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Functional Skills English Level 1 Course in Birmingham – South & City College Birmingham Handsworth Campus – Evening

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

Free if you're 19 or over and don't have a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English, whatever you earn. If you already have one, fees apply. Contact South & City College Birmingham for more info.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Functional Skills English Level 1 Course in Birmingham. Evening classes run at South & City College Birmingham Handsworth Campus, part-time over one year. Fees vary depending on your circumstances. Call 0121 694 5001 or visit the website for full fee information.

The course builds your reading, writing, and communication skills at Level 1. You'll practise using English in everyday situations, from understanding texts to writing clearly for different purposes.

You'll need proof of an Entry Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, plus an initial assessment to confirm the right level for you. You finish with a Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in English.

Who this course is for

At four of our campuses across Birmingham, we have courses aimed at improving the literacy and numeracy of adults. We offer Functional Skills to adults who would like to develop these skills beyond an Entry 3 qualification, which is the entry requirement. Our courses will help to support and develop confidence with English.

Entry requirements

Proof of a qualification at Entry 3 level or equivalent and a successful initial assessment so that we can assess the functional skill level you need to be placed on.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand a range of texts, including everyday documents and longer passages.
  • You'll write clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences.
  • You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing.
  • You'll listen and respond to spoken information in familiar situations.
  • You'll speak clearly to communicate information and ideas to others.
  • You'll identify the main points and purpose of texts you read.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions in the evening. Teaching covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Assessment is through a written exam and a speaking and listening task set by NCFE. Your tutor will prepare you for both components during the course.

What you will need to bring

South & City College Birmingham Handsworth Campus will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant, uses written and spoken English daily.
  • Retail sales assistant, reads product information and communicates with customers.
  • Care assistant, writes notes and communicates clearly with colleagues and clients.
  • Warehouse operative, reads instructions and completes written records.
  • Receptionist, handles written messages and face-to-face communication.
  • Teaching assistant, supports learners and communicates with staff and parents.

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2, the next step up and the recognised GCSE English equivalent accepted by most employers and colleges.
  • GCSE English Language, a formal alternative if you prefer the traditional qualification route.
  • ESOL qualifications, if English is not your first language and you want to develop further.
  • Vocational courses at Level 2, many of which require Level 1 or Level 2 English as an entry condition.
Apply on sccb.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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