Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Northallerton – Skipton Adult Learning & Skills Service

CostFREE
Duration18 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in Northallerton. Classes run at Skipton Adult Learning & Skills Service. Daytime sessions run part-time over 18 weeks, making it manageable alongside caring responsibilities or other commitments. This level 1 functional skills english course covers reading, writing, and speaking and listening at a level that many employers and colleges ask for. It sits one step below the GCSE English equivalent, making it a strong foundation if you're working toward that standard. You'll sit a City and Guilds assessment at the end.

Who this course is for

This course is for people who want to improve their English skills and who currently, do not hold a current Level 1 or higher qualification

Entry requirements

To be eligible for funding for courses you must be over 19 years of age as at 31st August in the current academic year and not be an apprentice, further eligibility may be linked to where you live and we will check that at enrolment stage and may contact

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand different types of texts, including everyday documents and longer passages.
  • You'll write clearly for different purposes, such as letters, emails, and short reports.
  • You'll learn to check and correct your own writing for spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
  • You'll practise speaking and listening skills, including taking part in discussions and following spoken instructions.
  • You'll build confidence using English in everyday situations at work and in daily life.

How you will learn

You'll learn in a classroom at Skipton Adult Learning & Skills Service, with a tutor leading sessions on reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Assessment is through a City and Guilds externally set and marked exam, plus a speaking and listening assessment. You'll have an initial assessment before the course starts to confirm Level 1 is the right starting point for you. The centre will use it to plan your learning.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Skipton Adult Learning & Skills Service will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: many employers ask for Level 1 English or above
  • Retail assistant: customer-facing roles often require solid written English
  • Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing paperwork with confidence
  • Receptionist or administrator: writing emails and handling written communication
  • Teaching assistant: supporting pupils requires clear written and spoken English
  • Catering assistant: reading menus, labels, and food safety instructions accurately

What you could study next

Once you have your Level 1 Certificate, the natural next step is Functional Skills English Level 2, the recognised GCSE English equivalent. Level 2 is what most employers and colleges mean when they ask for 'GCSE English or equivalent'. From there, you could move into vocational qualifications in health and social care, business administration, education, or other areas where strong English is a requirement for entry.

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