The Cambridge English requirement for Primary applicants

What changed

AEIS-Primary used to have its own English paper. It no longer does. MOE now requires Primary applicants to take a Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) test, run by Cambridge Assessment English, and to meet a minimum Cambridge English Scale (CES) score before they may apply for the AEIS Mathematics test.

Secondary applicants are unaffected. They sit an English paper on the AEIS test day and do not need a Cambridge result.

Which test, which score

The test and the threshold depend on the level your child is applying for. From the MOE checker for 2027 admission:

Check the age-band page to see which level applies to your child.

Timing rules that trip people up

• The result must be recent. MOE: the test must be taken "12 months before the submission month of the AEIS application. For the 2026 AEIS, your child must take the CEQ test from July 2025." For the 2027 AEIS, that means a test taken from July 2026 onward.
• The result must arrive before you apply. MOE's advice when booking: "check if the result will be released in time for your AEIS application." Paper-based results take longer than computer-based ones. Ask the centre.
• One result only. MOE will "only consider the set of CEQ test results that was submitted in your child's online application." You cannot submit a second, better score afterwards.
• Upload the statement of results, not the certificate. The application asks for the statement of results. MOE: "There is no need to submit the Cambridge English certificate."

Where to take it

Any Cambridge-authorised exam centre, in any country. The paper-based and computer-based versions both count. Cambridge's own site has the centre finder.

How this changes preparation

For Primary applicants, English preparation is Cambridge preparation: the A2 Key for Schools and B1 Preliminary for Schools formats (reading and writing, listening, speaking) are public and well documented, with official sample papers. The AEIS day itself is Mathematics only, so Mathematics practice in SEAB's paper format is where this site's Primary content concentrates.