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Free Functional Skills English Level 1 Course Online – Inspire HQ Nottingham

CostFREE
Duration22 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryOnline
Start11 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Free Functional Skills Qualification in English. Study online, with weekly group sessions run on Thursdays. The course is for adults aged 19 or over. It typically takes 22 weeks to complete.

You'll start with an initial assessment so your tutor can confirm the right level for you. Assessments take place in person at a local library near the end of the course, so you'll need to be able to attend. You'll need a laptop or PC with internet access for the weekly online sessions.

You'll finish with a City and Guilds Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English, a recognised GCSE English equivalent accepted by many employers.

Who this course is for

adult only

Entry requirements

19+

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand a range of texts, including those used in everyday life and work.
  • You'll write clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences.
  • You'll develop your speaking and listening skills in group discussions and conversations.
  • You'll use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling in your writing.
  • You'll identify the main points and ideas in written texts.
  • You'll communicate information and opinions clearly in spoken English.

How you will learn

You'll join weekly online group sessions on Thursdays, from 1pm to 4pm, using Microsoft Teams. Your tutor will provide all learning resources. Near the end of the course, you'll sit assessments in reading, writing, and speaking and listening. These take place in person at a Nottinghamshire library. Your tutor will arrange the assessment date with you.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a laptop or PC with internet access to join the weekly Teams sessions. Your tutor will supply all learning resources, but you may find it helpful to have a notebook.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant, handles written and spoken communication with customers.
  • Administrator, prepares documents, emails, and records in an office setting.
  • Care assistant, communicates clearly with clients and writes accurate care notes.
  • Retail assistant, reads instructions and communicates with customers and colleagues.
  • Warehouse operative, reads safety notices and completes written records.
  • Teaching assistant, supports learners and communicates with staff and parents.

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2, the full GCSE English alternative accepted by most employers and colleges.
  • GCSE English, if you prefer the traditional qualification route.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications in areas such as business, health and social care, or childcare, many of which require Level 1 or Level 2 English.
  • ESOL qualifications, if English is your second language and you want a course designed for that.
Apply on inspireculture.org.uk →
Apply now →

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