Level 1 Functional Skills English in Newbury – Newbury College
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
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 Newbury College for more info.
Functional Skills English Level 1 in Newbury. Classes run at Newbury College. Daytime sessions run over 36 weeks part-time, giving you time to fit study around other commitments. The course covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening in everyday work and life situations. It builds the literacy skills that employers and further education providers look for. A level 1 functional skills english qualification sits just below the gcse english equivalent level, making it a strong step if you don't yet hold a Level 1 English qualification.
Who this course is for
This course will improve adult English skills in speaking, reading and writing to allow them to better integrate into the society in which they live and may work.
Entry requirements
Students need to attend an Induction Session at Newbury College to assess their current level of English.
What you will learn
You'll develop reading skills to understand everyday texts from work and daily life.
You'll practise writing clearly for different purposes and audiences.
You'll build speaking and listening skills for real conversations and workplace situations.
You'll learn to identify the main points in written information.
You'll gain confidence structuring written responses with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
You'll apply literacy skills in practical contexts relevant to employment and further study.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Newbury College, with a tutor guiding sessions on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Assessment is through externally set and marked reading and writing tests, plus a speaking and listening assessment. Before you start, you'll have an interview and a diagnostic assessment so the college can place you at the right level and plan your learning accordingly.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Newbury College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken communication is essential
Care assistant: reading care plans and writing accurate notes
Retail assistant: handling written instructions and customer queries
Warehouse operative: reading safety notices and completing paperwork
Receptionist: writing emails and taking messages accurately
Teaching assistant support role: supporting learners with reading and writing tasks
What you could study next
Functional Skills Qualification in English Level 2: the gcse english alternative recognised by employers and colleges. The natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE English Language: available at many colleges for those who want the traditional qualification.
ESOL qualifications: if English is not your first language, an ESOL course may run alongside or instead.
Vocational qualifications at Level 2: many require Level 1 English as a starting point, so this Certificate opens those doors.
