“Edina helped the class feel relaxed enough that if we made a mistake, we didn't feel embarrassed. She explained things in a way that was easy to understand and enjoyable to learn. I truly looked forward to Wednesdays.”
Certificated Learning
Functional Skills English — Level 1
55 Hours Level: Level 1 Functional Skills
Course Overview
The Functional Skills English Level 1 course covers practical English development for employment and daily life, emphasising writing, reading, and communication skills.
Level 1 is ideal if you're building your foundations — it focuses on the core skills needed for everyday tasks, workplace communication, and further study.
Content Areas Covered
Writing
Documents, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and audience-appropriate composition for workplace and personal communication.
Reading
Comprehension, text analysis, summarisation, and the ability to extract key information from a range of document types.
Speaking, Listening & Communication
Discussions, presentations, formal and informal language, and effective communication in group and one-to-one settings.
Important: When booking in for a course, please read the course dates/times carefully as we require 100% attendance and punctuality on all of our courses.
Choose Your Learning Path
We offer two flexible ways to study Functional Skills English Level 1.
This course isn’t government-funded right now. You can still enrol on the paid course below. There’s no waiting list, no eligibility check, and you choose the start date that suits you.
Hoping for a funded place? and we’ll email you if funding reopens.
Online Self-Study
Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule
- Start anytime — instant access for 4 months
- Engaging videos, practical tasks & interactive assessments
- Tutor available for help and expert feedback
- Mock exams with detailed tutor feedback
- Accredited exam included
Self-paced over 4 months
Price
Enrol in Self-Study — Level 1£400
Includes exam
Tutor-Led Online
Live Zoom classes with expert tutors
- Pick the start date that suits you (see dates below)
- Structured schedule with set dates and times
- Direct access to expert tutors via live Zoom sessions
- Mock exams with detailed tutor feedback
- 8 sessions per course
Limited class sizes for personalised learning
Price
View Course Dates£400
Includes exam
Exam Only
Already prepared? Book your exam.
- Includes accredited Functional Skills English Reading & Writing exams
- Results and certificate issued after all required components are completed
- Choose online or in-person exam option
- You need Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening to achieve the full Functional Skills English qualification.
1. Choose your Reading & Writing exam
2. Add Speaking & Listening
Compare your options
| Feature | Self-Study | Tutor-Led | Exam Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online course access | Full access to online learning materials | Full access to online learning materials | — |
| Live tutor-led classes | — | Scheduled live online lessons with a tutor | — |
| Tutor support & feedback | Tutor support available | Regular tutor guidance and personalised feedback | — |
| Mock exams & practice | Practice questions and mock exams included | Tutor-marked mock exams and feedback | — |
| Learning flexibility | Study anytime, at your own pace | Scheduled lessons with structured learning | — |
| Accredited exam | Included in the price | Included in the price | Exam booking only |
| Best for | Independent learners who want flexibility | Learners who prefer structure and tutor support | Learners ready to take their exam |
Tutor-Led
- Online course accessFull access to online learning materials
- Live tutor-led classesScheduled live online lessons with a tutor
- Tutor support & feedbackRegular tutor guidance and personalised feedback
- Mock exams & practiceTutor-marked mock exams and feedback
- Learning flexibilityScheduled lessons with structured learning
- Accredited examIncluded in the price
- Best forLearners who prefer structure and tutor support
Tutor-Led Course Dates
Live online Zoom classes with expert tutors — self-study can be started anytime.
Functional Skills English — Level 1
Only 3 places left Starts 5 Aug 2026 08:45 – 13:30 Live Zoom Class 8 sessions
Functional Skills English — Level 1
8 places left Starts 5 Aug 2026 12:45 – 17:30 Live Zoom Class 8 sessions
Functional Skills English — Level 1
9 places left Starts 29 Sept 2026 08:45 – 13:30 Live Zoom Class 7 sessions
Delivery
Intensive Courses
Online & Face-to-Face
Set dates and times with higher pass rates due to the structured environment and continuous tutor support.
Online Self-Study
Flexible Learning
Flexible, self-paced learning over a four-month period. Freedom to study at your own pace around personal commitments.
Enhance Your Skills
Build Confidence
Gain the confidence to apply your skills in real-world situations, from the workplace to everyday life.
Unlock Opportunities
Open doors to fulfilling careers, further education, and apprenticeships with a recognised qualification.
Foster Connections
Develop a sense of purpose and connect with fellow learners in a supportive environment.
Further Information
In order to gain a Functional Skills English qualification, you are required to complete and pass a reading exam, a writing exam and a speaking and listening assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Functional Skills English Level 1 the same as a GCSE?
Not quite — Level 1 sits just below GCSE and is the ideal stepping stone to Level 2, which is recognised as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C). Many learners begin at Level 1 to build their reading, writing and communication confidence, then move straight on to Level 2 with us.
Is Functional Skills English Level 1 free?
Functional Skills is sometimes government-funded for eligible adults, but funding isn't available for this course at the moment so it's currently offered as a paid course. The upside is there's no waiting list and no eligibility check: you can enrol today, choose a start date that suits you, and your exam is included. If you'd like us to email you if funded places reopen, you can join the waitlist on this page.
Can I study Functional Skills English Level 1 online?
Yes. You can study fully online — either tutor-led through live Zoom classes on set dates, or self-paced with up to four months' access. Exams can be taken online from home or in person at our Brighton centre.
How long does Functional Skills English Level 1 take?
The qualification is around 55 guided learning hours. Tutor-led courses run over 8 live sessions, and self-study learners typically finish within a few weeks, with access for up to four months.
How is Functional Skills English Level 1 assessed?
There are three assessments: a reading exam, a writing exam and a speaking, listening and communication assessment. You need to pass all three for the full qualification. Exams can be taken online or in person at our Brighton centre.
What Our Learners Say
“It really helped me gain confidence in my writing and in turning my thoughts into words, which has helped me connect with others.”
“A small group, so I felt supported by the tutor and had time to raise anything I was struggling with. An excellent course, easy to follow with great support and materials.”
“Carmen was very supportive. She taught me a lot, gave me extra attention where I needed it, and gave feedback on all of my homework.”
“The course was informative, straightforward, enjoyable and easy to understand, and the tutor guided me through the whole process.”
“Well led by the teacher, with great additional resources and individual support. Thank you to everyone at FS UK, I've only ever had a great experience.”
“I learned a lot during this course. Good atmosphere, and the teacher was well prepared and knowledgeable.”
“Well-structured, with plenty of mock exams that really boosted my confidence for the writing exam. I also loved how interactive the sessions were.”