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English Functional Skills

Buckinghamshire London Surrey

Course Synopsis

English Functional Skills helps you learn English in practical ways, using real life examples and situations. It’s a popular choice if you need an English GCSE equivalent for a job, promotion, university access or an apprenticeship, or want to build your skills and confidence. You may work through the levels to reach Level 2, and the course is fully funded for eligible learners.

Why Study

  1. Get the English GCSE equivalent you need for a job, promotion, university or an apprenticeship.
  2. Build your own skills and confidence, or help children with their homework.
  3. Work up through the different levels until you reach Level 2 English.

Course Content

  • Listen carefully, understand what you hear and make your contribution to discussion.
  • Build your presentation skills and the confidence to put your ideas across.
  • Read, understand and analyse documents so you can respond to them effectively.
  • Improve your writing skills in practical ways that help you communicate clearly.
  • Answer practical questions based on real life examples and situations as you learn.

How It Works

Our programmes generally use a blended approach, with a mixture of face to face sessions and remote delivery, so you can fit learning around your life. You’ll work through practical questions based on real life examples and situations, covering listening, presentation, reading and writing. You may need to work through the different levels to reach the Level 2 you’re aiming for, and the course is fully funded for eligible learners.

Eligibility

This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

  • Learners must be aged 19 or over.
  • Learners must live in London, Buckinghamshire, or Surrey.
  • Learners who are unemployed may also be eligible for full funding.
  • Learners must meet the relevant UK residency requirements for the duration of the course.
  • Learners must not be on a Skilled Worker visa, Sponsorship visa, or Graduate visa.
  • Learners must not be enrolled on another government funded course.

Progression Routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Functional Skills English Level 2 is widely recognised as equivalent to a GCSE English grade 4 (grade C) and is accepted by employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers, and professional bodies. PTS delivers programmes from Entry Level 3 through to Level 2.

Yes. Functional Skills English is fully free for residents of London, Surrey and Buckinghamshire, funded by the government through the Adult Skills Fund. It can also be fully funded as part of an apprenticeship programme, depending on your age and employment status.

Programmes are delivered through weekly online or blended taught sessions, supported by tutor guidance, independent study, and regular feedback. Lessons focus on practical reading, writing, speaking, and communication skills for work and everyday life.

No prior qualifications are needed. All learners complete an initial assessment to identify the right starting level, from Entry Level 1 through to Level 3. Access to a suitable device and reliable internet connection is required for online sessions.

Functional Skills English is a practical, nationally recognised qualification covering reading, writing, speaking, listening, and communication. It is suitable for any adult looking to improve their English for work, an apprenticeship, university entry, or everyday life.