Free Functional Skills Maths Level 1 Qualification. Study online, at your own pace, without travelling to a centre. This level 1 functional skills maths course covers number, fractions, percentages, ratios, measurements, and data handling. Topics are grounded in everyday situations: work, money, and practical problem-solving. The course takes around 1 week. You'll need to be aged 19 or over, employed, and living in Sussex, Kent, or Hampshire to access free funding. Functional Skills Level 1 is a recognised step toward Level 2, the GCSE maths alternative accepted by many employers.
Who this course is for
Functional Skills Maths is a qualification designed to help both young people and adults develop their mathematic skills in order to apply them in employment and everyday life. Whether you are starting from the beginning or you already have a basic understanding of mathematics, Functional Skills UK are here to support you in achieving a Maths qualification.
Entry requirements
Aged 19 or over
Employed
Living in Sussex, Kent or Hampshire
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages in practical contexts.
You'll calculate ratios and proportions for real-world tasks.
You'll use units of measurement, including length, weight, volume, and time.
You'll find perimeters, areas, and volumes of common shapes.
You'll read and interpret scales, maps, and diagrams.
You'll collect, organise, and represent data using graphs, charts, and tables.
You'll interpret data to draw straightforward conclusions.
How you will learn
You study online and work through the course content at your own pace. The self-paced route gives you access to materials anytime. Assessment for the Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics is by a formal written exam. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm Level 1 is the right starting point for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Functional Skills UK will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Warehouse operative: many roles require basic maths for stock and picking
Retail assistant: handling cash, discounts, and stock counts
Care assistant: recording measurements and medication quantities
Construction labourer: reading measurements and calculating materials
Catering assistant: weighing ingredients and managing portion sizes
Administrator: working with data, invoices, and spreadsheets
What you could study next
Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics Level 2: the GCSE maths alternative accepted by employers and colleges. Level 2 is the standard many job applications and further education courses ask for.
GCSE Mathematics: if you prefer a traditional qualification route after completing Level 1.
Vocational qualifications at Level 2 or above: many require a Level 2 maths qualification as part of their entry criteria.
