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Who is this course for?

Ready to improve your confidence with English? Whether you're returning to learning, looking for work, progressing in your career or preparing for further study, Adult Education in Gloucestershire's Functional Skills English courses can help you unlock new opportunities. Available across Gloucestershire, these nationally recognised qualifications are designed for adults and focus on the practical English skills you use every day and that employers value. From improving your reading, writing, speaking and communication skills to building confidence in the workplace and everyday situations, you'll gain the tools needed to achieve your personal, educational and career goals. Take the next step towards a brighter future with the support of experienced tutors and a course designed to fit around adult learners.

Course aim

Build your confidence! Improve your opportunities! Achieve your goals! Functional Skills English will help you develop the practical reading, writing and communication skills needed for everyday life, employment and further study. You'll improve your grammar, spelling and punctuation while gaining the confidence to communicate effectively in a wide range of personal and professional situations. A nationally recognised* Level 2 qualification can open doors to: • New job opportunities • Apprenticeships • Further and Higher Education • Career progression • Increased confidence in everyday life Start your journey today with Adult Education Gloucestershire and gain the skills employers and education providers value. *Level 2 Functional Skills English is equivalent to GCSE English Grade 4 (C) and is recognised across employment, apprenticeship and education sectors.

Course length

Achieving a qualification doesn't have to mean a huge time commitment! Our Functional Skills English courses are delivered through weekly 2-hour classes making it easier to fit learning around work, family and other commitments. When can I start? • September Courses– Classes run from September to February with exams scheduled in February. • February Courses– Classes run from February to July with exams scheduled in July. You will learn in a supportive environment alongside other adult learners, building your skills and confidence week by week. Your tutor will guide you throughout the course and ensure you are fully prepared for your assessments. Course timetables will be shared before your course start date and bespoke learning opportunities may also be available where demand and availability allow.

Entry requirements

Adult Education in Gloucestershire welcomes learners of all abilities and offers courses from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2. Before you start, we will assess your current skills and eligibility to ensure you are enrolled on the most suitable level for your needs and future goals. All Functional Skills qualifications are assessed and awarded on a Pass or Fail basis, providing a clear pathway for progression to the next level, employment, apprenticeships or further educational study. You do not need any previous qualifications to join a Functional Skills English course, however you must be aged 19 or over on or before 31 August of the current Academic Year to be eligible and you must also reside in England on the first day of learning.

What will I learn?

Functional Skills English is all about developing practical skills that you can use in every day. Through a range of realistic activities, you'll learn how to: • Communicate confidently in personal and professional situations • Write clear and effective emails, letters and reports • Understand important information, instructions and agreements • Complete forms and applications accurately • Participate in discussions and share your ideas with confidence • Read, understand and evaluate a variety of texts By applying your learning to real-life situations, you'll build valuable skills that will increase your confidence, support your career ambitions and will help you take the next step towards further learning or employment.

How will I learn?

Learning with Adult Education Gloucestershire is different from school. Our courses are designed specifically for adults, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace and build confidence every step of the way. Our tutors use a variety of teaching methods, practical activities and learning resources to help you develop your English skills in ways that relate to everyday life, work and further study. You will receive ongoing guidance, feedback and support throughout your course to help you achieve your learning goals. We are proud to work with highly experienced tutors and have successfully supported learners from a wide range of backgrounds as well as partnering with employers to deliver English and Maths qualifications specifically for their workforce. Whether you are returning to learning after a break, looking to improve your career prospects or wanting to gain a recognised qualification, Adult Education in Gloucestershire will support you every step of the way. What can I expect: • Free courses for eligible learners*. • Weekly 2-hour classes designed to fit around work, family and other commitments • Friendly and experienced tutors who understand the needs of adult learners • A supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, develop new skills and gain confidence • Opportunities to meet new people and learn alongside others with similar goals • Flexible learning options, including courses at venues across Gloucestershire** and selected online learning opportunities * Subject to eligibility criteria ** Venue availability may vary by course and location

What will I need to bring?

