Immigration information last reviewed: 29 August 2026. ELS provides English-language and exam preparation, not immigration advice or official SELT testing. Requirements can change and depend on the application route and circumstances. Check current GOV.UK SELT guidance before booking an exam.
A1
Expert SELT Preparation · A1 CEFR · GESE Grade 2

A1 SELT — UK Family Visa

The English test required to join a partner or spouse in the United Kingdom

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CELTA
Qualified tutor
CELTA
Qualified tutor
£89
2-Hour Package
30+
Years Experience
SELT PREPARATION PRICES

Independent SELT preparation

A1 / A2 preparation package£89Complete package · 2 × 60-minute private lessons
B2 preparation package£159Complete package · 4 × 60-minute private lessons

Fixed package prices, not hourly rates. ELS does not administer official SELT exams. Official test fees are paid separately to an approved provider.

⚡ Applying for a family visa? Contact us to arrange preparation, and book the official test separately with an approved provider — visa deadlines can be tight.

The Test

What Is the A1 SELT?

A1 speaking and listening is commonly the minimum English requirement for a first UK family-partner application where the English-language requirement applies. Exemptions and route-specific rules exist, so verify the current GOV.UK requirement before booking.

At A1 level, the test assesses basic Speaking and Listening ability. You need to demonstrate that you can communicate in very simple, everyday situations. The test is conducted by an approved provider such as Trinity College London (GESE Grade 2).

The approved test provider will explain how your result or reference should be used. Follow the provider’s current instructions and the GOV.UK guidance for your application.

Skills Tested

🗣️
Speaking

A short, friendly conversation with a trained examiner on simple everyday topics — your name, family, daily routine and where you live.

🎧
Listening

Simple, short recordings at A1 level. You need to understand basic information such as names, numbers, times and simple instructions.

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Enquire About A1 SELT

We will confirm availability and pricing within one working day.

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Is This Test for You?

Who Needs an A1 SELT?

💑
Spouse visa applicants

Non-EEA nationals joining a British citizen or settled person in the UK as a spouse or civil partner

💍
Fiancé(e) visa applicants

Those planning to marry a British or settled person and live in the UK

👨‍👩‍👧
Partner visa applicants

Unmarried partners applying to enter the UK under the family route

🌍
Non-EEA nationals

Anyone from outside the European Economic Area who needs to prove basic English to enter the UK

Expert SELT Preparation — Prepare with ELS, Test with an Approved Provider
Expert SELT Preparation

Prepare with ELS. Test with an Approved Provider.

Prepare with Elite Language Solutions, then book and take the official A1 SELT separately with a Home Office-approved provider. ELS provides preparation only and does not administer the official test.

Book Your Place
Your Preparation Course

What's Included

  • 4-hour focused preparation course (face-to-face or online)
  • Speaking practice on A1 topic areas with a qualified tutor
  • Listening practice with A1-level recordings
  • Guidance on what the examiner expects
  • Mock speaking session with feedback
£89
Complete 2-hour preparation package
£89
Complete preparation package · official test booked separately
Why Choose ELS

Our Promise to You

Exam-Focused Preparation

Our preparation is targeted, structured and focused on the skills and task types relevant to the SELT you book. Results depend on your English level, preparation and performance on test day.

Expert SELT Preparation

We provide expert, focused preparation for your Home Office-approved SELT exam, so you walk in fully ready and confident.

Expert Tutors

CELTA-qualified teachers with 30+ years of experience and experience preparing learners for SELT communication tasks and published assessment criteria.

Face-to-Face or Online

All preparation available in person or via live video call — wherever you are in the world.

All SELT Levels

Not Sure Which Level You Need?

Contact us and we will advise you on exactly which SELT level your visa application requires.

Verify Your Level, Then Prepare
Original ELS Practice Lab

A1 Speaking & Language Practice

Train the underlying English skills — not a memorised script. At A1, aim for short, clear answers about familiar personal information and everyday life.

Important: These are original ELS training activities, not real or leaked exam questions. Approved providers use their own formats. Match your preparation to the exact test you book.

Interactive A1 language check

Answer these questions first. They test language that supports stronger spoken responses.

Speaking missions

Do each task aloud. Give yourself 60 seconds. The goal is spontaneous communication, not perfect memorisation.

A1 speaking mission

About you

Tell me your full name. Where do you live? Who do you live with?

A1 speaking mission

Daily routine

What time do you get up? What do you do in the morning?

A1 speaking mission

Home

Tell me about your home. How many rooms are there? What is your favourite room?

A1 speaking mission

Free time

What do you do at the weekend? Who do you spend time with?

Self-score your speaking

Relevance
Did I answer the actual question?
Range
Did I use enough vocabulary and grammar for A1?
Development
Did I add reasons, details or examples?
Clarity
Could another person understand me easily?

Do it twice: record attempt one, identify one weakness, then repeat the same mission more naturally. That second attempt is where improvement happens.

Want a teacher to score your real speaking?

Use the free SELT assessment to identify your current level, weak points and the preparation you actually need.

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