Free Entry Level 1 Functional Skills English in Telford – Telford College

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level 1 Functional Skills English course in Telford. Classes run at Telford College, part-time during the day, making it easier to fit around other commitments. The course runs over 35 weeks and covers three components: reading, writing, and speaking and listening. There are no formal entry requirements. You just need a willingness to learn. If you want a free functional skills english course for adults that works at a manageable pace, this is a practical, skills-focused option and a recognised gcse english alternative.

Who this course is for

As an alternative to GCSE, this - as the title suggests - is more functional and practical than GCSE. The length of the course is usually one academic year although students can progress more quickly if they are willing to put additional work in outside the classroom. We have a September intake and also a January intake. The qualification is split into three components: reading, writing and speaking and listening.

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements, just a willingness to learn.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your reading skills, working with everyday texts and written information.
  • You'll practise your writing, including forming sentences, using punctuation, and communicating clearly in writing.
  • You'll build your speaking and listening skills through structured activities and discussion.
  • You'll learn to understand and respond to spoken language in everyday situations.
  • You'll work with practical, real-life English tasks rather than purely academic exercises.

How you will learn

You'll learn in a classroom at Telford College, attending part-time during the day. The qualification is assessed across three components: reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Assessment is through set tasks for each component. You'll have an initial assessment before you start so the course can be planned at the right level for you.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Telford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: written and spoken English supports daily care work
  • Retail assistant: reading, writing, and communication used every shift
  • Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing written records
  • Cleaner or caretaker: following written instructions and reporting issues
  • Kitchen assistant: understanding written menus, orders, and hygiene records
  • Childcare worker: communicating with parents and recording observations

What you could study next

  • Entry Level 2 Functional Skills English: the next step up, building on what you've covered at Entry Level 1.
  • Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English: moves you closer to the level employers and colleges commonly ask for.
  • Functional Skills English Level 1: a significant step toward the Level 2 qualification, which is the recognised GCSE English equivalent.

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