Functional Skills Maths (Daytime and Evening)

Functional Skills Maths is a nationally recognised qualification and a practical alternative to GCSE. Known for its real-life application of maths, it can support you in everyday tasks, at work, and in further education. We offer Functional Skills Maths at Entry Level 1 through to Level 2, ensuring you can start at the level that best suits your current ability and progress at a pace that’s right for you.

For the first seven weeks, you will be enrolled on an Introduction to Functional Skills Maths course. This will help you develop the essential skills needed to succeed in the main qualification. At the end of this introductory period, you’ll complete a progress assessment and have a one-to-one meeting with your teacher to review your strengths and areas for development, ensuring you’re placed on the right level for your continued learning.

We offer daytime and evening classes from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2, so you can start at a level that matches your current skills and progress at your own pace. At our welcome event, you'll meet our friendly team, find out more about the qualification options, and explore a level which is right for your current knowledge of maths. 

Your teacher will support you every step of the way, but if you’re not quite ready for Functional Skills yet, we may recommend our Maths Confidence for Life and Work course as a helpful first step.

During the course, you will cover key areas such as:

• Number and the number system
• Common measures, shapes and space
• Information and data

At each level, there is an increase in the:

• Difficulty of mathematical problem solving
• Number and extent of connections made within the content

Your teacher will support you every step of the way, helping you build confidence and make steady progress. However, it’s important that you are committed and motivated to work towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification. Alongside your lessons, you’ll be expected to complete an additional two hours of self-study each week, including homework and online activities.

We offer Functional Skills Maths classes at a range of levels from Entry 1 to Level 2. To ensure you are placed in the most appropriate class, you will be invited to attend a welcome event. While you should feel reasonably comfortable with basic number skills, our aim is to support you from your individual starting point.

At the welcome event, you’ll meet our friendly team, learn about the different qualification levels available, and complete a short initial assessment. We will guide and support you throughout the process, helping you progress onto a course that suits your needs and goals.

If you currently find basic number skills challenging, we recommend applying for our Maths Confidence for Life and Work course as a supportive first step.

The qualification is assessed in two sections within one exam sitting, section A is non-calculator and section B is calculator based. The formal exams will take place at a point when your tutor feels you are ready, but no later than the beginning of April. 

In addition, you will complete regular in class assessments with your teacher to monitor your progress and get you ready for the qualification. Feedback and actions will be provided after each assessment, with resources available to further develop your skills within your 2 hours independent study time.

For further information, please contact our Adult Education Team on 01782 254211 or email adult.education@nscg.ac.uk.

Once you have successfully achieved your Functional Skills qualification, you will have the opportunity to progress to the next level. After completing Level 1, you can choose to move on to either Level 2 or GCSE Mathematics, depending on your goals and confidence.

This course is FREE to adults aged 19+ who have been a UK/EU Resident for 3 years or more.