Functional Skills Courses

Functional skills are practical skills in Maths, English, and ICT that enable people to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. These skills are designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace and in their personal lives. Functional Skills are recognised qualifications in the UK and are offered at different levels, including Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 2 Functional Skills is equivalent to a GCSE level 4 or grade C. Employers and universities recognise Functional Skills level 2 qualifications as having equal value to GCSEs.

English is often considered challenging for non-native speakers due to its complex grammar rules, irregular spelling and pronunciation, and extensive vocabulary. However, with dedication, practice, and the right resources, anyone can learn English successfully.

Functional Skills qualifications at Level 1 measure the same skills and knowledge as GCSE grades 1 to 3 (formerly G to D). They focus on teaching learners practical abilities in English, maths, and ICT that can be put into practice in real-life situations.

Yes, Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are generally considered equivalent to GCSEs in terms of the skills and knowledge they assess. The qualifications focus on teaching practical English, Maths, and ICT skills that can be used in real-life scenarios. Most employers and universities acknowledge Functional Skills Level 2 as a substitute for GCSEs.

Executive Functioning Skills are abilities controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain that allows people to manage time, plan, organise, solve problems, and control emotions. These skills are crucial for everyday tasks like studying, decision-making and completing assignments.

Functional Skills results are usually released within 20 working days after the assessment. However, the exact release date can vary depending on the awarding body, exam board, and the time of year when the exam was taken. For more information about specific release dates in 2022, it's best to reach out to the awarding body or exam board directly.

Functional Skills qualification is a type of certification that teaches practical abilities in English, Maths, and ICT in order to apply them in employment and everyday life. These qualifications are available at Entry Levels 1-3, Level 1, and Level 2. Functional Skills qualifications are assessed through practical tasks and tests, and they are widely recognised by employers, further education colleges, and universities in the UK.

Functional Skills English is a course that teaches practical skills in reading, writing, and communication that can be used in real-life situations, like at work or in daily life. It is offered in three levels: Entry Level 1-3, Level 1, and Level 2. Lead Academy’s comprehensive program covers Level 1 and Level 2, enabling you to enhance your reading, writing, and communication abilities.

Functional Skills qualifications may require hard work and revision, but they can be a better fit for students who have found Maths and English challenging. Unlike GCSEs, Functional Skills qualifications are flexible and designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, making them more adaptable to different learning styles.

To find your Functional Skills online course results, you can contact the awarding body for your qualification or the training provider where you took the exam and request information on how to access your results. They should be able to guide you through the process of obtaining your results online.

Results for Functional Skills assessments are usually released in about ten working days, except for paper-based assessments, which can take up to 27 working days from the date of the assessment.

Many universities in the UK accept Functional Skills Level 2 as an equivalent to GCSE qualifications. However, it is best to check with the individual university or college to confirm their specific entry requirements. Some universities that have accepted Functional Skills Level 2 in the past include the University of Sheffield, the University of Brighton, and the University of East Anglia.

The length of time it takes to complete a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification can vary depending on factors such as the Functional Skills training providers, the learning pace of the individual, and the study mode. At Lead Academy, the Functional Skills Level 2 course can be completed in an average of 4-12 weeks, depending on the pace of the learner. However, learners can also choose a self-paced online learning approach with one-year access if they require more time.

The number of marks required to pass Functional Skills Level 2 English varies depending on the test version. According to Pearson Edexcel’s February 2023 pass grade boundaries, the pass percentages for Level 2 English Reading and Writing are 65% and 63%, respectively, which correspond to approximately 23 marks out of a total of 35 marks for both the reading and writing parts. However, for the paper-based assessments, the pass mark for Level 2 English Reading and Writing is 21 out of 35 marks. It is important to note that these thresholds may change with future test versions.

According to Pearson Edexcel’s February 2023 pass grade boundaries, you need to achieve a pass mark of 64 which corresponds to a pass percentage of 59%, to pass Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics. For the paper-based assessments, the pass mark for Level 2 maths is 36 out of 64 marks.

Functional Skills courses can typically be completed within a few weeks, requiring an average of 55 guided study hours, so dedicating 2 hours of study per day can result in qualification within four weeks. At Lead Academy, you can typically finish the course within 4-12 weeks. However, some learners have completed it at a faster pace. In case a learner needs more time than the given period, they can choose to take a self-paced online learning approach that allows them to access the course for up to one year.

Tips for passing Functional Skills Maths level 2 include understanding the exam format, practising regularly, mastering the basics, memorising formulas, managing time well during the exam, and seeking help from a teacher or tutor. Lead Academy offers courses in Functional Skills Maths levels 1 and 2 with 24/7 tutor support to help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the exam.