Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in March – The March Community Centre

CostFREE
Duration11 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in March. Classes run at The March Community Centre. Daytime sessions run part-time, so you can fit study around work, caring, or other commitments. Over 11 months, you'll develop practical reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills you can use at work and in everyday life. Before you start, you'll complete a short initial assessment so the course can be tailored to your level. A level 1 functional skills english qualification sits one step below GCSE grade 4, making it a recognised gcse english alternative for many employers and colleges.

Who this course is for

This whole year funded course of English Functional Skills is for adults wanting to achieve a qualification in Functional Skills English (up to and including Level 2). You will study a range of English skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening – based upon real-life settings.  Do you need to update your CV? Did you not achieve your English qualification through school? Are you 19 years old or over?  Functional skills are practical skills in English that allow learners to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. These courses are not suitable for learning English as a foreign language.  The classes are generally small, delivered to suit your starting point and assessments are offered through City and Guilds after 55 hours teaching. You will need to complete an initial assessment prior to starting the course.

Entry requirements

No previous experience required.  You are required to complete an initial assessment / screening of English levels prior to enrolment on the course – please telephone the office on 01223 712340 to make an appointment.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand different types of texts, including workplace documents and everyday materials.
  • You'll write clearly for different purposes, such as emails, letters, and short reports.
  • You'll develop your speaking and listening skills for real conversations and discussions.
  • You'll use grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurately in your writing.
  • You'll build confidence identifying the main points and purpose of texts you read.
  • You'll practise communicating information clearly and appropriately for different audiences.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The March Community Centre, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Assessment is through a combination of tasks and a formal written exam set by City and Guilds. Speaking and listening is assessed separately. Your initial assessment helps shape how the course is delivered so it fits your starting point.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The March Community Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken English is essential
  • Care assistant: reading care plans and writing notes daily
  • Retail assistant: handling written communications and instructions
  • Warehouse operative: reading safety instructions and completing paperwork
  • Receptionist: writing emails and speaking with visitors confidently
  • Teaching assistant: supporting reading and writing in a classroom

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the step that matches GCSE English grade 4, recognised by most employers and colleges as a GCSE equivalent. A natural next step after Level 1.
  • GCSE English Language: available at some colleges for those who want a traditional GCSE grade.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications in health and social care, business administration, or customer service often require Level 1 or Level 2 English alongside them.

Related courses at The March Community Centre

More courses near you