Free Functional Skills English Level 1 Qualification. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your job and other commitments. The course covers reading, writing, and spoken communication, with practical activities based on real workplace and everyday situations. It typically takes around one week to complete. Level 1 Functional Skills English sits one step below the GCSE English equivalent, making it a strong foundation if you're working toward that level.
Who this course is for
Functional Skills English is a qualification designed to help both young people and adults develop their English reading, writing and communication skills in order to apply them in employment and everyday life.
Entry requirements
Aged 19 or over
Employed
Living in Sussex, Kent or Hampshire
What you will learn
You'll write documents including emails, letters, and reports for different purposes and audiences.
You'll apply spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure accurately in your writing.
You'll read and respond to a range of texts, identifying main points, details, and purpose.
You'll compare and summarise information from different sources.
You'll take part in discussions and conversations, using formal and informal language appropriately.
You'll present information and ideas clearly in spoken communication.
How you will learn
You'll study online, working through reading, writing, and communication tasks at your own pace. Assessment is through externally set and marked tests covering reading and writing, plus a speaking, listening, and communication component. You'll need to complete all components to achieve the qualification. An initial assessment will confirm that Level 1 is the right starting point for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Functional Skills UK will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken English is essential
Administrator or receptionist: reading and writing documents daily
Care assistant: communicating with clients, families, and colleagues
Retail sales assistant: handling written communications and customer queries
Warehouse operative: reading instructions, labels, and safety notices
Teaching assistant: supporting learners requires confident English skills
What you could study next
Functional Skills English Level 2: the GCSE English equivalent, recognised by employers and colleges across the UK. The natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE English Language: available at some centres if you prefer the traditional qualification route.
ESOL qualifications: if English is not your first language, ESOL courses develop language skills alongside Functional Skills.
