Free English functional skills courses* 

Many jobs ask you to have good English skills. If you don’t have an English GCSE, it can sometimes hold you back from getting the job you really want. A functional skills qualification boosts your skills and builds confidence in English.  

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Skills for communication - reading, writing and listening

Advance your reading, writing and listening skills. Grow your vocabulary and refresh your knowledge of grammar. Functional skills qualifications builds you up the next level of your work or education.  

This isn’t like being back at school. You’ll gain communication skills that you’ll use in everyday life or work.  

Learn how to read official letters and complete complicated forms with ease. Study how to communicate and present your ideas clearly. Help the kids with their homework. Improve your public speaking. 

A different approach to learning

You’ll learn in small classes, with supportive tutors who can tailor teaching to your individual needs. If you're looking for courses that are free but have great teaching, learn with us. Start your journey today and work up to your functional skills English level two qualification. 

Improving your writing and reading skills as an adult opens the door to new opportunities. 

A practical qualification

Gain the qualification and confidence needed to get into good jobs or go on to further education. Want to get functional skills English and maths qualifications together? Book yourself onto a maths course as well. 

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.

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Pre-Entry English: Get ready for English functional skills entry level 2

This introductory course is designed for learners aiming to build foundational English skills at Entry Level 2. You'll develop key abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, tailored to everyday contexts. Through practical exercises and interactive lessons, you’ll learn to understand simple texts, write basic sentences and short paragraphs, and communicate effectively in familiar situations. Ideal for those looking to improve their basic English for personal use, further education, or employment, this course provides the essential tools to advance your proficiency and prepare for Functional Skills English assessments. Start your journey to better English today!
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016632
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

Are you starting your journey with Functional Skills English at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Bristol? Then this course could be right for you. This course is for learners preparing to enrol on an accredited Functional Skills Writing Level 1 course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 18/11/2024 -
Thu 16/01/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Thu-Hang Nguyen
Course code:
Q00009289
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

This course will help you to practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. It will help you get ready to move onto a Level 1 accredited course in the future
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 19/11/2024 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gabriella Russo
Course code:
Q00011485
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Wed 05/02/2025
Times:
9:15am - 11:15am
Duration:
27 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00017337
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Tue 04/03/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017339
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Level 1 English: English for Maths

Improve your English skills for maths with our Level 1 English: English for Maths course. Develop the language needed to understand and apply mathematical concepts. Ideal for non-native speakers looking to enhance their maths and English proficiency.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Heena Ajmal
Course code:
Q00017470
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Regional Office Training Room (Liv)
Suite 414, Fourth Floor
Cotton Exchange Building
Bixteth Street
Liverpool
L3 9JR
Tutor:
Megan Oliver
Course code:
Q00017521
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Location:
51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Regional Office Training Room (Liv)
Suite 414, Fourth Floor
Cotton Exchange Building
Bixteth Street
Liverpool
L3 9JR
Course code:
Q00017523
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
Queensgate Hotel
Fletton Avenue
Peterborough
South East
PE2 8AX
Tutor:
Inna Gorobets
Course code:
Q00015771
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £226.80

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Location:
Mill Road Community Centre
6 Hazel Street
Cambridge
South East
CB1 2GN
Course code:
Q00015772
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £226.80