Functional Skills Maths

Functional Skills maths and English are qualifications which give adults the opportunity to gain useful and relevant practical skills. They are valued by employers and our delivery means there is no need to attend a classroom every week. Whether you just want to brush up on your skills, are looking for a new job or promotion at work or want to get back into learning our distance e-learning courses could suit your needs.

How long will the course take?

On average you will take 3 months to complete a course. However, you will have up to 6 months to complete the course and sit your exam. Normally, it takes around 55 hours of study time, which works out at approximately 4.5 hours a week over 3 months or 2.5 hours a week over 6 months.

Where do you study?

This course is designed for distance e-learning study. You can access your course in the workplace, at home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Your course is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Eligibility for free courses:

• Aged 19+ as of 31/08/20
• Not previously attained a GCSE grade 4 (C)
• Lived in the EU for at least 3 years
• Be resident in a non-devolved funding area*

*Employers, please contact us for details for delivery in devolved regions

The course includes:

• Working with numbers (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing)
• Measuring time, length, weight, capacity, and money
• Percentages, fractions, decimals, probability, and ratios
• Shapes and space
• Reading charts, tables, graphs, and formulas.

At the end of the course(s) you will be able to identify problems and know how to solve them. You will be able to apply the correct maths, check your answers and communicate the results.

You will be asked to complete an Initial Assessment, which will identify the level you are currently working at. You will then be asked to complete a Diagnostic Assessment which will provide us with details of the areas you are already competent in and those areas where you will need more support with.

When you have completed the diagnostic assessment, we will provide you with an individual learning plan. You will be given activities and resources to complete and will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you through your course and prepare you for your exams. Contact with your tutor will be by email, telephone or 1:1 sessions via Teams.

When you have completed your course, you will be given practice tests to complete before we arrange for you to sit your exam.

On achievement of your exams, you will receive a City and Guilds certificate.

If you are interested in enrolling or would like further information, please contact Mary Scott, Workplace Functional Skills Learning Manager on 07970 168960 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

We will advise you about the course, how to study, examinations and tutor support.