A2 Flyers, formerly known as YLE Flyers, is the highest of three Cambridge English: Young Learners (YLE) exams. Designed for children between the ages of 9 and 12, this qualification shows that your child has reached a significant level in their language learning journey. It is the natural progression from A1 Movers (YLE) and serves as a bridge to higher level qualifications.
What is the Cambridge A2 Flyers exam?
The A2 Flyers exam is the third and final step in the Young Learners suite. It demonstrates that your child can understand simple English in everyday situations and communicate using basic language skills.
Note on Progression: Typically, candidates for the A2 Flyers exam have been learning English for two to three years and have completed approximately 250 hours of classes. This level is similar to the A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools (KET) qualification, providing a solid foundation for secondary school.
What skills will your child develop?
Preparing for the A2 Flyers level helps your child use English in more creative and descriptive ways. By reaching this level, your child will learn how to:
- Explain the differences between two stories or pictures in detail.
- Write or tell a short story in English using their own ideas.
- Ask questions and use the past tense to describe events that have already happened.
- Understand almost everything they read or hear in simple, everyday English.
A2 Flyers exam format and duration
The A2 Flyers exam is designed to be comprehensive yet accessible, ensuring children feel a sense of achievement. Check A2 Flyers current pricing, specific dates and more.
|
Listening |
Reading and writing |
Speaking |
|
25 min |
40 min |
7-9 min |
|
Maximum five shields |
Maximum five shields |
Maximum five shields |
In the Young Learners suite, there is no pass or fail. Every child is rewarded for their effort through a system of "shields" to maintain their enthusiasm for learning. Your child can get a maximum of five shields for each part of the exam. These results are shown on their certificate, which is typically awarded about one month after taking the exam. For more information on certificates, visit our Cambridge results page.
A2 Flyers preparation and support for parents
When you register for an exam with the British Council, you gain a partner invested in your child's future achievement. We provide exclusive professional resources to help them feel ready and focused for their highest English milestone:
- Official Sample Papers: Use official resources to help your child feel fully prepared and comfortable with the final step of the Young Learners journey.
- The Parents Guide: Check our expert guide to discover how to support your child as they transition toward more advanced English qualifications.