FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

WHAT ARE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS?

Functional Skills are the core skills you need to navigate life successfully.

They centre around:

English

Mathematics

Digital functional skills.

They are transferable skills that can be used across many professions and industries, such as accounting, engineering, business and teaching.

They are also useful for everyday activities such as sending emails, applying for jobs, setting budgets and paying bills.

For those who miss out on their GCSEs or fail to grade, there is the option to take the Functional Skills Entry Level 1–3 in Maths and English.

Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English

People without these qualifications may struggle later in life, as these skills and qualifications are required to:

Progress to A-levels and university.

Diplomas, apprenticeships and

Foundation Learning Programmes. Have as a minimum requirement for most job applications.

WHY DO FUNCTIONAL SKILLS MATTER?

As a skill set, Functional Skills are essential for everyday life, which is why the exams only test for the core areas of English and Maths.

You can take GCSEs in almost every topic, the three subjects covered by Functional skills tests are what employers look for.

These three subjects can also act as a gateway to other academic learning schemes, such as apprenticeships and A-levels.

Functional Skills have two scoring

routes.

Entry Level 1–3 gives you the everyday

skills you need – they are classed as

below GCSE level.

Level 1 is the equivalent of a

GCSE E–D (2–3)

Level 2 is the equivalent of a

GCSE A*–C (4–9)

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS LEVELS

Typically, these skills are assessed at the end of school as part of the GCSE exams in the UK.