Free Functional Skills English Level 2 in Portsmouth. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, part-time during the day. The course typically takes 6 months and covers reading, writing, and spoken English. A Level 2 Functional Skills English Qualification is the recognised GCSE English equivalent. When employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, this qualification meets that requirement. There are no formal entry requirements. You'll have an initial assessment to find the right starting level for you.
Who this course is for
This course is for young people aged 16-19 (or 24 with an EHCP) who would like to improve their reading, writing and spoken English, perhaps to get a job or begin a course or training. It will help you to build your confidence to communicate well in everyday situations. Functional Skills English courses are included in all school leaver study programmes for anyone who hasn’t yet achieved grade 5 or above at GCSE. It's taken as part of our study programme which includes employability skills and the opportunity to participate in work experience and community projects.
If College or school isn’t for you then our study programme may be the right environment for you to gain these valuable skills to enable you to move forward.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. You will have an initial assessment to establish which Functional Skills level of entry is right for you.
You'll have a discussion with one of our Skills2Achieve tutors about your hobbies and interests and your career and study goals.
What you will learn
You'll read and understand a range of texts, including those used in work and everyday life.
You'll write clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences.
You'll use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling in your writing.
You'll listen and respond appropriately in spoken conversations and discussions.
You'll present information and ideas clearly when speaking to others.
You'll identify the main points and purpose of written and spoken material.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, with tutor-led sessions covering reading, writing, and spoken English. Assessment is through externally set and marked written exams, plus a separate speaking and listening assessment. You'll need to pass all three components to achieve the full qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth 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
Receptionist: reading, writing, and communication skills used daily
Care assistant: documentation and communication are core to the role
Retail assistant: serving customers and handling written tasks
Administrator: emails, letters, and records require confident English
Teaching assistant: supporting literacy in schools needs strong English
Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing paperwork
What you could study next
Level 2 Functional Skills Maths: pairs well with English if you want both qualifications for work or further study.
Level 3 qualifications in your chosen subject: many colleges and training providers require Level 2 English as an entry condition for Level 3 courses, including A Levels, T Levels, and vocational Diplomas.
Apprenticeships: most apprenticeship frameworks require Level 2 English and Maths as a condition of completion.
