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.  

Skip to courses

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.

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.

Got it!

Sort by start date

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

Got it!

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

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 -
Wed 05/02/2025
Times:
9:15am - 11:15am
Duration:
27 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ekta Vishrolia
Course code:
Q00017337
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00019934
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 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 02/12/2024 -
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

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 04/12/2024 -
Fri 07/03/2025
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Norton Hall Children & Family Centre (Bi
Norton Hall Women & Childrens
Ralph Road
Birmingham
B8 1NA
Tutor:
Imogen Draper
Course code:
Q00019936
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Add to basket

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This 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 06/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Thompson
Course code:
Q00018353
How you'll learn:
Online
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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alex Carro
Course code:
Q00018352
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This 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 06/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
WEA Regional Office Training Room (Liv)
Suite 414, Fourth Floor
Cotton Exchange Building
Bixteth Street
Liverpool
L3 9JR
Tutor:
Megan Oliver
Course code:
Q00017521
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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Location:
WEA Regional Office Training Room (Liv)
Suite 414, Fourth Floor
Cotton Exchange Building
Bixteth Street
Liverpool
L3 9JR
Course code:
Q00017523
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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
Queensgate Hotel
Fletton Avenue
Peterborough
South East
PE2 8AX
Tutor:
Inna Gorobets
Course code:
Q00015771
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £226.80

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Location:
Mill Road Community Centre
6 Hazel Street
Cambridge
South East
CB1 2GN
Course code:
Q00015772
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £226.80