How Many Levels of Cheerleading Are There?

There are generally seven recognised levels of cheerleading, running from Level 1 through to Level 7. Level 1 is the first competitive level, while Level 7 is usually the highest and most advanced level used in elite, open or international cheerleading pathways.

For most beginners, especially children starting cheerleading for the first time, the level system is not something they need to worry about straight away. A new cheerleader will usually start in a beginner, recreational or age-appropriate class before moving towards a competitive team if and when they are ready.

In the UK, cheerleading levels can also depend on the competition provider, age division, team type and rules system being used. That means not every event will offer every level, and not every child will follow the same route. The most important thing is that athletes train at a level that keeps them safe, supported and able to progress with confidence.

What do cheerleading levels actually mean?

Cheerleading levels are mainly used to control the difficulty of the skills a team can perform in a routine. These skills can include stunts, tumble, pyramids, tosses, dismounts, jumps, dance and transitions. The higher the level, the more advanced the permitted skills tend to be.

For parents, the most useful thing to know is that cheerleading levels are there to support safe progression. They are not there to label children or decide who is “good” and who is not. A Level 1 athlete can still be strong, committed and confident. The level simply reflects the type of routine and skill rules the team is working with.

A team’s level is not always the same as an individual athlete’s ability. For example, a child may have strong tumble skills but still need more time to develop stunting, timing or routine confidence. Coaches look at the whole athlete, the team structure and what is safest before deciding where someone fits.

Are cheerleading levels the same in the UK?

Cheerleading levels are used in the UK, but the exact divisions available can vary from competition to competition. Teams may be grouped by age, team size, level, experience and competition pathway. Some events may offer novice, prep, elite, international or open divisions, while others may structure things slightly differently.

This is why it is better to think of levels as a framework rather than a fixed promise that every athlete will move from Level 1 to Level 7 in a straight line. In real cheerleading programmes, progression depends on age, confidence, skill development, attendance, safety and team availability.

For beginners, this is actually reassuring. Your child does not need to know their level before they start cheerleading. They only need the right starting point, supportive coaching and a class that matches their current confidence and experience.

Cheerleading levels explained from Level 1 to Level 7

The table below gives a simple overview of how cheerleading levels usually progress. Exact skills can vary depending on the rules system and competition provider, so this should be seen as a parent-friendly guide rather than a technical rulebook.

Cheerleading Level	Simple Meaning	What Athletes Are Usually Working Towards
Level 1	First competitive level	Basic tumbling, simple stunts, motions, jumps and routine confidence
Level 2	Early intermediate	More connected skills, stronger technique and increased stunt difficulty
Level 3	Intermediate	More advanced tumbling progressions, sharper timing and harder stunt sequences
Level 4	Advanced	Higher difficulty stunts, stronger tumble work and more complex routines
Level 4.2	Mixed skill category	Level 4 stunt difficulty with Level 2 tumbling difficulty
Level 5	Elite	Advanced stunts, tumble skills, transitions and performance detail
Level 6	Senior or open advanced	High-level team routines with demanding stunt and tumble work
Level 7	Highest level	The most advanced international or open cheerleading level

The main thing to remember is that each level builds on the one before it. Athletes should develop safe technique, confidence, and consistency before moving on to more advanced skills. Rushing levels can hold athletes back because they may not have the strength, control or understanding needed to perform safely.

What is Level 1 cheerleading?

Level 1 is the first competitive level in cheerleading. It is often where newer competitive athletes begin, but that does not mean it is easy. A strong Level 1 routine still needs timing, confidence, clean motions, safe stunts, good listening and teamwork.

At this level, athletes are usually building foundations. They may work on basic tumble shapes, jumps, simple stunt skills, formations and routine confidence. These skills teach athletes how to perform as part of a team and how to move safely before more advanced skills are introduced.

For children moving from recreational cheer into a competitive pathway, Level 1 can be a positive first step. It allows them to experience team training and performance goals without being pushed too quickly into harder stunts or tumble skills.

What is Level 2 cheerleading?

Level 2 usually builds on the foundations learned at Level 1. Athletes may begin working towards more connected movement, stronger tumbling progressions, sharper timing and slightly more demanding stunt work.

This stage is often about control. Athletes need to show they can use their body safely, listen to corrections and perform skills more consistently. They may also need to improve their strength, balance, and awareness as the routine becomes more detailed.

For children, Level 2 can be an exciting stage because they start to feel the progression more clearly. They may notice that they are becoming stronger, more coordinated and more confident in a team setting.

What is Level 3 cheerleading?

Level 3 is usually seen as an intermediate cheerleading level. At this stage, athletes are expected to have stronger foundations and greater consistency in their movement, stunts, tumbling, and performance.

Routines at this level may include more advanced tumbling progressions, more connected stunt sequences and faster transitions. Athletes need to remember their sections, stay focused and understand how their role affects the whole team.

This is where teamwork becomes even more important. A Level 3 athlete is not just learning individual skills. They are learning how to perform with others, stay in time, respond to corrections and contribute to a routine that depends on everyone working together.

What is Level 4 cheerleading?

Level 4 is an advanced cheerleading level. Athletes at this stage are usually working with higher levels of difficulty, stronger tumble work, more complex stunts and routines that need greater control and confidence.

The expectations are higher because the skills can be more demanding. Athletes need good body awareness, strength, timing and consistency. They also need to demonstrate they can perform safely under pressure, especially as routines become faster and more detailed.

For parents, it is important to understand that reaching a higher level should never be rushed. Safe technique matters more than moving up quickly. A child who builds strong foundations is more likely to enjoy long-term progression and feel confident as the sport becomes more challenging.

What is Level 4.2 cheerleading?

Level 4.2 is a special category used in some cheerleading systems. In simple terms, it usually means a team can perform Level 4 stunt skills while keeping tumbling difficulty closer to Level 2.

This category exists because athletes and teams do not always progress in every area at the same speed. A team may be strong in stunting but still be developing more advanced tumble skills. Level 4.2 can provide those athletes with a more suitable place to compete without forcing every part of the routine to the same difficulty level.

Not every competition will offer Level 4.2, and rules can vary, but it is useful for parents to know that cheerleading progression is not always a straight line. Different athletes have different strengths, and good coaching recognises that.

What is Level 5 cheerleading?

Level 5 is an elite cheerleading level. Athletes at this stage are usually experienced, confident and used to structured training. Routines may include advanced stunts, tumbling skills, transitions, and performance details.

By Level 5, athletes normally need strong foundations across several areas of cheerleading. It is not only about performing impressive skills. It is also about consistency, control, discipline and the ability to work as part of a committed team.

For most beginners, Level 5 is not a starting point. It is at the higher end of the progression pathway and is usually reached after years of training, practice, and experience.

What is Level 6 cheerleading?

Level 6 is a high-level cheerleading division often linked to senior, open or international-style pathways, depending on the competition system. It involves demanding routines and a strong level of team commitment.

Athletes at this level are usually confident in advanced training environments. They need to understand their roles, support their teammates and perform with strong timing and control. The physical and mental demands are higher, so preparation matters.

This level is not something a new cheerleader needs to think about straight away. It simply shows how far cheerleading can progress for athletes who continue training and want to move into more advanced competitive routes.

What is Level 7 cheerleading?

Level 7 is generally considered the highest level of cheerleading. It is usually linked to elite, open or international divisions and includes the most advanced end of the sport.

Athletes at this level are highly experienced and need exceptional strength, control, confidence and team consistency. The skills are demanding, and the routines require strong trust between teammates.

For children or beginners just starting cheerleading, Level 7 is not a concern. It is helpful to understand that it exists, but the focus should always be on the right next step, not the highest possible level. Cheerleading progression should happen safely and gradually.

Is Level 1 cheerleading only for beginners?

Level 1 is the first competitive level, but it is not only about being a beginner. A Level 1 team still needs commitment, technique and teamwork. A clean, confident Level 1 routine can be exciting to watch and rewarding to perform.

