How WSKVW uses Cambridge Linguaskill to close the certification gap for EFZ students.
With the KV reform, many commercial apprenticeship graduates now leave school without a clearly defined English level on their school reports. While performance is documented across vocational competence areas, employers no longer see a transparent language benchmark. As a result, capable students may enter the job market without clear proof of their English competence.
The Wirtschaftsschule KV Winterthur (WSKVW) has taken a proactive step to address this by integrating Cambridge Linguaskill as a flexible certification pathway for its students.
Expanding certification opportunities beyond FCE and CAE
At WSKVW, motivated students continue to prepare for Cambridge First (B2) or Cambridge Advanced (C1) through optional and elective courses. At the same time, many EFZ learners benefit from a certification option that fits more flexibly into their apprenticeship structure.
With the new school reports no longer showing a clear English level, it has become increasingly important to offer students an additional way to make their language competence visible. Cambridge Linguaskill provides this through a transparent CEFR-level result, without requiring long-term exam-focused preparation.
_“Many of our EFZ students are really strong in English - often it is their best subject. But potential employers cannot see this because there is no English grade in the new school reports,” explains Dr. Senata Bauer, head of the English department at WSKVW. __“
By offering Cambridge Linguaskill, EFZ learners can document their language competence with an internationally recognised benchmark, including a Business version reflecting real workplace communication and serving as a modern alternative to the former BEC exams. This strengthens students’ application profiles and supports their employability.
Cambridge First and Advanced remain key qualifications for students pursuing those pathways, while Cambridge Linguaskill offers a flexible additional option that integrates well into competence-based programmes.
Why WSKVW chose Cambridge Linguaskill
WSKVW selected Cambridge Linguaskill because its adaptive format and modular structure suit different student profiles while still providing transparent CEFR-level outcomes.
_“We chose Cambridge Linguaskill because it is adaptive. It works for all levels of English proficiency, and every student receives a certificate showing their individual level,” explains Dr. Bauer. _
The test can be taken across multiple skills to provide a broad snapshot of English proficiency, while the modular design allows schools to focus on individual skills where appropriate. Results are reported per skill area, giving students clear CEFR-level outcomes in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and enabling targeted feedback.
Positive feedback from teachers
Although WSKVW is only starting with Cambridge Linguaskill this academic year, feedback from the English teaching team has been positive. Teachers appreciate that Linguaskill supports competence-based teaching without requiring extensive “teaching to the test”.
_“Our teachers value that students can obtain a recognised language certificate without major additional exam preparation,” Dr. Bauer adds. _
Why this model matters for other KV schools
The situation at WSKVW reflects a wider development following the KV reform. In a competence-based system, transparent external benchmarks are becoming increasingly important.
By integrating Cambridge Linguaskill, KV schools can:
- Provide clear CEFR-level certification alongside the new report structure
- Strengthen students’ employability and application profiles
- Offer flexible certification without curriculum changes
- Complement existing Cambridge pathways such as FCE and CAE” Dr. Bauer summarises.
_“We are all facing similar challenges,” Dr. Bauer summarises. _
How Swiss Exams supports schools
Swiss Exams supports vocational schools with Cambridge Linguaskill implementation through:
- Centre-based exam delivery across Switzerland
- School onboarding and teacher information webinars
- Guidance on official Cambridge preparation resources
- Full administrative exam management
- Implementation guidance and ongoing support for schools
Interested in exploring Cambridge Linguaskill for your school? Contact Swiss Exams to discuss implementation options.