English and maths

Functional Skills English

Multiple Levels Available

On the first day of your course, we will work with you to find the right level for you to start your studies.

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When does this start and end?

At the moment we have no available dates for this academic year. We will be updating our courses later this term for 2023 – 2024 dates.

What are the entry requirements?

On the first day of your course, you will complete a short assessment, this will help to ensure you begin your studies at the right level.

If you have previously studied Functional Skills and completed Entry Level 3 you will automatically move onto Level 1

Or if you have completed Functional Skills level 1 you will automatically move onto Level 2

How much does this cost?

FREE*

Working towards and gaining a Functional Skills level 2 is part of your legal entitlement and you will be able to study your course for free.

Multiple Levels Available

Found out about Progression

Course description

The Functional Skills qualifications are based around skills needed for
everyday life.

On this course, you will develop your practical English skills, whilst also gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

Course content

This course will help you to improve your reading, writing and verbal communication skills in real-life contexts.

You will develop skills and knowledge enabling you to:

Improve your spelling
Develop your communication skills and confidence
Read and understand a range of texts
Develop your skills to create texts such as notes, letters, emails, blogs, reports and leaflets
Improve your gramma and punctuation.

Depending on your previous experience and knowledge you will begin your studies at either Level 1, Level 2 or at entry level 3

The content of this course is planned for students ready to study at Level 1 or Level 2.

If on the first day of this course it is determined that you should begin your studies at entry level 3, we will discuss with you when the next Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English course is available.

What can this course lead to?

Functional Skills are a nationally recognised qualification.

Level 2 Functional Skills are now regularly accepted by employers and universities as equivalent to GCSE English grade 4 (previously known as grade C).

If you are looking gain a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification so that you can attend a specific university course, please do check the entry requirements for the university course as while most universities will accept a functional skills level 2 some course pathways require a GCSE.

If you are not sure if you need a functional skills or GCSE qualification, please do contract us for an Advice and Guidance appointment where we can discuss the various options with you.

Useful information

Depending on your personal circumstances you may be eligible for financial support associated with attending college such as travel, books or resources.

Further information is available on the Fees & Funding section on the college website or if you have any additional queries contact us using the details and the bottom of this page.

Multiple Levels Available

Found out about Progression

Students come to us to get those "magic key" English and maths qualifications that will open doors to their futures. We know that our students can arrive with mixed feelings about these subjects, so our job is to create a safe and welcoming space to develop confidence as well as these essential skills. When you come to study with us, you will be supported to start at the right level for you and to progress at your own pace to succeed

“I am enjoying being back in education - learning, meeting awsome people and getting my confidence back.” - Craig
Learn more about Craig's story

Great tutors for Maths, and all the staff are helpful and friendly.

Staying residential at Northern College gave me time to breathe. Most of the learning would come about when talking with others, over meals and our free time. Walking in the garden before breakfast is inspirational.

Absolutely beautiful place to learn, stunning scenery to help set you at ease with staff and tutors that go above and beyond. I can't express how much Northern College has helped me.

Absolutely loved my time at Northern College and would recommend to everyone as it's the best thing I did.