The difference is that the permitted skills are better suited to athletes at that stage. Level 1 helps athletes learn how competitive routines work while keeping the difficulty appropriate.

This is an important point for parents. Lower levels are not less valuable. They help athletes build the habits, confidence, and technique they need to move forward.

What is the difference between recreational cheer, novice, prep and elite?

Not every cheerleading class is part of the Level 1 to Level 7 competitive system. Some children start in recreational cheer before joining a team, while others may move into novice, prep, or elite pathways depending on their age, confidence, and experience.

Pathway	What It Means	Who It Usually Suits
Recreational cheer	A fun, lower-pressure way to learn cheer skills	Beginners or children trying cheer for the first time
Novice cheer	An entry-level competition route with more restrictions	Athletes new to competing
Prep cheer	A stepping stone between beginner and fuller competitive pathways	Athletes building confidence and consistency
Elite cheer	A more committed competitive route	Athletes who are ready for higher expectations and regular training

Recreational cheer is usually the most relaxed starting point, while elite pathways involve more structured training and higher expectations.

What level would a beginner cheerleader start at?

Most beginner cheerleaders do not start by choosing a level. They usually start in a recreational class, a beginner session, a development class, or an age-appropriate team. The coach can then guide progression when the athlete is ready.

For a child, the first question is not “what level am I?” It is “which class will help me learn safely, build confidence and enjoy cheerleading?” That is why recreational cheer is often a good starting point. It introduces children to cheer skills without the pressure of competitions or team placement.

Younger children may also benefit from early years movement before starting formal cheer. Our pre-school classes give children a supportive way to build confidence, coordination and body awareness before moving into more structured activities.

Does your child need gymnastics or tumbling experience to start cheerleading?

No, your child does not need gymnastics or tumbling experience to start cheerleading. Beginner cheer classes should teach athletes from their current starting point, whether they have done gymnastics before or not.

That said, gymnastics can support cheerleading progression by improving body control, balance, strength, flexibility, and tumble confidence. Dance can also support timing, rhythm and performance skills. Cheerleading brings these areas together with teamwork, stunts and routine work.

If your child wants to build strength, coordination, or tumbling foundations alongside cheer, our gymnastics classes in Middlesbrough can support that development in a structured setting.

How do athletes move up cheerleading levels?

Athletes move up cheerleading levels when they have the right mix of skill, confidence, consistency and safety. Progression should not be based on rushing or comparing one child with another. It should be based on whether the athlete is ready for the demands of the next level.

Athletes may be ready to progress when they show:

• Safe technique and control

• Consistent attendance and effort

• Confidence with current skills

• Good listening and teamwork

• Strength, flexibility and body awareness

• The ability to remember routines and apply corrections

Moving up too quickly is not always the best approach. A child who spends time building strong foundations may progress more confidently in the long run. Cheerleading depends on trust, timing and safety, so coaches need to be sure athletes are ready before increasing difficulty.

Are cheerleading levels only for children?

No. Cheerleading levels are mostly used for competitive divisions, but cheerleading itself is not only for children. Adults can start cheerleading too, and they do not need to know their level before joining a beginner-friendly session.

Adult cheer can be a supportive way to build fitness, confidence, coordination and social connection. For many adults, the focus is not on the competition level at all. It is about trying something active, learning new skills and being part of a positive group environment.

If you are an adult who wants to try cheer in a friendly setting, our adult cheer sessions are a welcoming place to start.

Which cheerleading pathway should you choose?

If your child is completely new to cheerleading, a beginner or recreational class is usually the best starting point. It helps them learn the basics, build confidence and understand whether cheerleading feels right for them before moving into a more committed pathway.

If your child already enjoys structure, teamwork and routine practice, they may be ready to explore cheer teams. A team pathway gives athletes the chance to train more consistently, work towards shared goals and experience the progression side of cheerleading.

The right pathway depends on age, confidence, experience and how much commitment feels realistic for your family. Your child does not need to know their level before they start. They simply need the right support, the right class and the chance to progress when they are ready.

Not sure where to start? Contact us, and we’ll help you choose the right cheer pathway for you or your child.