Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Taunton – Taunton College

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in Taunton. Classes run at Taunton College, part-time during the day, over 35 weeks. The pace is manageable alongside caring responsibilities or other commitments. You'll build reading, writing, and communication skills at Level 1, the recognised GCSE English alternative for adults. When employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, a Level 1 Functional Skills English qualification is a step toward meeting that standard, with Level 2 being the full GCSE English equivalent. You'll sit an initial assessment so the college can confirm this is the right level and plan your learning.

Who this course is for

UCS College Group offers a wide range of courses across its four colleges and also offsite. Courses cover many areas and can be used for different purposes such as furthering personal development and career opportunities. They can also be for recreational purposes. For individual course details please refer to the college website or E-mail [email protected]

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements vary depending on the course, please refer to the college website or E-mail [email protected] for details.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand a range of texts, including everyday documents and straightforward information.
  • You'll write clearly for different purposes, such as letters, forms, and short reports.
  • You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing.
  • You'll listen and respond to spoken information in everyday situations.
  • You'll speak clearly to communicate information and ideas to others.
  • You'll identify the main points and purpose of texts you read.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Taunton College, with a mix of reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. Assessment for the Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 includes a reading test, a writing test, and a speaking, listening, and communication component. These are formal assessments that take place during the course.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: many employers ask for English at Level 1 or above
  • Retail sales assistant: written and spoken English used daily
  • Receptionist: reading, writing, and communication are core to the role
  • Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing paperwork
  • Teaching assistant: supporting literacy in schools often requires strong English
  • Customer service advisor: clear written and spoken communication essential

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the qualification employers and colleges recognise as equivalent to GCSE English grade 4 (grade C). Many job roles, apprenticeships, and further study courses ask for this level.
  • GCSE English Language: available at some colleges for adults who want the GCSE itself rather than the Functional Skills route.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications: many require Level 1 or Level 2 English as a condition of entry.

Related courses at Taunton College

More courses near you