Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths in Widnes. Classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll have an initial assessment after you apply to make sure this is the right level for you. The course covers everyday number skills: working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and using maths to solve practical problems. It typically takes 5 months to complete. This entry level functional skills maths qualification is a recognised step toward Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, the GCSE maths alternative accepted by many employers and colleges.
Who this course is for
Aimed at 19+ learners
Entry requirements
Initial assessment after application
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
You'll understand and use simple fractions and decimals in everyday contexts.
You'll read and interpret straightforward charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll use basic measures, including length, weight, capacity, and time.
You'll solve practical maths problems using the skills covered on the course.
You'll check your answers and explain your working in a clear way.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. Teaching covers the skills in the Pearson Edexcel specification through practical tasks and worked examples. Assessment is by a written exam set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll need to pass the exam to earn your certificate. Your tutor will use the initial assessment to plan your learning and track your progress throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Warehouse operative: many roles require basic numeracy checks at interview.
Care assistant: employers often ask for maths at Entry Level 3 or above.
Retail assistant: handling cash, stock counts, and basic calculations.
Catering assistant: measuring ingredients and managing portion sizes.
Cleaner or facilities operative: reading schedules and recording quantities.
Childcare worker: supporting numeracy activities with young children.
What you could study next
Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1): the next step up, covering more complex number work and problem-solving.
Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 2): the GCSE maths equivalent accepted by employers and universities. Many learners work toward this as their main goal.
GCSE Maths: available at some colleges once you have a solid foundation at Level 1 or Level 2.
