life in the uk test if i fail how long is visa extension

[pollygreen]

Hi My partner is here on a unmarried partner settlement visa for 27mths. He has started an English language class but as his spoken English is good his reading is poor we are concerned he will fail, what happens if you fail can you get an extension on the visa, if so how many times can you extend and how long is an extension.
We have 2 children and want to make here our home and are trying to prepare for this apparently very difficult test. How many times can you resit the test before they would send you home. any info on this subject is welcomed and thank you in advance for any help given.

[vinny]

Currently, an extension will be for two years. No limit to number of extensions.

[pollygreen]

Soooo, if my partner is on a unmarried partner settlement visa (27mths) he can extend for 2 years obviously showing that he is resitting the test or attending ESOL courses level 1-3, doe's that mean you can only start to apply for an extension very close to the end of visa which will be October 2013, how close to the end of visa would you suggest? ( I hope he passes obviously instead of extending). Thank you for your reply.