Functional Skills

What are Functional Skills?

They are practical skills in English and Maths for adults. They provide you with essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable you to operate confidently, effectively and independently in every day life and work.

Functional Skills is a widely accepted equivalent to GCSEs fully supported by the Government. If you need GCSEs to progress on further or higher education, please check that the relevant institution accepts Functional Skills as an alternative before enrolling.

Why do a Functional Skills Qualification?

Achieving one or more of these qualifications could increase your confidence and motivation, access to employment and further learning opportunities. It will be a valuable addition on your CV.

Functional Skills English

All the English skills you'll need to succeed in life and in business.

Reading, writing and communication skills are fundamental to informed decision-making processes. Improving your knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation and widening your experience of writing styles will help you perform better in work tasks and give you more confidence in everyday life.

Course topics:

Taking bookings and reservations
Making notes in meetings
Writing letters and reports
Understanding and resolving complaints
Solving problems with colleagues
Getting your point across
Giving presentations to customers and partners
Competing forms and applying for services
Understanding the terms and conditions of purchasing or other agreements
Making sense of charts, diagrams and timetables
Getting more out of reading for pleasure

We offer a variety of courses that take place at different locations around Gloucestershire. To see which sessions are currently running, contact us NOW via learn@gloucestershire.gov.uk so you can commence the enrolment and assessment process.

Functional Skills Maths

Fundamental mathematics for everyday applications at work and at home.

Learning new ways to do calculations and improving your skills for estimating and checking could help you perform better at work and give you more confidence in everyday tasks.

Course topics:

Working out costs and savings
Taking payments and giving change
Managing stock levels
Planning journeys and delivery schedules
Using spreadsheets
Creating and understanding reports
Budgeting the household bills
Helping your children with maths
Estimating arrival times when travelling
Calculating quantities for ‘DIY’ tasks
Comparing supermarket prices and pack sizes so you get the best value
Choosing the best phone tariff for your needs