Free Entry Level Functional Skills English Course in Basingstoke. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke, part-time during the day. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm that this entry level functional skills english course is the right starting point for you. Over around 6 months, you'll develop your reading, writing, and spoken English for everyday situations, work, and further study. This is a recognised gcse english alternative for adults and school leavers who haven't yet reached grade 5 at GCSE. Functional Skills qualification in English at Entry Level 3.
Who this course is for
This course is for young people aged 16-19 (or 24 with an EHCP) who would like to improve their reading, writing and spoken English, perhaps to get a job or begin a course or training. It will help you to build your confidence to communicate well in everyday situations. Functional Skills English courses are included in all school leaver study programmes for anyone who hasn’t yet achieved grade 5 or above at GCSE. It's taken as part of our study programme which includes employability skills and the opportunity to participate in work experience and community projects.
If College or school isn’t for you then our study programme may be the right environment for you to gain these valuable skills to enable you to move forward.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. You will have an initial assessment to establish which Functional Skills level of entry is right for you.
You'll have a discussion with one of our Skills2Achieve tutors about your hobbies and interests and your career and study goals.
What you will learn
You'll read and understand everyday texts, including signs, forms, and short documents.
You'll write clearly for practical purposes such as messages, notes, and simple letters.
You'll spell common words correctly and use basic punctuation.
You'll speak and listen clearly in familiar everyday situations.
You'll follow and give straightforward spoken instructions.
You'll identify the main points from short spoken and written material.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke, with tutor-led sessions covering reading, writing, and spoken English. Assessment is through tasks that reflect real everyday situations. You'll be assessed on your reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Assessment is set and marked externally by City and Guilds.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken English is a core requirement.
Retail sales assistant: reading, writing, and communication used daily.
Care assistant: documentation and communication with clients and colleagues.
Warehouse operative: reading instructions, labels, and safety notices.
Receptionist: written messages, emails, and face-to-face communication.
Childcare worker: recording observations and communicating with parents.
What you could study next
Functional Skills English Level 1: the next step up, covering more complex reading and writing tasks.
Functional Skills English Level 2: the qualification employers and colleges recognise as a gcse english equivalent. Many jobs and courses ask for this level.
GCSE English Language: available at some colleges if you want a traditional GCSE grade.
ESOL qualifications: if English is not your first language, an ESOL course may suit your needs alongside or instead of Functional Skills.
