Free Entry Level Functional Skills English Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll work on reading, writing, and spoken English at a pace that suits you. The course typically takes 6 months. There are no formal entry requirements. You'll have an initial assessment to find the right starting level for you. A good option if you're looking for an entry level functional skills english course or want to build everyday English skills.
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, such as signs, forms, and short messages.
You'll write simple sentences clearly and accurately.
You'll spell and punctuate common words correctly.
You'll listen and respond in straightforward conversations.
You'll speak clearly enough to be understood in familiar situations.
You'll fill in basic forms and write short notes for everyday purposes.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth. Learning covers reading, writing, and spoken English through practical tasks and guided activities. Assessment is through tasks set by City and Guilds, covering reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Your tutor will discuss your goals and interests at the start to help shape your learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: serving customers and handling basic paperwork
Care assistant: communicating clearly with clients and colleagues
Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing records
Cleaner or caretaker: following written instructions and safety signs
Kitchen assistant: reading rotas, labels, and basic food hygiene notices
Receptionist: taking messages and completing simple written tasks
What you could study next
Functional Skills qualification in English at Entry Level 2: the next step up, covering more complex reading and writing tasks.
Functional Skills qualification in English at Entry Level 3: builds further toward Level 1 and everyday workplace English.
Functional Skills English Level 1: a stronger foundation for employment and further training.
Functional Skills English Level 2: the recognised GCSE English equivalent, accepted by many employers and colleges.
