Functional Skills are qualifications in Maths and English that teach how to apply practical Maths and English skills to real-life and vocational contexts.
In February 2025, the Department of Education announced a new approach to functional skills qualifications and apprenticeships. Under the new rules, the requirement for functional skills qualifications for apprentices aged 19+ will now be determined by the apprentice’s employer. The new rules state that the study of functional skills qualifications is now optional and in the gift of the employer to decide for apprenticeships.
To deliver best practice in all apprenticeships including functional skills – the employer, education provider and the apprentice themselves must all be aligned on this skill set. Best practice cannot be achieved without this.
NHS England have released guidance and FAQs to support employers – the documents can be found on the National Skills for Life Network NHS Futures page.
Why Functional Skills?
Functional Skills are gateway qualifications and an alternative option for people who may have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4/ C above in Maths and English. They provide people of all education levels with accessible skills to improve reading, writing and communications, allow a better understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts – due to this they are one of the most popular qualifications taken by adult learners.
Functional Skills are recognised qualifications and can open up progression opportunities. Functional skills training and qualifications are delivered free of charge – they are funded by the government for people who do not have Level 2 Functional Skills or equivalent qualifications such as GCSEs.
The level of Functional Skills
Functional Skills are available in the following levels – each level is accessed separately and independently:
- Entry level 1, 2 & 3 – below GCSE
- Level 1 – equivalent to GCSE 3-1 in the new system / grade D-G in the old system
- Level 2 – equivalent to GCSE 9-4 / grade C and above in the old system+
If you have international qualifications please see the additional information section below for guidance.
How to get your Functional Skills Qualification
The first step is to establish the learners current level of Functional Skills.
There is an online platform called BKSBLIVE2 where individuals can complete an initial and diagnostic assessment, which advises your level of Functional Skills.
Several providers offer Functional Skills English courses from Entry Level to Level 2.
Depending on which level you start your Maths & English course, you can progress through the levels up to Level 2.
Please see below some of the providers in NEL:
Newham College – https://newham.ac.uk/adult-basic-skills/
Provides adult skills programmes that include English literacy, maths, digital skills, and employability training.
Flexible learning options are available including part-time and online modules.
Functional Skills courses that are course is free for students aged 19+ https://newham.ac.uk/course/functional-skills-english/functional-skills-english-january-2026/ – https://newham.ac.uk/course/functional-skills-maths/functional-skills-maths-january-2026/
Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service –https://lbwfadultlearning.co.uk/course-categories.html
Please email Tracy Seraphin (tracy.seraphin@walthamforest.gov.uk) Curriculum Manager English & Maths
London Borough of Newham – https://www.newham.gov.uk/schools-education/adult-community-education-1
Offers free part-time courses for adults aged 19+ across subjects including ESOL, English, Maths, Digital Skills, Childcare, Teaching Assistants, and Inclusive Learning.
Courses are delivered across several centres in the borough. Initial assessments are offered to place learners on appropriate courses.
London Borough of Hackney – Adult Learning – https://hackney.gov.uk/adult-education
The Hackney adult education service provides free courses in computer skills, maths, English (functional skills/literacy).
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education – https://www.redbridge-iae.ac.uk/courses/skills-for-life/
Serves the London Borough of Redbridge with part-time qualification and non-qualification courses in ESOL, Skills for Life (English, Maths, Digital), and a variety of vocational subjects
What if you have international qualifications
i.e. not GSCE or Functional Skills qualifications?
If you have international qualifications, you can use the London NHSE ENIC service to compare your qualifications to the UK education system, equivalent UK qualifications and frameworks.
ENIC (https://www.enic.org.uk/) is the UK national information centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.
The London NHSE ENIC service is free for existing NHS employees in the region, who are applying for an apprenticeship or other qualifications as part of their role in the NHS.