Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English in Birmingham – Longbridge Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English in Birmingham. Classes run at Longbridge Campus, full-time during the day. This programme is designed for learners aged 16 to 18, or adults, who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or additional learning needs. You'll work on everyday English skills that support greater independence, from reading and writing to communicating in real situations. The course runs over one year. It's a recognised entry level functional skills english qualification and a stepping stone toward Level 1 Functional Skills English, the next stage on the route to a GCSE English alternative.

Who this course is for

This two-year Entry Level 3 programme is for learners aged 16 � 18 (16 - 25 with an EHCP) who have additional support needs and who want to progress into the wider college on a vocational course or to gain employment. The programme equips students with the skills, confidence and independence required for successful progression by providing a highly supportive learning environment and a diverse, exciting curriculum. Year 1 - Multi Skills: You will gain an Entry Level 3 qualification in Employability Skills and attend practical sessions in a number of vocational subjects each term to explore career options. Year 2 - Vocational Pathway� You will be working towards an Entry Level 3 Certificate in your chosen vocational pathway, engage in a mixture of practical and theory lessons with specialist teachers.

Entry requirements

You will need to have minimum Entry Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English � You will be expected to be able to work towards progressing on to the wider college vocational programmes, other training or employment. � To attend up to 3 days a week dependant on your timetable � Be able to attend the practical sessions in you

What you will learn

  • You'll develop reading skills for everyday texts such as signs, timetables, and instructions.
  • You'll practise writing for practical purposes, including notes, messages, and simple forms.
  • You'll build spoken communication skills for familiar situations.
  • You'll learn to understand and follow written information used in daily life.
  • You'll work toward personal goals set with your tutor, based on your own needs.

How you will learn

You'll learn in a classroom at Longbridge Campus, with full-time daytime attendance over one year. Your tutor will work with you individually to set goals and track your progress. Assessment for the City and Guilds Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry Level 3) includes reading, writing, and speaking and listening tasks. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you, and the centre will use it to plan your learning.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Longbridge Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: supports people with daily living tasks
  • Classroom support assistant: helps learners in school or college settings
  • Retail assistant: customer-facing role in shops or supermarkets
  • Warehouse operative: stock handling and basic admin tasks
  • Catering assistant: food preparation and kitchen support

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 1: the next step up, building toward the GCSE English alternative standard.
  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the qualification employers recognise as equivalent to GCSE English grade 4 (C). Completing Level 2 opens doors to further training, apprenticeships, and many job applications that ask for GCSE English or equivalent.
  • Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths: develop number skills alongside your English qualification.

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