Adult learners studying Functional Skills Maths and English at Cirencester CollegePlay Video

Adult Functional Skills Maths & English Courses

Improve your maths and English skills with Adult Functional Skills courses at Cirencester College. Free for eligible learners aged 19+. Flexible daytime and evening classes available.
Improve your confidence, employment opportunities and everyday skills with Adult Functional Skills Maths and English courses at Cirencester College.
Functional Skills qualifications are nationally recognised and designed for adults who want to improve their maths and English skills for work, further study or personal development. Whether you need a qualification for an apprenticeship, a new job, or as a step towards GCSE study, our supportive tutors will help you achieve your goals.
With flexible daytime and evening classes, Functional Skills courses are ideal for adults returning to learning.

Why Choose Functional Skills Maths and English?

Functional Skills qualifications focus on practical, real-life skills that can be applied in work and everyday situations.

They are widely recognised by employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers and can help you:

• Improve confidence with numbers and communication
• Progress to further education or training
• Meet apprenticeship entry requirements
• Develop skills needed for work and daily life

• Prepare for GCSE Maths and English study

Our courses are taught in a supportive, adult-friendly environment where learners can progress at their own pace.
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Functional Skills English

When will I study this course?

New students will start in September. (although if spaces allow they can join year round).

Classes will then run on a Monday evening, 6 – 8 pm.

At Cirencester College, Stroud Road Campus.

Please note that you will need to allow time for individual study as well.

Who is this course for?

Our Functional Skills English course is designed for adults aged 19+ who want to improve their reading, writing, speaking and communication skills for work, further study or everyday life. It is ideal for learners who need an English qualification for employment, apprenticeships or progression to further education.

This course may be suitable if you:

  • Need a recognised English qualification for work or career progression
  • Are applying for an apprenticeship, college course or further training
  • Want to improve your confidence in reading, writing and communication
  • Need to strengthen your spelling, punctuation and grammar skills
  • Want to develop presentation, discussion and speaking skills
  • Are returning to education after a break and would benefit from a supportive learning environment
  • Are looking for a stepping stone towards GCSE English qualifications

No recent study experience is required, and learners will be supported to study at the most appropriate level for their current skills and experience. Functional Skills English is available at Entry level and Level 1 and Level 2.

What will you learn?

Our Functional Skills English courses help you develop the practical communication skills needed for work, further study and everyday life. You will build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing, while learning how to communicate effectively in a range of real-world situations.

Topics you may study include:

  • Reading and understanding information from a range of texts
  • Comparing opinions, facts and ideas from different sources
  • Understanding how language is used for different audiences and purposes
  • Developing confident speaking and listening skills
  • Taking part in discussions and presentations
  • Writing emails, letters, reports and other everyday documents
  • Improving spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Structuring writing clearly and accurately
  • Communicating ideas and opinions effectively

You’ll develop valuable English skills that can be applied in employment, further education, apprenticeships and day-to-day life. Many learners also use Functional Skills as a stepping stone towards GCSE English.

How is the course assessed?

Functional Skills English is assessed through three components:

  • Speaking, Listening and Communicating – learners complete a presentation or talk, participate in discussions and answer questions.
  • Reading – an externally assessed exam that tests learners’ ability to understand, analyse and compare different texts.
  • Writing – an externally assessed exam that assesses writing composition, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

The qualification is awarded on a Pass/Fail basis

Your tutor will guide you through regular practice, mock exams and feedback so you feel fully prepared.

What does this course lead to?

Successful completion of Functional Skills English can help learners to:

  • Progress to Functional Skills English Level 2 (from Level 1)
  • Progress to GCSE English
  • Meet entry requirements for apprenticeships
  • Access further education and training courses
  • Improve employment opportunities and career progression
  • Develop confidence in communication for work and everyday life

Functional Skills English is recognised by employers and education providers across the UK as evidence of practical English skills.

Functional Skills Maths

When will I study this course?

New students will start in September (although if spaces allow they can join year round).

Classes will then run on a Tuesday evening, 6 – 8 pm.

At Cirencester College, Stroud Road Campus.

Or Monday morning, 10 – 12 am.

At Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane.

Please note that you will need to allow time for individual study as well.

Who is this course for?

Our Functional Skills Maths course is designed for adults aged 19+ who want to develop practical maths skills that can be used confidently in everyday situations, the workplace and further study. The qualification focuses on applying maths to real-life problems and building confidence with numbers.

