Are you looking for functional skills maths and English courses for free? You can boost your maths and English skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English or maths GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  

Why should I do a level 2 in English and maths?

Not having a level 2 in English and maths can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  

We’re not like a school, we’re adult learning specialists. Our English and maths functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn. 

Functional skills in maths and English are like getting a C or grade 4 in GCSE. Passing your level 2 qualification will give you new opportunities. You'll boost your skills in speaking, listening and communication with our English functional skills. With our maths functional skills, you'll learn important skills such as handling information and data or measuring shape and space. These are skills you can use in work and everyday life. 

Is level 2 functional skills right for me?

We know not everyone is ready to jump into a level 2 qualification. That is why we also offer level 1 functional skills maths and English courses too. 

Before you do a course with us, you’ll take a quick skills check to work out the best level for you. This isn’t an exam, it’s simply to check that you start at the best place for you. Once you have completed level 1, you can still do level 2 functional skills in maths and English for free. 

Can I do functional maths and English level 2 online?

Yes! As well as classes in a community venue near you, we also offer our Level 1 and Level 2 functional skills courses as online classes.  You’ll still get the same fantastic tutor support, but you can do it from the comfort of your home.

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

This intermediate level course is for learners wanting to get ready for their Functional Skills English Level 1 Reading exam course. This 'Get Ready' course will help you practise the skills you need to move on to the following accredited level 1 course.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/02/2025 -
Thu 17/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Aleksandra Novikova
Course code:
Q00009291
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 2)

There are many reasons to study this English functional skills course but you might be surprised to know that they’re not academic. Whether you want to feel more confident at public speaking or would like to study an apprenticeship or traineeship, this Level 2 English Functional Skills course can help you achieve your goals in a fun and practical way. Functional skills courses teach you English skills for learning, life, and work- not just to pass an exam. Enjoy the learning process as you watch your vocabulary grow, your spelling improve, and your confidence soar. If you’re fed up with academic courses and want to learn English in a practical and gratifying way, you won’t regret taking this English functional skills level 2 course. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Course code:
Q00016170
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3)

Take your maths skills to the next level to help you with work or study opportunities. Adult maths teaches you practical numeracy skills for everyday life. This entry 3 functional skills maths course offers a practical way to learn maths as an adult. Functional skills maths courses aren’t like studying maths at school. You’ll learn maths in context. Develop maths skills to face real-life situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This entry 3 functional maths course is right for you if you want to enhance your maths skills to work or study. It can help you learn essential maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015538
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Level 1)

Work towards GCSE-level maths skills with this functional skills level 1 course. Progress your maths skills to help you access work and study opportunities. Functional maths improves your numeracy skills through real-life situations. Learn maths in context. Develop practical maths skills to help you in everyday situations such as organising your personal budget or applying discounts when shopping. This level 1 functional skills maths course can help you get a GCSE-equivalent qualification in maths. You’ll learn practical maths skills employers look for. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 18/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00015539
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Pre-Entry English: Functional skills English for work

Do you want to feel empowered and confident using English in your professional setting? This course is designed for anyone who wants to take their communication skills to the next level. You will: Develop a strong foundation in business English vocabulary and grammar. Practice writing clear and concise emails, reports, and presentations. Master the art of delivering impactful presentations and participating effectively in meetings. Build confidence in negotiating, giving feedback, and handling difficult conversations. Through interactive activities, role-plays, and real-world case studies, you'll gain the practical skills you need to succeed in today's global workplace. By the end of this course, you'll be able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, clients, and superiors, making a strong impression and advancing your career."

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 14/05/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016758
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £103.60