Functional Skills
Functional Skills are qualifications in Maths and English that teach how to apply practical Maths and English skills to real-life and vocational contexts.
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.
Functional Skills & Apprenticeships – a new approach
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.
Numeracy, literacy and digital skills remain important for all occupations in health and care. In most cases, these skills will be aligned strongly to the requirements of the occupational Knowledge Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) in the relevant apprenticeship. These are already designed to meet occupational competence and deliver safe, quality patient care.
For many learners, this policy change will not remove the need to acquire functional skills entirely. This is because for many roles in health and social care, these qualifications are still required by the HEI or employers. What this new flexibility gives employers (and education providers) is flexibility around how this is achieved.
This policy change provides a greater flexibility to those who find it too challenging to study functional skills alongside their apprenticeship or for those who have attained occupation appropriate level of numeracy or literacy skills but have not attained functional skills or equivalent qualifications specifically.
This new approach is applicable to learners aged 19 and above. Apprentices aged 16-18 will still be required to secure up to a Level 2 functional skill qualification in English and Maths, if they do not already hold them.
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.
The NCL Training Hub will continue to support primary care employers in North Central London and their employees with advice on functional skills. This includes facilitating access to the BKSB platform which continues to be fully funded through NHS England - request via the request form below.
How to get your Functional Skills Qualification
The NCL Training Hub can support primary care and adult social care employers in North Central London and their employees with guidance on functional skills qualifications. This includes signposting to the most appropriate provider depending on the learners needs.
The first step is to establish the learners current level of Functional Skills - the NCL Training Hub can support with this by giving you access to an online platform called BKSBLIVE2 where individuals can complete an initial and diagnostic assessment, which advises your level of Functional Skills. To request support from the Training Hub team complete the form below.
The Training Hub can provide functional skills support to those employed in primary care and adult social care in North Central London. If you are employed in a Trust or other organisation within the NHS, we recommend speaking with your manager as your organisation will likely have their own support offer and policy for Functional Skills. If you are not currently employed in the sector we recommend exploring the supported learning options outlined below as a first step.
If you have queries please get in touch via the button below:
Different methods of functional skills delivery:
Supported Learning & Tutor-Led Learning via Local Colleges and Adult Community Learning
If you feel that you would need or prefer some tutor support in gaining your Functional Skills, the Training Hub can signpost you to a training provider that provide tutor-led guidance with online or face-to-face courses. Each provider delivers Functional Skills in a slightly different way so it’s important to choose the correct method and style of teaching to match your learning needs.
Most colleges and adult community learning providers offer fast track option for learners who just need a refresh before taking exams.
Upskilling/Self Learning:
You may feel you would like to improve your Functional Skills in general without taking the qualifications. If that is the case the NCL Training Hub would suggest using the BKSB platform. Upon completing the diagnostic assessment on the platform, you will be provided with guidance on which areas you may want to focus on developing. You are also able to use the BKSB platform as a secondary learning resource when taking a Functional Skills course.
Please see information about Functional Skills providers below:
Adult community learning offers skills and employment training for adults in a range of areas - this includes functional skills in english literacy and maths, digital skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Courses are for adults aged 19+ and are offered for free however there may be an eligibility criteria for some courses.
Adult community learning is delivered through a diverse network of providers which includes local authority adult education services, colleges, and charities.
In North Central London some of the councils offer adult community learning services in house. Find out more information via the links below:
Haringey Learns are known for friendly, welcoming staff, skilled and passionate tutors and the close, supportive working relationships learners make with each other on courses. The service runs courses onsite and online. (NB You do not necessarily have to be a Haringey resident).
Islington Adult Community Learning support residents living in Islington.
Camden Adult Community Learning support and prioritise offer for Camden residents. Some classes they offer are for particular groups. This might be older people, parents/carers, ESOL learners or people with learning disabilities.
Enfield STEP can provide guidance on training and will direct residents where they can access courses - this may be through local colleges.
Barnet Adult Community Learning is delivered via Barnet & Southgate College.
To explore other providers in North Central London and across the London region use the search tool on the Greater London Authority Adult Learning.
Many local colleges offer free functional skills courses. Typically colleges offer courses over a longer duration.
Please click here to find local colleges and look into the functional skills courses they provide.
Additional Information
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 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. If you are an NHS employee and would like further details of how to access the service or any other queries about functional skills, please contact the NCL Training Hub Apprenticeship team to request support.
What is the National Numeracy Challenge?
This is a free online learning tool designed to help adults improve their everyday maths skills. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence with numbers, improve your budgeting skills, or enhance your workplace numeracy, this challenge provides a simple and effective way to develop your abilities at your own pace.
Who is it for?
The challenge is for anyone aged 16 and over who wants to improve their numeracy skills. It's particularly useful for those who feel anxious about maths or want to build confidence in handling numbers at work and in daily life.
How does it work?
Take a quick check to assess your current numeracy level
Get a personalised learning plan with interactive resources tailored to your needs
Practice and track your progress at your own pace
Access free tools and guides to help you apply numeracy skills in real-life situations
Why is numeracy important?
Strong numeracy skills can help with:
Managing personal finances and budgeting
Supporting children with schoolwork
Improving job prospects and workplace confidence
Making informed decisions in everyday life
To sign up or find out more visit the National Numeracy Challenge
Please see below some useful links with further information about functional skills:
If you have further questions please get in touch with NCL Training Hub Apprenticeship Mailbox via the button below or email nclicb.nclthapprenticeships@nhs.net.