Free Level 1 Functional Skills Maths Course in Wirral. Classes run at West Kirby Residential School. You'll need a pass at Entry Level 3 or an equivalent academic level to join. The course runs full-time during the day and typically takes 9 months. It covers the maths skills you need to operate confidently in education, work, and everyday life. A Level 1 functional skills maths qualification is the recognised step below GCSE maths, and completing it puts you in a strong position to progress to the Level 2 GCSE maths equivalent.
Who this course is for
learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and everyday life
Entry requirements
Pass at Entry Level 3 and/or Academic level
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages in practical contexts.
You'll read, interpret, and use data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
You'll solve problems involving money, measures, and time.
You'll use basic geometry, including shapes, space, and simple calculations involving area and perimeter.
You'll apply maths to real situations in work and daily life.
You'll check and interpret results to make sure they make sense in context.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom at West Kirby Residential School, with full-time daytime sessions over 9 months. Learning is practical and task-based, building your ability to apply maths in everyday and work-related situations. Assessment is by a written exam set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll sit the exam when your tutor confirms you're ready.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Kirby Residential School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: handles cash, stock counts, and pricing daily.
Warehouse operative: uses measures, quantities, and data regularly.
Care assistant: records figures and manages medication quantities.
Catering assistant: works with weights, measures, and portion control.
Apprentice in a trade: most apprenticeships require Level 1 maths as a minimum.
Administrator: processes numerical data and basic financial records.
What you could study next
Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics: the GCSE maths alternative accepted by most employers and colleges. The natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE Mathematics: if you prefer the traditional route, some centres offer GCSE maths alongside or after Functional Skills Level 2.
Vocational Level 2 qualifications: many Level 2 courses in business, health and social care, or construction require Level 1 maths as a minimum entry point.
