NOCN
Functional Skills Qualification in English – Level 1 and Level 2
Key Details
Distance Learning
Classroom based
Overview
Our Functional Skills English courses help you build the reading, writing, and communication skills you need for everyday life, further study, and work. Whether you're returning to education, preparing for an apprenticeship, or looking to improve your English for a new job, these qualifications give you the practical skills employers and colleges value most.
This course is for individuals of all ages who wish to gain essential English skills, whether you missed out on developing these skills during formal education or want to build on your existing abilities for further study, employment, or personal development. No formal entry requirements are needed to get started, we'll help you find the right starting point through an initial assessment.
We offer both Level 1 and Level 2, so you can start at the level that's right for you, and progress from Level 1 to Level 2 when you're ready.
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Level 1 is the introductory qualification, ideal if you're building your English skills from the ground up.
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Level 2 is a GCSE-equivalent qualification, ideal if you're progressing from Level 1 or already have a solid foundation in English and want to reach a higher standard.
Course Information
This course is ideal if you're:
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Returning to education after time away
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Preparing for an apprenticeship
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Looking to improve your English for a new job
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Wanting to gain skills employers and colleges value most
Who is this course for?
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Individuals of all ages who wish to gain essential English skills
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Those who missed out on developing these skills during formal education
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Those wanting to build on existing abilities for further study, employment, or personal development
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No formal entry requirements — we'll help you find the right starting point through an initial assessment
Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
Component
Duration
Level 1 Marks
Level 2 Marks
Reading
60 minutes
32
35
Writing
60 minutes
54
54
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
30 minutes
Tutor assessed
Tutor assessed
Reading and Writing are assessed through externally set exams; Speaking, Listening and Communicating is assessed internally by your tutor. A dictionary is permitted for the Reading assessment only; no dictionary is allowed for Writing.
Delivery
This course is available in two delivery modes: online and in the classroom, both combining live tutor-led teaching with practical, exam-focused activities.
What Does the Qualification Cover?
Level 1
Qualification number: 603/5266/8
Total Qualification Time: 55 hours
Reading level 1:
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Read and understand a range of everyday documents, including newspaper articles, webpages, leaflets, and forums
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Identify key information and main ideas
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Understand the writer's purpose and intended audience
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Interpret meaning, including implied meaning
Writing:
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Write clearly and appropriately for different real-life situations, including emails, letters, articles, and speeches
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Develop spelling, punctuation, and grammar
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Build accurate sentence structure
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Match tone and format to purpose and audience
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
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Take part in group discussions
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Prepare and deliver short presentations
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Communicate clearly and confidently
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Listen actively and respond to others
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Express ideas effectively
Level 2
Qualification number: 603/5264/4
Total Qualification Time: 55 hours
Reading level 2:
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All of the above, with greater depth of analysis
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Analyse how language, tone, and structure are used across more complex texts
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Compare texts in more detail, evaluating similarities and differences
Writing:
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All of the above, to a higher level of accuracy
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Stronger focus on structure and organisation across longer pieces of writing
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Greater control over tone, ensuring it consistently matches purpose and audience
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
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All of the above, with greater confidence and fluency
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Adapt language and approach to a wider range of situations
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Respond to more detailed or challenging questions with confidence
Where Can This Qualification Take You?
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Achieving a Functional Skills English qualification can help you:
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Progress from Level 1 to Level 2, or from Level 2 to GCSE English
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Meet entry requirements for further courses, apprenticeships, or employment
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Build confidence and independence in reading, writing, and communication, for work and everyday life
Why Choose
Notting Hill College
We are an accredited British institution that aims to provide a quality learning experience and opportunities to grow.
Receive a diploma from an accredited British institution meaning your achievements will be recognised globally.
Choose a mode of study that best suits your needs and learning style.
Choose your own flexible learning schedule.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in teaching young learners.
Save money with affordable payment plans.
Learn from expert teachers.
Access hours of additional resources to facilitate your learning process.
Access recordings of your live virtual sessions so you never miss a lesson.
Have a continuous authentication of your certificates with the Lifetime Verification Service.
Enjoy excellent support and communication services.
Join a network of thousands of global Notting Hill College graduates who have qualified from one of our courses.