Estonia’s Race for the Cambridge English Exam

Growing demand for the Cambridge English exam in Estonia has put 11th-grade students in a difficult position: their access to state-funded examinations is now highly uncertain as early as next spring. According to Estonian media reports, priority will be given to 12th-grade students preparing to graduate from high school.

For the past seven years, the Estonian government has funded the internationally recognised Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced exam, which certifies English proficiency at C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

High school seniors have increasingly opted for this exam alongside Estonia’s state-funded B2-level English examination.

According to Marika Peekmann, an adviser at the Ministry of Education and Research, the total value of the programme contract over the seven years has reached approximately €2 million. Funding has been increased for the final round to allow as many students as possible to take the exam.

Next spring, state funding will cover the examination costs for 3,100 high school seniors, 900 more than originally planned.

Aspirations

At Mustamäe State High School in Tallinn, nearly 90% of graduating students took the Cambridge exam last year. Since 11th graders will only be able to register for any remaining places on a first-come, first-served basis, the school has decided not to send its 11th graders to take the exam this year.

According to English teacher Martin Arro, it remains unclear how many 11th graders will actually have the opportunity to take the exam if 12th graders are given priority.

He believes students should sit the exam only when they are adequately prepared, have completed the relevant curriculum and feel confident that their English skills meet the required standard.

Teachers voice their concerns

At Vinni-Pajusti High School in Lääne-Viru County, 19 students took a preliminary exam in early September without knowing that they might not be able to sit the actual examination.

The school only learned at an information session organised by the Education and Youth Board (Harno) in late October that graduating students would receive priority. The situation has caused frustration among teachers.

“We cannot simply tell students now that they will not be able to take the exam. Whatever happened to caring about students and acting in their best interests?” one of the school’s teachers said.

The Ministry stressed that students can still take the Cambridge exam privately, at a cost of several hundred euros, or opt for Estonia’s state B2-level English examination.