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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Pre-Entry English: Get ready for English functional skills entry level 2

This introductory course is designed for learners aiming to build foundational English skills at Entry Level 2. You'll develop key abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, tailored to everyday contexts. Through practical exercises and interactive lessons, you’ll learn to understand simple texts, write basic sentences and short paragraphs, and communicate effectively in familiar situations. Ideal for those looking to improve their basic English for personal use, further education, or employment, this course provides the essential tools to advance your proficiency and prepare for Functional Skills English assessments. Start your journey to better English today!
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Fri 07/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Reed
Course code:
Q00016632
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Sasha 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 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:
Thu 23/01/2025 -
Thu 10/04/2025
Location:
Holyoake House (Manchester)
Holyoake House
Hanover Street
Manchester
M60 0AS
Course code:
Q00016138
How you'll learn:
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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/03/2025 -
Thu 15/05/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
27 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00019220
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Pre-Entry English: Get ready for English functional skills entry level 3

Prepare for your English Functional Skills exams with our Pre-Entry English: Get Ready for English Functional Skills Entry Level 3 course. Develop the essential English skills needed to succeed. Ideal for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in English.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/03/2025 -
Thu 01/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alice Lynden
Course code:
Q00016748
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £103.60

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.
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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

Level 1 English: Confidence to learn: Get ready for level 1 functional skills English

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. 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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Tue 03/06/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00017616
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £189.00

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."
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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


The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Functional Skills English

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:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000004
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
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:
Tue 19/11/2024 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gabriella Russo
Course code:
Q00011485
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £150.00