Entry Level Functional Skills English Course at Horsley Hill Family Hub

CostFREE
Duration55 days
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start5 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNOCN awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level Functional Skills English Course in South Shields. Classes run at Horsley Hill Family Hub, with daytime sessions at a manageable part-time pace. The course runs over 11 days and covers the core English skills adults use every day: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It suits anyone looking to build or formalise their English skills while fitting study around other commitments. When employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, a functional skills english qualification at Level 2 meets that standard. This course starts at Entry Level 3, a solid step toward that goal. Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3) with certificate.

Who this course is for

Adults seeking to develop their English knowledge and skills while gaining certification

Entry requirements

3 assessments for NOCN Functional Skills English: 

Paper-based reading assessment 

Paper-based writing assessment  

Speaking, listening and communicating assessment which entails a discussion and a presentation (at Level 1 and Level 2)

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand everyday texts, signs, and documents.
  • You'll write clearly for practical purposes, such as forms, messages, and notes.
  • You'll spell and punctuate common words correctly.
  • You'll listen and respond to spoken information in everyday situations.
  • You'll speak clearly and take part in simple discussions.
  • You'll identify the main points in short written and spoken material.

How you will learn

You'll learn in a classroom at Horsley Hill Family Hub, with a tutor guiding each session. Assessment is through tasks that reflect real-life English use, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You'll be assessed on your ability to complete practical written tasks and take part in spoken activities. There is no formal written exam in the traditional sense; assessment is task-based and completed as part of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Horsley Hill Family Hub will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: many employers ask for a functional skills english qualification or equivalent.
  • Retail assistant: written and spoken English skills used daily.
  • Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing paperwork.
  • Receptionist or admin assistant: writing, reading, and communication are central.
  • Teaching assistant: supporting children's literacy requires confident English.
  • Cleaner or catering assistant: workplace communication and form-filling.

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1): the next step up, covering more complex reading and writing tasks.
  • Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 2): the recognised GCSE english alternative that many employers and colleges require. Completing Entry Level 3 puts you on a clear path toward it.
  • ESOL qualifications: if English is not your first language, ESOL courses at Entry Level or Level 1 may also be available and worth exploring.