Level 2 Functional Skills English Course at Horsley Hill Family Hub

CostFREE
Duration55 days
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start5 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNOCN awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Functional Skills English Course in South Shields. Classes run at Horsley Hill Family Hub, with part-time daytime sessions that fit around other commitments. The course covers reading, writing, and speaking and listening at Level 2, the recognised GCSE English equivalent accepted by employers and colleges. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you, and the course typically runs over 11 days. Functional Skills Level 2 is what employers mean when they ask for GCSE English or equivalent. NOCN Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English with certificate.

Who this course is for

Adults seeking to develop their English knowledge and skills while gaining certification

Entry requirements

3 assessments for NOCN Functional Skills English: 

Paper-based reading assessment 

Paper-based writing assessment  

Speaking, listening and communicating assessment which entails a discussion and a presentation (at Level 1 and Level 2)

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand a range of texts, including those used in everyday work and life
  • You'll write clearly and accurately for different purposes and audiences
  • You'll use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in your writing
  • You'll speak and listen effectively in formal and informal situations
  • You'll identify the main points and purpose in spoken and written communication
  • You'll present information and ideas in a structured and coherent way

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Horsley Hill Family Hub. Assessment for the NOCN Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English covers three components: reading, writing, and speaking, listening and communication. Each component is assessed separately. Reading and writing are assessed by on-screen or paper-based tests. Speaking, listening and communication is assessed by your tutor through observed tasks.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Horsley Hill Family Hub will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant — written and spoken English used daily
  • Care assistant — communication skills essential for this role
  • Receptionist — reading, writing, and speaking at the core of the job
  • Retail assistant — English needed for stock, sales, and customer contact
  • Teaching assistant — Level 2 English often required for this role
  • Administrator — accurate writing and reading central to office work
  • Warehouse operative — written communication required for safety and records

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Functional Skills Maths — pairs well with your English qualification; many employers and courses ask for both.
  • Level 3 qualifications in your chosen field — a level 2 functional skills english qualification meets the English entry requirement for many Level 3 courses, including health and social care, business, and education.
  • GCSE English (resit) — if you want a GCSE grade on your record rather than a Functional Skills certificate.