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Free Entry Level Functional Skills English in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Entry Level Functional Skills English Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus, part-time during the day. The course runs over one year, fitting around other commitments. You'll develop reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and speaking and listening skills. These are the core skills employers look for and that support everyday life. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the right starting level for you. The course can lead into Level 1 and then Level 2, which is the recognised GCSE English alternative for job applications and further study.

Who this course is for

This free qualification aims to improve skills and work towards gaining a nationally recognised Functional Skills qualification.

Entry level to Level 1 and Level 2.

Gaining a functional skills maths qualification can enhance job and learning opportunities.

The programme is designed to:

  • Help at work
  • Refresh skills
  • Improve chances of getting a job or changing career
  • Help with ordinary activities such as budgeting and helping children with their school work.
  • Build confidence
  • Enable progression to other courses e.g. Teaching Assistant, Access Programmes or GCSEs.

Entry requirements

Students must be aged 19+.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop reading skills, including reading for understanding across different text types.
  • You'll practise writing for different purposes, including letters, messages, and everyday documents.
  • You'll work on spelling, punctuation, and grammar at Entry Level 1.
  • You'll build speaking and listening skills through group discussions and structured activities.
  • You'll explore how to communicate clearly in workplace situations.
  • You'll identify and work through personal barriers to learning.

How you will learn

Classes are classroom based, running approximately two hours per week. You'll be assessed through a reading paper and a writing paper, taken either on paper or online. You'll also complete a short speaking, listening, and communication assessment. City and Guilds awards the qualification on successful completion. An initial advice and guidance session helps confirm your starting level before the course begins.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant support role: English skills are a common requirement for school-based roles.
  • Classroom helper or learning support assistant: working alongside teachers in primary or secondary settings.
  • Retail or customer service assistant: reading, writing, and communication skills used daily.
  • Care assistant: written records and clear communication are core to the role.
  • Administrator or receptionist: everyday writing and reading tasks across most sectors.

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 1: the next step up, building on Entry Level skills.
  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the recognised GCSE English equivalent, accepted by employers and colleges. This is the level most job adverts and further education courses ask for.
  • GCSE English: available at many colleges once you've reached Level 2 Functional Skills.
  • Teaching Assistant courses: many providers ask for Level 2 English before enrolment.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: requires Level 2 English as a foundation.
Apply on solihull.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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