Access, Transfer & Progression (ATP)
Cork English Academy provides clear, transparent and supportive pathways for every learner — from how you join a course, to how you can move between levels or courses, to what comes after you finish studying with us. This page explains how that works, so every student knows exactly what to expect.
Access
Cork English Academy accepts students aged 18 and over. Before starting their course, all new learners complete an online placement test (grammar, reading and writing), followed by a telephone speaking test with a member of our Academic Team. On their first day, students attend an induction session where their placement results and CEFR level are explained, along with our attendance policy — students must maintain a minimum of 85% attendance to be eligible to renew their course. This ensures every student is placed fairly and consistently in the class that matches their ability.
- Levels offered: A1 (Elementary) to C2 (Proficient) — we do not offer A0 / absolute beginner classes.
- Placement test: sent as soon as you book, and must be completed the same week it’s received.
- IELTS Preparation: requires a minimum of B2 on the CEFR to enrol.
- Attendance: a minimum of 85% is required to be eligible to renew your course.
Transfer
Students can move between CEFR levels (A1–C2) as their English improves. Progress is reviewed through weekly assessments, and any level change is recommended by the teacher and approved by the Director of Studies. If a student needs to transfer to a different school, Cork English Academy provides a Learner Record (attendance, level and progress test results) and a Certificate of Attendance to support that transfer, along with guidance on CEFR equivalencies. For students on a study visa, Cork English Academy provides the documentation required for immigration compliance and ensures any transfer follows Irish immigration rules.
- Weekly progress tests are used as evidence for level transfer decisions.
- Level transfers are approved by the Director of Studies, and communicated directly to the student.
- Transferring schools: we provide a Learner Record and a Certificate of Attendance on request.
- Visa students: we ensure any transfer follows Irish immigration rules and provide the required documentation.
Progression
On completing a course at Cork English Academy, students have several pathways available to them: progressing to the next English level, moving into IELTS exam preparation, or extending their stay through our Renewal Course. All students receive an attendance and level certificate on completion. For students looking to progress into higher education, Cork English Academy has a partnership with Griffith College, who visit the school at regular intervals throughout the year to present their courses and offer guidance to students. Students also have access to our monthly Jobs Club, offering free CV and interview preparation, as well as guidance from the Director of Studies and teachers on academic next steps.
- Within CEA: progress to the next level, IELTS Preparation, or the Renewal Course.
- Higher education: supported by our partnership with Griffith College.
- Careers: free monthly Jobs Club workshops on CVs, interviews and recruitment platforms.
- On completion: every student receives an attendance and level certificate.
Ongoing Learning Support
Extra support available to every student throughout their course
Workshops
Remedial grammar & skills workshops, twice weekly
Materials
Self-study materials provided to every student
Reading
Graded readers available at reception
Online
Online resources to support independent study
Support Beyond Cork English Academy
Guidance for your next steps, academically and professionally
Griffith College Partnership
Griffith College visits CEA at regular intervals throughout the year to present their further and higher education courses and offer guidance to students considering the next step in their studies.
Monthly Jobs Club
Two free workshops per month helping students prepare their CV, practise interview techniques, and understand how to use recruitment websites.
Academic & Career Guidance
Students have access to the Director of Studies for academic advice, and ongoing guidance from teachers on progress and next steps.
Recognised Exam Preparation
Our IELTS Preparation course supports progression through widely accepted proficiency exams recognised by higher education institutions and employers.
Fair and Consistent for Every Student
These procedures apply equally to every learner at Cork English Academy, regardless of nationality or background. Our placement, transfer and progression decisions are based on clear, evidence-based criteria — weekly assessments, teacher feedback and Director of Studies approval — so every student is treated fairly and knows exactly where they stand.
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