English and Maths are essential skills to secure a new job, move on to a further education course, or even to help your child at home with their school work.
Our functional skills classes will help build your confidence, learn at your own pace, and tutors will create a personal plan based on what you need to learn. You will learn in an informal environment with skilled and supportive tutors.
English courses can be delivered flexibly with online study and in face-to-face classes.
Functional skills are recognised nationally by employers and provide entry to further learning, we offer up to Level 2 (this is the level most employers and colleges require and is the same skills level as grade 4/GCSE Grade C).
In some cases, we can offer fast track and learners can complete in a shorter amount of time.
English and Maths courses are tailored to your level - at a pace, venue and time to suit you and your family, and are always free.
Functional Skills English Entry Level 1 to Level 2
Course duration
Up to 34 weeks. Term time only, 2.5 - 3 hours a week.
What will I learn?
Before you start your programme, you will undertake an initial assessment to determine your starting level between Entry Level 1 and Level 2.
Each level allows a learner to demonstrate that they can read, write, speak, listen, and communicate and includes:
- Reading for detail and understanding, extracting information
- Writing a range of documents e.g. letters, emails, form filling, articles, job applications
- Spelling strategies
- Punctuation and grammar
- Share ideas and opinions during discussion/debate and within presentations (Level 1 and Level 2)
How will I be assessed?
- Entry 1, 2, 3: When you are ready (up to the end of June) you will have assessments in:
- Speaking and listening
- Reading and writing.
- For Level 1 and Level 2: You will sit exams in:
- Reading
- Writing
- Assessed speaking and listening activities.
Learners that are ready before the end of June will be given the opportunity to sit exams early.
Entry requirements
You will need to complete an initial assessment prior to the course starting to assess your starting level. This will be arranged with you when you book onto a course.
Progression
Routes include:
- The next level in Functional Skills English up to and including level 2
- Maths/Digital Functional Skills
- Further/Higher education where there is an entry requirement for English at level 2
- Employment - where there is a requirement for English level 2 (acceptable alternative to GCSE grade 4/grade C)
Course fees
Free for all eligible learners, including those who do not already have a Level 2 qualification in English. Please note that if you have not been a British resident for the past three years, additional criteria will apply. Visit learner services for further information.
Functional Skills Maths Entry Level 1 to Level 2
Course duration
Up to 34 weeks. Term time only, 2.5 - 3 hours a week.
What will I learn?
Before you start your programme, you will undertake an initial assessment to determine your starting level between Entry Level 1 and Level 2.
Each level allows a learner to demonstrate that they have knowledge of underpinning skills and the basics of mathematical skills, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve problems in a range of situations, such as everyday life or the workplace.
Examples of expected learning outcomes:
- To develop efficient methods in the 4 rules (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
- To find fractions of quantities, including working out prices of items in a sale
- To be familiar with metric measures relating to length, weight and capacity, for example, metres, grams and litres
- To understand the difference between perimeter, area, and volume
How will I be assessed?
- Entry 1, 2, 3: When you are ready (up to the end of June) you will have assessments
- Level 1 and Level 2: Most people will sit exams in June, however, learners that are ready before the end of June will be given the opportunity to sit exams early
Entry requirements
You will need to complete an initial assessment prior to the course starting to assess your starting level. This will be arranged with you when you book onto a course.
Progression
Routes include:
- The next level in Functional Skills Maths up to and including Level 2
- English/Digital Functional Skills
- Further/Higher education where there is an entry requirement for Maths at Level 2
- Employment - where there is a requirement for Maths level 2 (acceptable alternative to GCSE grade 4/grade C)
Course fees
Free for all eligible learners, including those who do not already have a Level 2 Maths. Please note that if you have not been a British resident for the past three years, additional criteria will apply. Visit learner services for further information.
All functional skills in English, Maths and ICT require an assessment to ensure you are placed in the appropriate class.
To arrange an assessment appointment you can: