Functional Skills pass rates 2023-24

There are different ways to work out the pass rate, but for this purpose, the overall pass rate is the number of passes as a percentage against the number of assessments taken.

The first-time pass rate is the ratio of the total number of passes on the first attempt and the total number of first attempts expressed as a percentage for the 2023-2024 session.

Overall attempts tend to be lower than first-time pass rates – this is because they are calculated using candidate entries that had their first attempt and then any additional attempts in the 2023-2024 session. For example, a single learner may fail the first attempt, and then go on and have another three attempts before passing which would bring the overall total down.

It is the fourth year that we’ve released this data and we’ve seen a rise in Level 2 English results, although declines in English Level 1 and maths results. While much of this difference is due to the shifting cohort profiles, we’re working hard with our customers to close that gap and improve outcomes.

We’re always reviewing feedback, so our assessments remain consistent and robust, while as accessible as possible to all learners. Our Provider Development team continues to provide outstanding support for tutors, where engaged centres improve attainment by up to 6%. The team continues to deliver live CPD sessions, drop-in clinics and has added a learner toolkit as we look to expand the resources available for providers.

Barriers to learning are well documented, but research shows that confident learners are more engaged, resilient, and successful. You can better prepare learners for the assessment, by making full use of our Skills Builder platform, which will not only give learners the best possible starting point by assessing a clear baseline, but also enable you to set challenging, but achievable targets, deliver the most appropriate teaching at the right time, and track progress, to identify any issues before the final assessment. Book a demo to see how Skills Builder can support your learners.

The chart above shows the first-time pass rates from the previous four uninterrupted sessions for Functional Skills. For Maths, you can see a return to levels seen in previous years, with a shifting learner profile, while we have seen another big improvement in Reading Level 2, which is welcomed. 

Results in English Writing remain the most consistent of the three assessment areas, and we are continuing to review feedback alongside results data to inform future developments.  

The different subjects pose unique challenges for learners. In English, Reading and Writing assessments, much of the necessary information is provided to the students, who are then evaluated on their ability to use and apply the information. In contrast, Maths assessments require a higher degree of knowledge recall, spanning a broader range of topics within the curriculum. Combined with the language component, these differences contribute to the increased perceived difficulty often associated with Maths assessments compared to their English counterparts.

The online assessment method continues to perform well, providing a convenient and flexible option for learners and centres, especially training providers. It's important to note that online assessment is predominantly used by apprentices and work-based learners, who have historically demonstrated high achievement rates. In addition, the success of online assessment can also be attributed to its ability to accommodate the unique needs and learning styles. By offering the flexibility to start assessments at a time and date that works best for them, as well as the option to use our remote invigilation solution, online assessment enables learners to showcase their knowledge and skills through a media they are increasingly comfortable with. 

As with previous years, results for training providers are higher than other types of centres. The driver for apprentices to complete Gateway is the primary reason. Functional Skills are a mandatory part of an apprenticeship unless the learner has a grade 4 or above GCSE or an equivalent level qualification. 

Prior negative experiences with academic study often impact younger learners' achievement in Functional Skills. This history of academic difficulty often results in reduced confidence, demotivation, and general disengagement from these subjects. These learners may have specifically chosen vocational pathways to avoid traditional academic study, making their engagement particularly challenging. 

We continue to support centres with younger learners and advocate the effective use of technology to support learning. Increasing learners’ foundational digital knowledge through Digital Functional Skills is one area that we are proud to support, as is the effective use of digital assessment and learning platforms like Skills Builder to personalise the learning journey while reducing the administrative load on teaching staff.