Level 1 Functional Skills English Online – South Bank Colleges
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration16 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryOnline
Start22 Feb 2027
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 Bank Colleges for more info.
Functional Skills English Level 1 Qualification. Study online. You can study at your own pace, fitting the course around your work, family, or other commitments. The course covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening at Level 1. It typically takes 10 weeks to complete. A Level 1 functional skills english qualification is the recognised GCSE English alternative when employers ask for English at this level. This free functional skills english course is delivered by Pearson Edexcel.
Who this course is for
Visit our website at https://www.southbankcolleges.ac.uk, or give us a call on 020 7501 5000 for more information about L1 Functional Skills English (Edexcel). You can also visit us at our Clapham Centre: 45 Clapham Common South Side, London, SW4 9BL to speak to a course advisor, but it is best to book an appointment in advance. If you would like to enquire specifically about this course please quote the course reference number which is G4ENG-L1FS-O-C1/1. We hope to see you at Lambeth College in the near future :)
Entry requirements
Visit our website at https://www.southbankcolleges.ac.uk, or give us a call on 020 7501 5000 for more information about L1 Functional Skills English (Edexcel). You can also visit us at our Clapham Centre: 45 Clapham Common South Side, London, SW4 9BL to speak to a course advisor, but it is best to book an appointment in advance. If you would like to enquire specifically about this course please quote the course reference number which is G4ENG-L1FS-O-C1/1. We hope to see you at Lambeth College...
What you will learn
You'll read and understand different types of texts, including letters, emails, and articles.
You'll write clearly for different purposes and audiences.
You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing.
You'll identify the main points and ideas in written material.
You'll take part in discussions and communicate information clearly.
You'll listen and respond to spoken information accurately.
How you will learn
You'll study online through written tasks, reading exercises, and spoken communication activities. Assessment is by external exam, covering reading and writing. The speaking, listening, and communication component is assessed separately. You'll complete tasks that reflect real-life situations. South Bank Colleges will guide you through the online materials and let you know when you're ready to sit your assessments.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Bank Colleges will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant - written and spoken English needed daily
Care assistant - communication skills essential for this role
Retail assistant - reading, writing, and customer communication required
Warehouse operative - reading instructions and completing paperwork
Receptionist - writing emails and speaking with visitors
Teaching assistant - supporting reading and writing in the classroom
What you could study next
Functional Skills Qualification in English Level 2 - the level that meets the 'GCSE English or equivalent' requirement many employers and further education courses ask for. A natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE English Language - if you want a traditional GCSE grade, some colleges offer this alongside or after Functional Skills.
Level 2 vocational qualifications in health and social care, business administration, or childcare - many of these require Level 1 or Level 2 English as an entry condition.
