Level 2 Functional Skills English Online – South Bank Colleges
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration16 weeks
LevelLevel 2
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 2 Qualification. Study online. You can study at your own pace, fitting the course around work, family, or other commitments. Over 10 weeks, you'll develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to Level 2 standard. This is the recognised GCSE English equivalent, and when employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, a Level 2 Functional Skills English certificate meets that requirement. You'll sit an initial assessment so the course is matched to the right level for you.
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 L2 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-L2FS-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 L2 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-L2FS-O-C1/1. We hope to see you at Lambeth College...
What you will learn
You'll read and understand a range of texts, including formal documents and articles.
You'll write clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences.
You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing.
You'll listen to and understand spoken information and instructions.
You'll communicate clearly in discussions and presentations.
You'll identify the main points and purpose in written and spoken material.
How you will learn
This is an online course, so you study through digital materials and tasks you complete in your own time. Assessment is by externally marked exams covering reading, writing, and speaking and listening components. These are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll need to complete all three components to achieve the full qualification.
What you will need to bring
South Bank Colleges will confirm anything you need before you start. Contact them on 020 7501 5000 or visit southbankcolleges.ac.uk, quoting course reference G4ENG-L2FS-O-D1/1.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service adviser: clear written and spoken English is essential
Administrative assistant: reading and writing accurately every day
Healthcare support worker: communication skills required in most NHS roles
Teaching assistant: many schools require Level 2 English as a minimum
Retail supervisor: writing reports, emails, and handling customer queries
Call centre agent: listening and speaking skills used constantly
Warehouse team leader: reading instructions and writing records accurately
What you could study next
Functional Skills Maths Level 2: pairs well with English Level 2 and is required for many of the same jobs and further courses.
Level 2 Diploma or Certificate in a vocational subject: many programmes in health, business, childcare, or construction require Level 2 English as an entry condition.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: if you're considering university, most Access courses require Level 2 English before or alongside study.
