Free English functional skills courses* 

Many jobs ask you to have good English skills. If you don’t have an English GCSE, it can sometimes hold you back from getting the job you really want. A functional skills qualification boosts your skills and builds confidence in English.  

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Skills for communication - reading, writing and listening

Advance your reading, writing and listening skills. Grow your vocabulary and refresh your knowledge of grammar. Functional skills qualifications builds you up the next level of your work or education.  

This isn’t like being back at school. You’ll gain communication skills that you’ll use in everyday life or work.  

Learn how to read official letters and complete complicated forms with ease. Study how to communicate and present your ideas clearly. Help the kids with their homework. Improve your public speaking. 

A different approach to learning

You’ll learn in small classes, with supportive tutors who can tailor teaching to your individual needs. If you're looking for courses that are free but have great teaching, learn with us. Start your journey today and work up to your functional skills English level two qualification. 

Improving your writing and reading skills as an adult opens the door to new opportunities. 

A practical qualification

Gain the qualification and confidence needed to get into good jobs or go on to further education. Want to get functional skills English and maths qualifications together? Book yourself onto a maths course as well. 

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.

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Entry Level English: Get Ready for Functional Skills English (Entry 3)

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this Getting Ready for Functional Skills Entry 3 English preparation course. Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority https://www.wmca.org.uk/
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
9:15am - 11:15am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00015506
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Location:
The Salvation Army Church & Community Ce
13 Church Street
Louth
LN11 9BS
Course code:
Q00017412
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Fri 01/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016524
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £103.60

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 18/11/2024
Times:
9:15am - 11:15am
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00015514
How you'll learn:
Online and 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!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Get Ready for Functional Skills English (Entry 2)

This course will help you to practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. It will help you get ready to move onto a Level 2 Functional English qualification in the future
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Location:
Central Foundation Girls' School (London
25-33 Bow Road
London
E3 2AE
Course code:
Q00011481
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Get Ready for Functional Skills English (Entry 2)

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this Getting Ready for Functional Skills Entry 2 English preparation course. Get an English qualification to help you access a variety of work and study options. Functional skills courses in English teach you to read, write, and communicate confidently in English. Functional skills English isn’t like learning English at school. This is an English course for adults created by adults. Develop practical English skills by learning language in context.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Carramea Community Resource Centre (Harr
27 Northolt Road
Harrow
HA2 0LH
Tutor:
Roma Patel
Course code:
Q00017551
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Level 1)

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Tue 21/01/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Tutor:
Joanna Browning-Seyfi
Course code:
Q00016160
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Get Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1

This course will help you to practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. It will help you get ready to move onto a Level 1 accredited course in the future
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Sat 01/02/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00011485
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 20/11/2024 -
Wed 05/02/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
28 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00017337
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 25/11/2024 -
Tue 04/03/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017339
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free