Free Entry Level 2 Functional Skills Maths in Bury Saint Edmunds – West Suffolk College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level 2 Functional Skills Maths in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College on a part-time daytime timetable, making it manageable alongside other commitments. This entry level functional skills maths course builds your number skills through practical, everyday maths. The course typically takes one year part-time. There are no formal entry requirements. You'll have an initial assessment so the right level is confirmed before you start. A functional skills maths qualification at this level is a recognised step toward Level 1 and, ultimately, the GCSE maths alternative that many employers accept.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for students wishing to achieve a Functional skills qualification without travelling to a learning centre. The lesson takes place at a set time each week within a virtual classroom.You will access a range of material via an online platform (MS Teams) and attend live tutored sessions delivered by your tutor to small groups. All delivery will be online. The tutor will use a variety of teaching methods including explanation and discussion, as well as group and individual activities.Homework will need to be uploaded to MS Teams for marking on a weekly basis. You will be expected to attend one of our Learning Centres to take your exams. In some circumstances if this is not possible the tutor will discuss the possibility of a remote invigilated exam with you.

Entry requirements

There are no formal requirements, but the results of initial assessments will be taken in to account when deciding on the qualification and level for which the candidate will be entered. You must have a laptop or desktop with a camera and microphone.

What you will learn

  • You'll work with whole numbers, including counting, ordering, and simple calculations.
  • You'll add and subtract using everyday contexts such as money and time.
  • You'll recognise and use simple fractions and percentages in practical situations.
  • You'll read and interpret basic charts, tables, and graphs.
  • You'll use simple measures, including length, weight, and capacity.
  • You'll solve straightforward number problems set in real-life contexts.

How you will learn

You'll attend weekly daytime classes at West Suffolk College. Teaching includes tutor explanation, group discussion, and individual activities. You'll be assessed through a written test set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Your tutor will use initial assessment results to plan your learning and track your progress throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: many employers ask for maths at this level or above
  • Retail sales assistant: handling money and stock calculations
  • Warehouse operative: measuring, counting, and checking deliveries
  • Catering assistant: portion sizes, temperatures, and basic stock
  • Childcare worker: supporting numeracy activities with children
  • Administrator: data entry, invoices, and basic record-keeping

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3): the next step up, building on what you've covered here.
  • Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics Level 1: moves you closer to the GCSE maths alternative that many employers and colleges recognise.
  • Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics Level 2: the qualification widely accepted as equivalent to a GCSE maths pass, opening doors to further training and employment.

Related courses at West Suffolk College

More courses near you