Functional Skills are applied qualifications which enable students to demonstrate real-life skills in mathematics. Students demonstrate the skills through real-life assessments set in every day contexts.

They are recognised as gateway qualifications, used in many existing apprenticeships and by students who may not yet have achieved a GCSE grade C/4 or above; they are widely used in adult education.

Speaking, Listening and Communication – Make a range of contributions to discussions in a range of contexts, including those that are unfamiliar and make effective presentations.

Reading – Select, read, understand and compare texts and use them to gather information, ideas, arguments and opinions.

Writing – Write a range of texts, including extended written documents communication information, ideas and opinions, effectively and persuasively.