Getting Ready for Your Functional Skills English Course There is no need to buy anything special before you start. If you can, please bring a notebook and pen and any device you feel comfortable using such as a phone, tablet or laptop. You may also find it helpful to bring examples of reading or writing tasks from everyday life or work that you would like help with. This could include emails, forms, letters, CVs or workplace documents. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.

What can I do next?

Completing a Functional Skills English course can open the door to a wide range of progression opportunities. Depending on your starting point, you may be able to progress to: • A higher level Functional Skills English qualification • Vocational and technical training programmes • Apprenticeships • Further education courses • Employment opportunities where strong communication skills are valued Employers and training providers recognise Functional Skills English as an important qualification because it demonstrates the practical literacy skills needed in the workplace. The skills you develop can support career progression, increase confidence in professional settings, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Start your journey today with Adult Education Gloucestershire and gain the skills employers and education providers value!

Will I gain a qualification?

By successfully completing your Functional Skills English course and passing all required assessments, you will achieve a nationally recognised Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English qualification. This qualification is designed to demonstrate the practical English skills that employers, training providers and education providers value and recognise. Passing a Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification is equivalent to a GCSE pass at Grade 4 (previously Grade C).

How will I be assessed?

To achieve a Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English qualification, you will need to successfully complete and pass assessments that measure your practical English skills in real-life contexts. The assessments are designed to test how effectively you can apply your English skills in everyday situations, further learning and even the workplace. Reading Assessment At the end of your course, you will complete a reading assessment that tests your ability to use texts that reflect real-life situations, helping you demonstrate practical reading skills to: • Understand a range of written texts • Identify key information and ideas • Compare information from different sources • Recognise purpose, audience and tone • Make informed judgements based on what you have read Writing Assessment This assessment focuses on practical communication skills that are valued in education and employment. At the end of your course, you will complete a writing assessment to demonstrate your ability to: • Write clearly and accurately • Organise information effectively • Use appropriate spelling, punctuation and grammar • Adapt your writing for different audiences and purposes • Produce a range of written responses relevant to everyday life and work Speaking, Listening and Communicating Assessment This assessment takes place as part of a group discussion or activity and provides an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills in a supportive environment. You will take part in a Speaking, Listening and Communicating assessment, where you will: • Contribute to discussions • Listen and respond appropriately to others • Share ideas and opinions • Communicate clearly and confidently • Adapt your communication to suit different audiences and situations Achieving Your Qualification To gain the full Functional Skills English qualification, you must successfully pass all required assessment components at your chosen level. Once achieved, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates your ability to use English effectively in everyday life, work and further study. Support Every Step of the Way Your tutor will help you prepare for each assessment through learning activities, practice exercises, feedback, and guidance throughout the course. The aim is not only to help you pass the qualification but also to develop the confidence and real-world English skills that can support your future ambitions. Every assessment is an opportunity to showcase what you have learned. With commitment, practice, and support, you can achieve a qualification that recognises your skills and helps you take the next step towards your personal, educational and career goal.

Apply now

Believe in your potential, embrace the challenge, and take pride in every achievement along the way. Your Functional Skills English qualification is more than a certificate; it is recognition of the skills, commitment and determination you have shown to invest in your future. Click Apply Now below to start your journey.

Previous learners

Previous Learner: Naomi Setting the scene Naomi wanted to achieve her Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification so she could join the Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) Degree programme at Gloucester Royal Hospital, to achieve her dream job of being a NHS nurse. A Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification was stopping Naomi from achieving this and this is why she did the course. What advice would you give to others? “It’s never too late to get your qualifications. Adult Education’s Functional Skills courses are helping me to reach my dream job. Just go for it!” Previous Learner: Jonathan Setting the scene Jonathan wanted to improve his English to communicate and interact with people better, at the same time to improve his writing. What advice would you give to others? ‘By studying you can achieve your goals and improve your life if you are prepared to work’