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Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths in Preston – Preston College

CostFREE
Duration48 hours
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start18 Jan 2027
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths in Preston. Classes run at Preston College. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure this is the right level for you. The course covers everyday number skills: working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and simple measures. It typically takes around 12 hours of daytime study. An entry level functional skills maths course like this is a recognised step toward Level 1 and Level 2, which is the GCSE maths equivalent employers ask for.

Who this course is for

This course is for those interested in gaining a qualification in Foundations for Learning and Life

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.
  • You'll read and interpret straightforward data, such as tables and charts.
  • You'll use basic measures, including length, weight, capacity, and time.
  • You'll solve practical number problems set in everyday contexts.
  • You'll check your own calculations and identify errors.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom at Preston College with daytime sessions. Learning is flexible, so the pace is shaped around your needs. Assessment is through a written exam set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll complete tasks that test your ability to apply maths in real-life situations. Your tutor will use the initial assessment to plan your learning from the start.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Warehouse operative: many roles require basic numeracy checks
  • Retail assistant: handling cash, stock counts, and simple calculations
  • Care assistant: recording measurements and following instructions accurately
  • Catering assistant: weighing ingredients and managing portion sizes
  • Cleaner or facilities operative: reading labels, quantities, and schedules
  • Childcare worker: supporting early years settings with basic record-keeping

What you could study next

Once you have your Entry Level 3 certificate, you can move on to a free functional skills maths course at Level 1. After that, the Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics is the GCSE maths alternative that most employers and colleges accept. Passing Level 2 opens the door to apprenticeships, vocational courses, and further study that ask for GCSE maths grade 4 or equivalent.

Apply on preston.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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