Clear path to fast-track progress: Why choose assessment underpinned by the GSE

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Reading time: 4 minutes

At the beginning of every school year, we welcome new learners into our classrooms with the same core question: Where are our students now, and how far can we take them?

For English teachers, this reveals a huge challenge. In a single class, we might have one student at an A2 level, while others are solidly B1 or just entering A2+. Navigating such a wide range of abilities can feel overwhelming.

We¡¯ve all seen it: students can spend months (or even years) studying English and still feel like they haven¡¯t moved up a level. Teachers work incredibly hard, and students put in the effort, but progress feels intangible. Why is that? And more importantly, how can schools make it easier to see and support that progress?

In recent years, I have found a powerful ally in answering that question: the Global Scale of English (GSE). Backed by ɫèAV and aligned with the CEFR, the GSE offers more than just levels, it provides a clear, data-informed path to language growth. Most importantly, it gives teachers and school leaders the ability to set meaningful goals and measure real progress.

But, how is this useful at the beginning of the school year?

Starting with assessment

To get a clear picture from the start, assessment is essential; there¡¯s no doubt about it. However, it can't just be a punctuation mark at the end of a term or a requirement from administration. Used strategically, this first assessment can be the compass that guides instruction and curriculum decisions, empowering both teachers and students from day one. This is why choosing the correct assessment tools becomes fundamental.

The GSE difference: Precision, clarity, confidence

Unlike the broad bands of the CEFR, the GSE provides a granular scale from 10 to 90, breaking down each skill into precise learning objectives. This allows educators to monitor progress at a much closer level, often identifying improvements that would otherwise go unnoticed.

When learners see that their score has moved from 36 to 42, even if their overall CEFR level hasn¡¯t changed, they gain confidence. They recognize that learning is a continuous process rather than a series of steps. Teachers, in turn, are able to validate growth, provide clear evidence of learning and tailor instruction to the learner¡¯s current needs, not just their general level.

For example, two students might both be classified as "A2", but the GSE gives us a much clearer picture: a student with a GSE score of 35 is likely mastering simple sentences, while another student scoring 40 might already be comfortable writing simple stories and is ready to tackle B1-level tasks.

This isn't just data: it's a roadmap. It tells us exactly what to teach next, allowing us to differentiate with confidence instead of relying solely on gut feeling.

GSE tools that make it happen

ɫèAV offers a comprehensive range of GSE-aligned assessment tools that support different stages of the learning journey. Each tool plays a distinct role in placement, diagnosis, benchmarking or certification.

Here¡¯s a quick overview:

  • ɫèAV English Level Test: a fast, adaptive online test designed to determine a learner¡¯s CEFR level and GSE score. Ideal for placement at the beginning of the school year or for new enrollments. Results help with personalized planning and grouping.
  • Benchmark Test (Young Learners and General): a skills-based assessment that measures language skills. Administered mid- or end-of-year, it helps track real learner progress and informs goal setting. Scores are mapped to GSE and CEFR, with detailed skills feedback.
  • : a free online resource offering hundreds of learning objectives, grammar points and vocabulary items aligned to specific GSE scores. Teachers can plan lessons and evaluate progress with more precision.
  • ɫèAV English International Certificate (PEIC): a proficiency exam that focuses on real-life communication, aligned to both CEFR and GSE. Ideal as a high-stakes certification for graduate students.

Each of these tools is rooted in the same scalable framework, ensuring consistency across levels, age groups, and skills. Together, they form an integrated approach to assessment that is both data-informed and learner-centered.

Real impact in the classroom

  • Increased student motivation: When learners see their exact GSE score and understand how it connects to the skills they¡¯re building, they feel ownership. Instead of ¡°I¡¯m A2,¡± they can say ¡°I¡¯m at 40 and working towards 45.¡±
  • More focused feedback: Teachers can offer feedback tied to specific descriptors on the GSE Teacher Toolkit. This makes feedback more actionable and less abstract.
  • Greater confidence in differentiation: With GSE data in hand, planning for varied levels within the same classroom no longer feels overwhelming.

So, if you're in school leadership, now is the perfect time to reframe how your institution views assessment. It¡¯s not a box to check: it¡¯s a strategic tool for growth. The GSE helps teachers connect daily instruction to long-term development, and students become active participants in their own progress.

Let¡¯s keep making that progress visible for our students, our teachers and our schools.

Read our posts 'GSE Teacher Toolkit: Teaching mixed ability classes' and 'GSE Teacher Toolkit: Planning a communicative grammar lesson'.

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