fees £200-299

Class size 15

Beginners accepted? No

Course Length 1-2 weeks, 3-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks

Age group 12-16, 16-18, 18-22, 23+

Months Open All year round

 

General English Course with Exam preparations

This program offers students the opportunity to study General English in the morning (15 hours per week) and undergo Exam Preparation in the afternoon for 8 hours per week for a total of 23 hours per week. 

Course hours 21-25

Tuition fees £200-299

Class size 15

Beginners accepted? Yes

Course Length 1-2 weeks, 3-8 weeks

Age group 16-18, 18-22, 23+

Months Open All year round

21-25
hour
courses

Beginning
any Monday
(except public holidays)

All
year
round

max 15
students
per class

What does the learning journey contain?

  • Study and practise the elements required in the exam syllabus
  • Take a ‘mock’ test using genuine material from exam papers
  • Discuss (on a 1-1 basis) student’s performance in the test, and your chances in the real exam
  • Develop and practise the techniques required in the exam
  • Provide extensive practice using exam material
  • Give every student a practice oral interview with written feedback

An outline of the expected benefits

  • Greatly increase chances of passing the exam first time
  • Loads of practice with real exam materials and improve overall understanding of English
  • Study with other students from a diverse range of backgrounds to help and encourage each other 
  • Gain and understanding of the exam syllabus for Cambridge Exams (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS 

Study with other students from a diverse range of backgrounds to help and encourage each other 

Minimum entry requirement for FCE class – B1 (Intermediate level).
Minimum entry requirement for CAE class – B2 (Upper Intermediate level)
Minimum entry requirement for CPE class – C1 (Advanced level)

Availability for taking the exam

There are test centres for Cambridge Suite exams available in Plymouth, exams can be booked through the Academic Department on arrival. Please check with Academic Department for availability of exam dates before booking this course.

One of the UK Visas and Immigration ‘Approved SELT IELTS Test Centres’ for visa purposes is located in Portsmouth, exams taken at this location must be booked via the British Council website.

FCE and CAE exams

Please note that for FCE and CAE there is an additional speaking exam that usually takes place a few days after the written exam. Dates are only available according to local test centres nearer the time. Students should be aware that they must book at least 1 week of accommodation after their written exam to ensure that they do not miss the speaking exam. 

Outside the classroom the learning continues

Exploring coastline towns and experiencing local culture means that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom.​