Functional Skills Courses

Functional Skills is considered to be a GCSE equivalent qualification.Functional Skills Level 1 is not equivalent to GCSE on the grounds that it is equivalent to GCSE grades 1 to 3 (D to G in the old GCSE grading system ) which makes it under-qualified to meet the university requirements for admission. But Functional Skills at Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 or C.

Functional Skills are not identical to GCSE. GCSE is a conventional route to acquiring academic qualification that equips students with advanced skills that are required to shape the foundations of your career as a professional. Whereas, Functional Skills is a more practical route that equips students with the values and skills that are required to function in everyday life. Both GCSE and Functional Skills have their own value and merits and both pave a way for students to upskill and succeed in their desired career.

Most of the universities are now accepting Functional Skills as a GCSE equivalent qualification, however, entry requirements may vary according to university rules and guidelines. A Level 2 Functional Skills qualification will enable you to apply for an Access course, which is a foundation course completed at university.

A research conducted by the Education and Training Foundation discovered that 47% of larger employers know about Functional Skills and 87% of them value these courses for their approach to applied skills, flexible assessment and problem solving. Functional Skills are now highly valued and accepted by all the employers in the UK and globally as an equivalent to GCSE that certifies that students are able to apply skills under different contexts, solve problems, and prepare them to work independently.

Functional Skills Level 1 is equivalent to a GCSE English grade 1 to 3 (D to G). It’s an alternative qualification to GCSE for learners who learn better with practical, real-life examples.

Functional Skills at Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 or C

Pearson Edexcel is an academic and general qualification that is designed to advance learners’ skills while developing knowledge. Edexcel’s qualifications help learners either progress to higher education or go directly into employment. Pearson Functional Skills are qualifications in English, Mathematics and ICT that are available from Entry 1 to Level 2. Suitable for learners of all ages, they’re also an accepted part of all Apprenticeship standards and frameworks and an alternative to GCSE in the UK.

The time required to complete Functional Skills courses would depend on the time a learner allocates in studying and also on the course provider. Usually, it does not take more than a few weeks to complete the Functional Skills courses. At StudyPlex, you can complete the course within 4-12 weeks on average; however, we have had learners who completed the course very quickly. If a learner needs more time than the given time for the course, he/she can commence a self-paced online learning method with an access of 1 year.

You can purchase the course concerning the relevant subject from the wide range of courses available in Lead Academy. These courses will equip you with adequate skills and knowledge that is required to face the functional skills exam. You can also access our tutor support to overcome any doubts that arise while taking the course.