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Course Highlights:
- This qualification is equivalent to GCSE grade C or 4
- Take the Exam from Home โ Guaranteed Fast Track Results
- Exam Booking within 2 Working Days of Enrolment
- Remote Exam Online or Paper based both option available
- Course Duration: 55 hours
- Unlimited Access to Course Materials
- Get Free Mock Tests & Free Past Papers
- Extra 25% Time for people with Learning Difficulties
- NCFE, Pearson Edexcel & Open Awards all are OFQUAL-regulated and nationally recognised
Exam slots are available 24*7 from Monday to Sunday. If you are in a rush and would like to book your exam sooner, then you can book your remote online exam within 3 working days for Open Awards, 2 working days of enrolment for NCFE and within 7 working days for Pearson Edexcel.
Please note the exam price advertised on the website for the Open Awards remote invigilation exam is applicable for weekdays (Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm). If you would like to book the Open Awards remote invigilation exam at the weekend then there is an additional ยฃ25+Vat applicable.
Why is this course right for you?
Our expert designed Functional Skills English Level 1 Course has smart learning options that provide the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in Functional Skills English.
Whether you want to improve your literacy skills, our course is tailored to meet your specific needs and help you achieve your academic and career goals from the comfort of your home.
You also get the opportunity to book Live 1:1 tutor support via Zoom.
With interactive lessons, FREE mock test, personalised feedback and remote exams, our English Level 1 Course ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
You can decide the exam date and place according to your convenience.
| Awarding Body | Paper-Based Exam in Centre | On-Screen Exam in Centre | Remote Online Exam – From Home | Results |
| Edexcel | Book within 15 days | Book within 24 Hours | Book within 7 working days | Get results in 20 working days |
| NCFE | Book within 10 working days | Book within 24 Hours | Book within 2 working days | Get results in only 7 days |
| Open Awards | N/A | N/A | Book within 2 working days | Get results in only 16 working days |
*Offline examinations will be held at our Swindon and London centres. Please contact us for more information.
- NCFE, Pearson Edexcel and Open Awards are OFQUAL-regulated and nationally recognised; however, the only difference lies in the exam booking and result turn-around time.
- You can book your remote online exam within 2 working days of enrolment for NCFE, within 7 working days for Pearson Edexcel and within 3 working days for Open Awards.
- You can get your NCFE results in 7 days, your Edexcel results in 20 working days and your Open Awards results within 16 working days.
- All of the awarding bodies are accepted by universities and apprenticeships. This distinction allows learners to choose the awarding body that aligns best with their educational and career goals.
This Level 1 Functional Skills English course will help you build a solid foundation in mathematics. Throughout the course, it will provide you with various learning materials and activities to enhance your understanding of these subjects.
- Initial Assessment: To identify the current level of a student’s abilities and recommend the appropriate course to enrol in upon completion.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Identifies skill gaps and produces an individual learning plan
- Learning Resources: Comprehensive video tutorials, practice quizzes & topic-based tests
- Progress Tracker: To record your progress in the course
- Free Mock Test: Access our free mock test facility for professional feedback and to prepare for the final exam.
This level 1 English qualification is available to all students of all academic backgrounds; no experience or previous qualifications are required. However, you will require a laptop/desktop computer and a good internet connection.
The Pearson Edexcel, NCFE and Open Awards Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 consist of 3 exams, these are Reading, Writing and Speaking, Listening and Communicating.
Pearson Edexcel:
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Speaking, listening and communicating are assessed through one 5-minute presentation and linked question and answer session in groups of three to five and one 15-minute formal discussion together in groups of three to five learners. This exam will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
- Duration = Up to 25 minutes
- Number of marks = Pass/Fail
Reading
Reading is assessed through a test consisting of multiple-choice, short open-response and medium open-response questions.
- Duration = 75 minutes
- Number of marks = 35
Pass Mark: Learners are required to achieve an overall 65% mark to pass the English reading exam.
Writing
Writing is assessed through a test comprising two tasks. (42% of marks assess spelling, punctuation and grammar).
- Duration = 60 minutes
- Number of marks = 36
Pass Mark: Learners are required to achieve an overall 63% mark to pass the English writing exam.
