Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Preston – Preston College

CostFREE
Duration30 hours
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Jun 2027
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in Preston. Classes run at Preston College. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you, and the centre will use it to plan your learning. The course covers reading, writing, and communication skills at Level 1, and runs over 12 hours of daytime classroom sessions. When employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, a level 1 functional skills english qualification shows you're working toward that standard.

Who this course is for

This course is for those interested in gaining a qualification in Foundations for Learning and Life

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand different types of texts, including everyday documents and written information.
  • You'll write clearly for different purposes, such as letters, emails, and forms.
  • You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing.
  • You'll identify the main points and ideas in what you read.
  • You'll communicate information in a structured and organised way.
  • You'll follow written instructions and respond to them accurately.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered face to face at Preston College. You'll learn through a mix of reading tasks, writing exercises, and group activities in the classroom. Assessment is by written tasks that test your reading and writing skills. There is no formal exam in the traditional sense; you demonstrate your skills through set tasks assessed against the Pearson Edexcel standard.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Preston College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant: clear written communication is a core requirement
  • Care assistant: reading care plans and writing notes accurately
  • Retail assistant: handling written instructions and correspondence
  • Warehouse operative: reading safety documents and completing records
  • Receptionist: writing emails and handling written queries
  • School support assistant: supporting literacy in a classroom setting

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the recognised GCSE English alternative. Level 2 is what most employers mean when they ask for GCSE English or equivalent. It's the natural next step after Level 1.
  • GCSE English Language: available at many colleges for adults who want the traditional qualification alongside or after Functional Skills.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications in your chosen sector, many of which require Level 1 or Level 2 English as a condition of entry.

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