Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths in Bedford. Classes run at Bedford College, full-time during the day. This entry level functional skills maths course covers everyday maths skills: working with numbers, fractions, percentages, and measurements. It's a recognised step toward Functional Skills Maths Level 1 and, eventually, a GCSE maths equivalent qualification at Level 2. The course runs for one year. You'll sit an assessment at the start so the college can confirm this is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
You'll use fractions and percentages in everyday contexts.
You'll read and interpret simple charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll measure and compare lengths, weights, capacity, and time.
You'll handle money and work out basic costs and change.
You'll solve straightforward maths problems in real everyday situations.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Bedford College, with a teacher guiding each session. The course is assessed through a written external test set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll also complete on-screen or paper-based tasks that check your understanding of the topics covered. Your teacher will track your progress throughout the year to make sure you're ready before you sit the final assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: maths skills support stock, pricing, and cash handling.
Warehouse operative: counting, measuring, and checking stock accurately.
Care assistant: recording observations and handling medication counts.
Catering assistant: weighing ingredients and managing portion sizes.
Delivery driver's mate: reading schedules and checking quantities.
Cleaner or facilities operative: following instructions involving measurements.
What you could study next
Functional Skills Maths Level 1: the next step up, building on Entry Level 3 skills.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2: the GCSE maths alternative accepted by employers and colleges. Many job applications and further training courses ask for this level.
GCSE Mathematics: if you want a traditional GCSE grade, some colleges offer this alongside or after Functional Skills.
