ESOL – SCQF Aligned English Language Qualification (A1–C2)
A structured ESOL pathway mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) from A1 to C2 and presented using an SCQF-aligned approach to support transparency of level and learning time for learners, centres, employers, and progression planning.
Purpose and Scope
This ESOL specification supports learners who are not native speakers of English to develop and demonstrate competence across the four core language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Assessment Coverage
- All levels assess the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Assessment time is included within Total Qualification Time (TQT).
- Results may be reported as: Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction.
About SCQF Alignment
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is Scotland’s national framework for learning. It uses levels and credit values to help communicate the level and volume of learning.
In this specification, ESOL levels are mapped to CEFR (A1–C2) to support international comparability, while the presentation of learning time (GLH/SS/TAT/TQT) supports clear planning and progression.
| Level | CEFR | GLH | SS | TAT | TQT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | CEFR A1 | 250 | 52 | 2 | 304 |
| A2 | CEFR A2 | 250 | 52 | 2 | 304 |
| B1 | CEFR B1 | 200 | 50 | 6 | 256 |
| B2 | CEFR B2 | 200 | 50 | 6 | 256 |
| C1 | CEFR C1 | 250 | 70 | 7 | 327 |
| C2 | CEFR C2 | 250 | 70 | 7 | 327 |
ESOL A1 (CEFR A1) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to meet concrete needs.
What competence looks like
- Introduce self, ask/answer simple personal questions (name, nationality, address, routine).
- Follow short, clear instructions and recognise basic signs/announcements.
- Write short messages: forms, simple sentences, basic emails/texts.
Assessment focus
- High-frequency vocabulary, core grammar (present simple, basic questions, pronouns).
- Short listening/reading texts; controlled speaking tasks and simple writing output.
Typical uses
- Foundation for beginner programmes, basic workplace communication, early integration needs.
ESOL A2 (CEFR A2) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.
What competence looks like
- Handle everyday transactions (shopping, travel, appointments) using simple language.
- Understand short messages and announcements when spoken clearly.
- Write short notes and simple descriptions of daily routines and needs.
Assessment focus
- Functional language for daily life; past simple introduction; basic connectors (and/but/because).
- Listening/reading for gist and key details; short guided writing tasks.
Typical uses
- Entry support for routine work roles; preparation for moving into B1 independent use.
ESOL B1 (CEFR B1) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and deal with most situations while travelling.
What competence looks like
- Participate in conversations on work, study, leisure; express opinions simply with reasons.
- Understand routine workplace instructions and longer everyday texts.
- Write connected text: emails, narratives, short reports with basic structure.
Assessment focus
- Reading for main ideas and supporting details; listening for gist and specific information.
- Speaking tasks require interaction and simple justification; writing requires paragraphing and cohesion.
Typical uses
- Independent user for general workplace/study contexts; bridge to B2 for higher fluency and accuracy.
ESOL B2 (CEFR B2) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
What competence looks like
- Discuss abstract topics with structured arguments; compare options and evaluate advantages/disadvantages.
- Understand extended speech and complex texts with some idiomatic language.
- Write essays, reports, and professional emails with clear organisation and appropriate register.
Assessment focus
- Higher-order reading (inference, writer purpose, tone); listening for detail in longer inputs.
- Speaking requires sustained turns and interactive discussion; writing requires coherence, range, accuracy.
Typical uses
- Common benchmark for professional communication and many academic entry requirements.
ESOL C1 (CEFR C1) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes; can produce clear, well-structured text.
What competence looks like
- Understand implied meaning, nuance, and complex argumentation in spoken and written texts.
- Speak fluently with controlled organisation, emphasising key points and responding to challenge.
- Write structured academic/professional texts using appropriate style, referencing and tone.
Assessment focus
- Complex reading/listening (stance, bias, inference); advanced discourse markers and cohesion.
- Speaking requires sustained, organised delivery; writing requires precision, register control, structure.
Typical uses
- Advanced workplace roles; higher education study contexts with strong reading/writing demands.
ESOL C2 (CEFR C2) — Level Analysis
Descriptor
Can understand virtually everything heard or read and express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely.
What competence looks like
- Synthesise information from multiple sources, reconstruct arguments, and present them coherently.
- Use idiomatic language appropriately; adapt register with strong precision and rhetorical control.
- Produce sophisticated written work: reports, analytical essays, professional documentation.
Assessment focus
- High-level comprehension (subtle meaning, tone, implication); synthesis and evaluation tasks.
- Speaking emphasises precision and spontaneity; writing emphasises advanced structure, argument, and style.
Typical uses
- Highest proficiency benchmark for academic, professional leadership, and advanced communication contexts.
Enquiries and Centre Support
For delivery options, learner registration guidance, or centre partnership enquiries, contact Estudyquals.