- English
- Romanian
- Serbian
- Bulgarian
- Russian
The highest Young Learners qualification—preparing your child for success with adult Cambridge exams
Cambridge English: Flyers, also known as Young Learners English (YLE) Flyers, is the highest of the three Cambridge English Young Learners tests for children aged 9-12. It represents a significant achievement and demonstrates that your child has developed solid English language skills.
Flyers is equivalent to A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and provides excellent preparation for the next step: Cambridge English Qualifications for teenagers and adults. Every child receives a certificate with shields—there is no pass or fail!
Demonstrates significant English language achievement
Perfect preparation for B1 Preliminary and higher Cambridge qualifications
Every child receives a certificate showing achievement with shields (1-5 per skill)
Recognized by schools and institutions worldwide
Tests practical English for everyday communication
Shows your child can handle basic English independently
Builds skills for academic English and future studies
At Flyers (A2) level, children will be able to:
Achievement milestone: Flyers represents a significant accomplishment in your child’s English learning journey!
Your child has come far in the Cambridge English Young Learners pathway:
The beginning — introducing basic English
The middle step — expanding skills and confidence
The final Young Learners level—achieving independence ⭐ You are here!
What’s next? After Flyers, your child is ready for B1 Preliminary or B1 Preliminary for Schools, the first adult-level Cambridge English qualification!
Understanding the Flyers test structure
Duration: 40 minutes
Parts: 7 parts / 44 questions
Content:
Tests reading comprehension and writing skills with more complex texts and creative tasks
Duration: 30 minutes
Parts: 5 parts / 25 questions
Content:
Listening to conversations, descriptions, and instructions at a natural pace
Duration: 7-9 minutes
Format: One-on-one with a friendly examiner
Parts:
Listening to conversations, descriptions, and instructions at a natural pace
Traditional format using paper, pencils, and crayons. Children complete all Reading & Writing tasks on paper and have hands-on interaction with materials.
Always face-to-face with a trained examiner experienced in working with children.
Digital (computer-based) format availability may vary by location. Please check with your test center.
There is no pass or fail for Young Learners Flyers. Every child who takes the exam receives a certificate showing what they can do in English. This positive, encouraging approach celebrates achievement and motivates continued learning.
Children receive 1 to 5 shields for each skill (Reading & Writing, Listening, Speaking). The shields indicate level of performance:
| Shield System | Description |
|---|---|
|
Excellent! Outstanding performance at A2 level |
|
|
Very good performance at Flyers level |
|
|
Good understanding of Flyers level |
|
|
Shows progress and developing A2 skills |
|
|
Still building skills at this level |
This helpful video explains how to understand your child’s Young Learners results and what they mean for their English learning journey.
Ready to progress to B1 Preliminary or B1 Preliminary for Schools!
Have achieved A2 level and can progress or consolidate skills
Benefit from additional practice at Flyers level before moving to B1
Important: Children achieving mostly 4-5 shields at Flyers level are well-prepared for B1 Preliminary for Schools, which is often required for secondary school applications and provides a recognized qualification for teenagers.
Remember: Every shield represents real achievement. Use the results to celebrate progress and plan the next steps in your child’s English learning journey.
Resources and tips to help your child succeed
Access comprehensive preparation materials from Cambridge Assessment English:
Complete preparation resources for the traditional paper-based test format.
Digital format preparation materials will be available soon. Check back for updates.
Interactive online sample tests will be available soon to help your child practice.
Recommended resources for Flyers level:
Engaging ways to practice English:
Recommended study approach:
At Flyers level, children should be using English more autonomously
Practice creating stories from picture sequences and writing creative narratives
Practice writing messages, short letters, and descriptive paragraphs
Encourage expressing opinions, giving reasons, and describing experiences
Expose them to real English through age-appropriate books, videos, and websites
Use English to explore topics your child is passionate about
If doing well, introduce some B1 Preliminary materials to prepare for transition
Celebrate this significant achievement in their English learning journey!
Help your child develop these important Flyers-level skills:
Understanding longer texts with varied vocabulary
Writing complete stories based on picture prompts
Creating and telling coherent stories from pictures
Stating preferences and giving reasons
Present, past, and future tenses in context
Using adjectives and adverbs to add detail
Understanding specific information in conversations
Congratulations on reaching the highest Young Learners level! Here’s what comes next:
Tip: Use Flyers results to identify any areas for extra practice before starting B1 preparation.
Complete your child’s Young Learners journey with Cambridge English Flyers
An internationally awarded exam centre delivering trusted examination services
