Functional Skills qualifications in English

About this course

Functional Skills English gives you the reading, writing and communication skills that employers ask for and that further courses often require. You study at the level that is right for you now, and move up when you are ready.

Level 2 Functional Skills English sits at the same qualification level as GCSE grades 9 to 4. It is widely accepted by employers and by universities and colleges as evidence of English at that level.

Who this is for

This is for anyone aged 19 or over who does not already hold English at the level they need. You do not need any prior qualification to start. We assess where you are at the beginning so you join at the right level.

What you are assessed on

Every level is assessed in three separate components. You need to pass all three at the same level to be awarded the qualification, but you can carry a component forward if you pass it first time round.

Where this can lead

How you are assessed

Assessment is pass or fail rather than graded. Entry level assessments take between one and a half and two hours in total. Level 1 and level 2 assessments take between two and three hours. Reading and writing at level 1 and level 2 are marked by City and Guilds. Speaking, listening and communicating, and all entry level components, are marked here and checked by City and Guilds.

Support while you study

Every learner gets an individual learning plan, an initial assessment of English and maths, and a named tutor. You will have a college email address and access to Microsoft Teams. See our learning support and career support pages for what else is available.

Part of a pathway

This course sits within the following employment pathways. A pathway combines several qualifications into a route towards a particular kind of job.