This course may be suitable if you:

  • Need a maths qualification for employment or career progression
  • Are planning to start an apprenticeship or further education programme
  • Want to improve your confidence with numbers and calculations
  • Need to strengthen skills in fractions, percentages, ratios and budgeting
  • Want to improve your ability to interpret data, charts and graphs
  • Need practical maths skills for everyday life, such as managing finances and problem-solving
  • Are returning to learning after time away from education
  • Would like to progress to GCSE Maths in the future

No prior qualifications are required, and learners will be guided towards the most suitable level for their needs. Functional Skills Maths is available at Entry level, Level 1 and Level 2 and provides a recognised qualification valued by employers and education providers.

What will you learn?

Our Functional Skills Maths courses focus on practical mathematical skills that can be used in everyday situations, the workplace and further study. Lessons are designed to help you build confidence and apply maths to real-life problems.

Topics you may study include:

Number Skills

  • Working with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages
  • Positive and negative numbers
  • Ratios and proportions
  • Calculating percentage increases and decreases
  • Estimating and checking answers
  • Using formulae and solving practical problems
  • Understanding simple interest and budgeting calculations

Measures, Shape and Space

  • Understanding and using measurements
  • Time calculations and timetables
  • Working with area, perimeter and volume
  • Converting between units of measure
  • Reading scales, diagrams and plans
  • Using mathematical reasoning to solve practical problems

Handling Data

  • Collecting and interpreting information
  • Reading tables, charts and graphs
  • Understanding averages and probability
  • Analysing and presenting data
  • Using data to make informed decisions

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to apply maths confidently to everyday situations such as managing money, planning projects, understanding data and solving workplace problems.

How is the course assessed?

Functional Skills Maths is assessed through one externally assessed examination made up of two sections:

  • Non-Calculator Section – tests core arithmetic and mathematical skills without the use of a calculator.
  • Calculator Section – assesses problem-solving and the application of mathematical skills in real-life contexts.

The qualification is graded Pass/Fail

Your tutor will guide you through regular practice, mock exams and feedback so you feel fully prepared.

What does this course lead to?

Successful completion of Functional Skills Maths can help learners to:

  • Progress to Functional Skills Maths Level 2 (from Level 1)
  • Progress to GCSE Maths
  • Meet apprenticeship and vocational course entry requirements
  • Improve employment and career prospects
  • Develop confidence in using maths in everyday life and the workplace
  • Prepare for further study or professional training

Functional Skills Maths provides a recognised qualification that demonstrates the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to practical, real-world situations

Functional Skills qualifications are recognised by employers, apprenticeship providers and further education institutions across the UK. Available at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2, these courses help adults improve essential maths and English skills for work, study and everyday life.
Register Interest Here

Hear from our students

If you are nervous about coming back to college as an adult student, watch this video of one of our Functional Skills students and hear what they have to say about the courses.

Meet Sarah, a previous adult education student at Cirencester College

Read what Da and Max, current adult education students say about studying functional skills at Cirencester College

Completing the Functional Skills Maths Level 1 course has made such a difference to me! I used to feel anxious about maths, but now I feel confident using it for daily tasks and at work. It has also given me the motivation to carry on to Level 2, and I hope it will help improve my job opportunities too. 

Da

I would say the course has boosted my confidence up and with the other students with me they have been amazing along the way. The course matters a lot, I’m getting closer to pass on both subjects of Functional Maths and English 

Max

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are functional skills courses for?

These courses are suitable for adults aged 19 and over who:
• Do not currently hold a GCSE grade 4/C or above
• Need maths or English qualifications for employment
• Want to access an apprenticeship
• Are planning further study
• Need to improve confidence in maths or English
• Want a stepping stone to GCSE study
No matter how long it has been since you last studied, our team will help you get started.

When Will I Study?

Functional Skills maths classes currently run on:
• Monday daytime
• Tuesday evening (6pm – 8pm)
Functional Skills English classes currently run on:
• Monday evening (6pm – 8pm)

 

Evening classes take place at Cirencester College, Stroud Road Campus.
Daytime classes take place at Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane.

Are Functional Skills Courses Free?

Most learners can study Functional Skills Maths and English free of charge.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are aged 19 or over on the 31st August before you study
• Are resident in the UK
• Do not already hold a GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in the subject you wish to study

 

Contact our Adult Education Team to discuss your eligibility.

What level of Functional Skills should I study?

We’ll assess your current skills and recommend the most suitable level.

Can Functional Skills help me get a job?

Many employers recognise Functional Skills qualifications and use them as evidence of English and maths competence. They are also great stepping stones for the GCSE course.

Can I progress to GCSE study?

Yes. Functional Skills are an excellent stepping stone towards GCSE Maths or English

Are classes suitable for adults returning to education?

Absolutely. Most of our learners are returning to education after a number of years. Our classes are designed with that in mind.

Ready to Get Started?

Register your interest in the course today and take the first step towards functional skills.
Register Interest Here

Any Questions?

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