Functional Skills

Functional Skills are practical qualifications in English, mathematics, and digital skills. Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grade 1-3 (or old grades G-D), while Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grade 4-9 (or C-A* in old grades). 

They are hugely valuable qualifications that are designed to help you confidently handle the challenges of everyday life and the workplace. Many job roles ask for Level 2 functional skills – think of them as your personal toolkit for success!

Functional Skills are only mandatory if you are aged between 16-18 and didn’t achieve Grade 4 or higher (Grade C) in English or maths GCSE.

If you are aged 19 or older it is no longer a requirement to have achieved Grade A-C in English or maths, or Functional Skills, but they are still useful qualifications to have.

We offer all of our apprentices who haven’t achieved the equivalent GCSEs the option to gain their Functional Skills qualifications. Please note, if Functional Skills are not mandatory part of your apprenticeship, you will need to check with your school or community sports club that they are happy to provide the additional release time required.

The following is required – but only if you are aged 16-18.

To successfully complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, it is mandatory to achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in both English and maths, if you don’t already hold the equivalent GCSE.

In contrast, to complete a Level 2 apprenticeship, you are only required to achieve Level 1 by End Point Assessment and be working towards Level 2.

We have an excellent track record of supporting students to pass Functional Skills qualifications. 

We offer:

• Weekly online functional skills sessions in English and maths, included as part of your apprenticeship
• Experienced, specialist teachers who have an excellent record of supporting individuals of all abilities
• Access to practice questions and exam dates every six weeks