Free Entry Level Functional Skills Maths Course in Southampton. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Southampton, part-time during the day. The course typically takes 6 months. You'll work at a manageable pace, covering how to use numbers and apply basic maths to everyday situations. There are no formal entry requirements. You'll have an initial assessment so the right level is confirmed before you start. This entry level functional skills maths course is a recognised step toward the Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications that employers accept as a GCSE maths alternative.
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 maths skills perhaps to get a job or begin a course or training. It will help you to build your confidence dealing with numbers and you'll be able to demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning and basics of maths skills, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations Functional Skills maths 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 work with whole numbers, including counting, ordering, and simple calculations.
You'll add, subtract, multiply, and divide using straightforward methods.
You'll handle money and work out basic costs.
You'll read and use simple charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll measure length, weight, capacity, and time in familiar situations.
You'll apply mathematical thinking to solve simple, everyday problems.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Skills 2 Achieve Southampton. Learning is built around practical tasks and everyday contexts. Assessment is through a set task completed under supervised conditions. There is no formal written exam in the traditional sense, making this a practical maths without exams route for learners who find timed tests difficult. Your tutor will discuss your interests and goals to shape how you learn.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Southampton will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: handles cash, stock counts, and basic calculations daily.
Warehouse operative: uses measuring, counting, and data entry skills.
Care assistant: records observations and manages simple numerical tasks.
Kitchen assistant: follows recipes, measures ingredients, and tracks stock.
Cleaner or facilities operative: reads schedules and measures cleaning products.
Childcare worker: supports numeracy activities and tracks attendance.
What you could study next
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Entry 3: the next step up, building on what you've covered here.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 1: moves you closer to the GCSE maths equivalent that many employers and training programmes ask for.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 2: the full GCSE maths alternative, widely accepted by employers and colleges for entry to further training.