NCFE:
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Speaking, listening and communicating are assessed through one 8-minute presentation and linked question and answer session in groups of three to five and one 15-minute formal discussion together in groups of three to five learners. This exam will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
- Duration = Up to 25 minutes
- Number of marks = Pass/Fail
Reading
Reading is assessed through a test consisting of multiple-choice, short open-response and medium open-response questions.
- Duration = 60 minutes
- Number of marks = 30
Pass Mark: Learners are required to achieve an overall (53% – 57%) mark to pass the English reading exam. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments.
Writing
Writing is assessed through a test comprising two tasks. (42% of marks assess spelling, punctuation and grammar).
- Duration = 60 minutes
- Number of marks = 44
Pass Mark: Learners are required to achieve an overall (57% – 61%) mark to pass the English writing exam. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments.
Open Awards:
Speaking, Listening and Communicating
Speaking, listening and communicating are assessed through one 10-minute presentation and linked question and answer session in groups of three to four and one 10-minute formal discussion together in groups of three to five learners. This exam will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.
- Duration = Up to 25 minutes
- Number of marks = Pass/Fail
Reading
Reading is assessed through a test consisting of multiple-choice, short open-response and medium open-response questions.
- Duration = 60 minutes
- Number of marks = 30
Pass Mark: Each English Reading assessment is designed to enable a pass mark of 18 out of 30. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments.
Writing
Writing is assessed through a test comprising two tasks. (42% of marks assess spelling, punctuation and grammar).
- Duration = 60 minutes
- Number of marks = 60
Pass Mark: Each English Writing assessment is designed to enable a pass mark of 36 out of 60. However, the awarding process will determine specifically where the pass mark sits for each assessment version. Therefore, the pass mark may vary between assessments.
Open Awards:
- Course Materials – ยฃ149
- Official Remote Exam Only – ยฃ179
- Course Materials + Official Exam + Unlimited Tutor Support via Email – ยฃ255
- Course + Exam + Attend Live Zoom Class Every Week + 2 Hours Live 1:1 Zoom Class + Expert Feedback on Mock Test – ยฃ349
NCFE/EDEXCEL:
- Course Materials – ยฃ149
- Official Paper-Based Exam (Venue: SN2 8BW/ NW10 7JH) [NCFE/Edexcel Only] – ยฃ165
- Official Remote Exam Only – ยฃ225
- Course Materials + Official Exam + Unlimited Tutor Support via Email – ยฃ329
- Course + Exam + Attend Live Zoom Class Every Week + 2 Hours Live 1:1 Zoom Class + Expert Feedback on Mock Test – ยฃ399
Recognised Accreditation
This Functional Skills English Level 2 has been independently accredited by Pearson Edexcel, NCFE and Open Awards also regulated by Ofqual. The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is responsible for regulating qualifications, assessments, and examinations in England.
Pearson Edexcel is the most prestigious awarding body, for an academic and vocational qualifications. Pearson Edexcel qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and recognised by universities and employers across the world.
NCFE is a charity and awarding organisation that provides qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is regulated by Ofqual in England and recognised in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Open Awards is an awarding organisation that offers a wide range of qualifications across various sectors, including education, health and social care, and business. Their qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and are designed to meet the needs of learners and employers. Open Awards also works closely with educational institutions and employers to ensure their qualifications are relevant and up-to-date.
Course Curriculum
The speaking and listening section entails comprehensive learning and activities, including presenting and narrating skills, argument presentation techniques, and more.
Learn to read a text with the help of scanning, skimming, detailed reading, and also, learn how to find organisational featuresโ purpose from the text.
The writing part will cover English grammar, including punctuation, spelling, syntax, etc. enabling you to avoid all the writing errors and mistakes.
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Functional Skills are practical skills in English, Maths, and ICT that enable individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life, education and work. These are widely recognised qualifications available at different levels, including Entry Levels 1 to 3 and Levels 1 and 2. At Entry Levels 1 to 3, individuals learn and develop basic skills such as reading simple texts, writing basic sentences, adding and subtracting numbers, and using ICT for basic purposes. At Levels 1 and 2, individuals learn and develop more advanced skills such as analysing and evaluating texts, constructing complex sentences and paragraphs, solving mathematical problems, and using advanced ICT skills for professional purposes.
