Free Entry Level Functional Skills Maths Course in Basingstoke. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke, part-time during the day, making it manageable alongside other commitments. You'll work on applying maths to everyday situations, from handling numbers to solving straightforward problems. The course typically takes 6 months part-time. An initial assessment at the start makes sure Entry 2 is the right level for you. This entry level functional skills maths course is a stepping stone toward the Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications that employers recognise 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 read, write, and compare whole numbers in everyday contexts.
You'll add and subtract two-digit numbers accurately.
You'll recognise and use simple fractions and percentages.
You'll interpret basic data from tables, charts, and lists.
You'll measure and work with common units of length, weight, and capacity.
You'll apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom sessions at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke. Learning is built around practical, everyday maths tasks rather than abstract theory. Assessment is through a formal City and Guilds test, which you take when your tutor confirms you're ready. There is no coursework portfolio at this level. Your initial assessment and a conversation about your goals help shape how your learning is planned.
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
Retail assistant: handles cash, stock counts, and basic calculations daily.
Warehouse operative: uses measuring, counting, and data recording.
Care assistant: manages medication records and basic numerical tasks.
Catering assistant: works with weights, measures, and portion control.
Childcare worker: tracks attendance figures and simple records.
Cleaning operative: follows dilution ratios and timed schedules.
What you could study next
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Entry 3: the next step up, building on what you've learned here.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 1: moves you toward the Level 2 qualification that employers recognise as a GCSE maths equivalent.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 2: the qualification employers mean when they ask for GCSE maths or equivalent, and a requirement for many further education and training programmes.
