English and maths

Functional Skills Maths

Multiple Levels - Functional Skill

What is Multiple Levels?

When you begin the course you will be placed in the appropriate level of study.

Find out about progression

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

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Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

Multiple Levels

When you begin the course you will be placed in the appropriate level of study.

Find out about progression

Course description

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

Course content

This course will help you to improve and demonstrate your comprehension of number value,

measure, shape, space and handling data and will include real-life contexts.

You will develop skills and knowledge enabling you to:

Improve problem solving
Develop numeracy value skills and confidence with and without a calculator
Analyse and make decisions selecting suitable methods
Develop your skills to achieve solutions and explain findings
Identify a multi- step approach requiring planning and working through connected steps.

Depending on your previous experience and knowledge you will begin your studies at either

Entry Level 3, Level 1 or Level 2.

The first week of the course is ‘Foundations for functional maths’ and success on this will determine your progression and level. If you have already passed the preparing for Functional maths course, you do not need to attend the first week of the course again.

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 maths grade 4 (previously known as grade C).

If you are looking to 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.

Course session dates

Tailored Learning Objective

Preparation for further learning

Useful information

Full attendance and completion of additional homework will increase your success rate on this course based on previous evidence.

When does this start and end?

16 April 2026 - 22 May 2026

What are the entry requirements?

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

Most jobs require you to have Level 2 in English and Maths. These qualifications are important in jobs that are most employable in the South and West Yorkshire Regions such as Education and Health and Social Care sector.

“Northern has the perfect balance of support, friendliness and expertise. I have got the skills and knowledge that I need for my career.” - Rachel
Learn more about Rachel'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.