Functional Skills English is a qualification that assesses a learner's competency in English, covering areas such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. The qualification is available at different levels, including Entry Levels 1 to 3, and Levels 1 and 2. Functional Skills English focuses on applying practical English skills to everyday situations, such as writing emails, giving presentations, or reading job ads. It helps learners develop their English abilities in a way relevant to their lives and future goals. Plus, employers, colleges, and universities recognise Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills English as proof of a learner's English proficiency, often equivalent to a GCSE English qualification.
Level 1 English is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 1 to 3 or D-G. This means that achieving a Level 1 qualification in English demonstrates a basic understanding and practical application of the English language, including reading, writing, and communication skills. It can be a valuable qualification for individuals seeking to improve their employability, progress to further education or training, or simply enhance their personal development.
There are five levels of Functional Skills qualifications, ranging from Entry Levels 1 to 3 and Level 1 and Level 2.
For the Pearson Edexcel and NCFE Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1, learners must achieve an overall 65% mark to pass the Reading exam and an overall 63% mark to pass the Writing exam. The Speaking, Listening and Communicating section is internally marked, and there is no specified number of marks for this section.
Functional Skills qualifications do not have an expiration date. This means that once you have passed your Functional Skills exam in subjects such as Maths, English, or ICT, you will hold the qualification for life.
While some universities may accept Functional Skills Level 1 as an alternative to GCSEs or other qualifications, it ultimately depends on the specific university and its admissions policies. Therefore, it's best to check with the university's requirements. However, most universities usually require a higher level of English proficiency, like Functional Skills Level 2 or a GCSE Grade C/4 in English.
To pass Functional Skills English Level 1, you need to develop your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and communication skills. You can prepare for the exam by practising past papers, improving your grammar and vocabulary, and working on time management. It's also important to familiarise yourself with the exam format and structure. Working with a tutor or attending a course can also help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam. StudyPlex's online course provides comprehensive resources and expert guidance to prepare for the exam. Covers all exam aspects, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with practice exercises and study materials to enhance skills and confidence.
You can take Functional Skills exams at approved test centres, including colleges, training providers, and community centres. Some exam boards, such as Pearson Edexcel and NCFE, offer online, on-demand exams. As an online learning platform, StudyPlex provides access to both NCFE and Pearson Edexcel-based Functional Skills exams. After completing the course and practice exams, learners can register for the official exam with StudyPlex, which offers paper-based and online options. The registration period is within 7 days for NCFE-based exams and 9 days for Pearson Edexcel-based exams. After taking the exam, learners can expect to receive their results within 7 days for NCFE-based exams and within 15 days for Pearson Edexcel-based exams.
Functional skills courses in Maths, English and ICT are free for those who have not achieved a Level 2 qualification in these subjects. Some free online courses may be available, but eligibility criteria such as postcode or employment status may apply. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local education provider or training centre for information on funding and pricing for Functional Skills courses and exams.
Yes, Functional skills tests can be taken online through various providers and exam boards. However, it's important to ensure that the online provider is reputable and recognised by the relevant exam board to confirm the validity of the qualification. Notably, StudyPlex is accredited by Pearson Edexcel and NCFE, two of the UK's leading awarding organisations for Functional Skills qualifications. Additionally, Ofqual, the UK's qualifications regulator, regulates StudyPlex.
Functional Skills English Level 1 is generally less difficult than GCSE English. The exam focuses on basic language skills and communication, emphasising practical, real-world applications. The exam is designed to be accessible to many learners, including those who may have struggled with traditional classroom-based learning. However, it still requires a good understanding and proficiency in English, so preparing and practising in advance is essential.
StudyPlex's Pearson Edexcel and NCFE Functional Skills Qualifications in English Level 1 consist of internally marked speaking, listening, and communicating assessments and externally marked reading and writing assessments. The speaking and listening assessments include a 5-minute presentation and a 15-minute formal discussion in groups of three to five learners. The reading assessment lasts 75 minutes and consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, and medium open-response questions. The writing assessment, which includes tasks assessing spelling, punctuation, and grammar, lasts 60 minutes.
The cost of a Functional Skills exam varies depending on the exam board and the exam level. Generally, the cost ranges from around ยฃ100 to ยฃ200 per exam. However, some providers may offer discounts or funding options for certain groups of learners, so checking with the exam board or provider for specific pricing information is important.
