Maths and English

The Adult Maths & English department offers a range of high quality teaching options to suit all expectations and lifestyles. Whether you left education early or didn’t get the grades, we are on hand to help you achieve success.

About the Courses

Maths and English influence our daily lives and improving your skills in these subjects could make your home and working life easier. We offer Functional Skills classes (Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2) and GCSE. Whether it’s enhancing your job prospects, boosting your income, managing daily expenses, or refining your communication skills, Functional Skills and GCSEs can take you further.

Course Availability and Duration

Classes are available at all our Personal and Professional Learning Centres and through distance learning (online). These classes run at various times and days, with several start dates throughout the academic year. The Functional Skills courses run for 16 weeks (3 hour class per week) and will include exams. The GCSE courses run for the academic year, starting in September and run for 32 weeks (3 hour class per week) with exams in May / June.

Tutor Support

Our experienced and friendly tutors are here to support and guide you throughout your learning journey, helping you build your confidence and knowledge and to gain a recognised qualification.

Course Funding

These courses are fully funded. Free to all adults over 19 years of age (as at 31st August) who do not currently hold a Functional Skills Level 2 or a GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and / or English, and have lived in the UK / EEA for the past 3 years.

How to Apply

You can apply online or contact your local learning centre for more information.

Functional Skills or GCSE

If you want to enhance your skillset to get ready for a job, then a Functional Skills course is recommended, as it helps learners develop the skills needed in real-life situations. For those who want to take an academic path and perhaps go to university, GCSE courses are usually required, but if you are unsure or would like further information and guidance, please talk to our careers team about the most appropriate pathway for you.

If you have not studied for a while, we will often suggest doing a functional skills course before moving on to GCSE. We will do an initial assessment with you before the course starts and this will guide us as to your current level of knowledge. We want you to succeed and believe for some learners it is better to take a little longer and refresh the basics to achieve your goals.