English - Functional Skills - Level 1 & Level 2 - Part-Time

At our King's Lynn campus, Wisbech campus and online, we offer courses one evening a week to help you gain core qualifications in English and Maths which may be required for you to progress to further study, gain employment or develop your career. We have a thriving provision for adult learners and our numbers have grown considerably in recent years.

How long will I study for?

Our Functional skills courses run for up to 18 weeks (starting in September and another group in February). You will study one two-hour lesson each week and there will be additional work and support on our virtual learning platform, LEARN.

Can I study both subjects at one time?

Please note that you are not able to study both English and Maths at the same time. However, you can complete both in the same year (study English in September and Maths in February, for example).

Who can study these courses?

These part-time courses are for mature (aged 19+) learners. Students aged 16-18 who don't have a GCSE grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths automatically continue to study those alongside their full-time course or apprenticeship - this is a government requirement.

Only 16-18 year-olds who are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 or more hours a week can enrol on these part-time courses.

What are functional skills courses?

Our functional skills courses are to build your confidence with English and/or Maths as well as improving your knowledge, skills and understanding. The skills taught will help you participate and progress in education, training and employment.

What happens after I apply?

If you are interested in starting an English or Maths programme with us, you can apply online. After your application, you will be given access to log in to the student portal and book an assessment slot. At the assessment and enrolment session, you will do a brief initial English and/or Maths assessment to determine which level (1 or 2) is most suitable for you to enrol on.

Whilst there are no official entry requirements, you will be invited in for an initial assessment before the start of the course to help determine the most appropriate course/level for you (Level 1, Level 2 or GCSE).

How long is this course?

18 weeks

When does this course start?

w/c 2nd February

How many hours / days per week is this course?

This course runs from 6pm-8pm each Wednesday at our Wisbech Campus, Thursday at our King's Lynn Campus or a Tuesday online. We are also hoping to offer a 9:30am-11:30 session on a Tuesday at King's Lynn. All applications made now will be for the group starting the week commencing 2nd February 2026.

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

• Functional Skills qualification in English (Level 1 or 2)

How is my course assessed?

You are assessed in functional skills through three exam which are taken during a set week during your course. These exams are in writing, reading and speaking & listening.