We are currently experiencing severe operational disruption, and a number of our systems are offline and unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please go to our service continuity webpage where you can find a set of FAQs and an enquiry form to support you to submit urgent queries. NCFE Customer Support lines have reopened, now available each day from 10am - 4pm, on 0191 239 8000/0191 240 8862 and via email [email protected]
Functional Skills service messages
Please see below the latest service messages relevant to our Functional Skills qualifications, including Digital, English and maths.
November 2025
Functional Skills paper-based bookings over the festive period
Ahead of the festive period, we wanted to let you know that Friday 12 December 2025 is the last date your learners can sit paper-based bookings before the break. Monday 12 January 2026 will be the first date your learners can sit paper-based bookings in the new year.
Remember that you have the flexibility to deliver paper-based assessments anytime from when you receive the papers up until three working days after the scheduled assessment date.
Returning papers:
- Papers must be returned no later than 48 hours after the assessment has been completed.
- Please don’t return assessment papers to us between Friday 19 December 2025 and Friday 2 January 2026.
- If completed assessments or unused papers can’t be returned within the above timelines, please ensure they are securely stored in line with the Instructions for conducting Functional Skills assessments (English and Mathematics) until the new year.
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Upcoming CPD events
Sign up to our upcoming events to support your delivery of our Functional Skills qualifications.
- Functional Foundations: empowering teachers new to Functional Skills maths, Wednesday 19 November, 10am-12pm
- Functional Foundations: empowering teachers new to Functional Skills English, Wednesday 19 November, 1pm-3pm
- Teach, Share, Transform: Focus on SEND, Wednesday 3 December, 3:30-5.00pm: this best practice network session is for delivery staff of Essential and Functional Skills Maths, English and Digital Skills qualifications.
- CPD maths: standardisation of Entry Level maths, Wednesday 17 December, 3:30-5.00pm: this free CPD session is designed to support consistency and confidence in the assessment of Entry Level Functional Skills maths. Aimed at teachers, assessors, and quality assurance staff, the session will provide the opportunity to use the mark scheme to mark example learner work across all Entry Levels.
- CPD English: Exploring the Level 1 English Assessment, Thursday 18 December, 3:30-5.00pm: this free CPD session is designed to support practitioners in understanding the structure and demands of Level 1 Functional Skills English assessments. You’ll explore the key external components of reading and writing, with a close look at typical question formats, assessment criteria, and common learner challenges. The session will offer practical strategies for building learners’ skills and confidence, as well as tips for effective preparation and formative assessment. Ideal for tutors and support staff, this session will enhance delivery and help improve learner outcomes in Functional Skills English.
Useful links
To request support in addition to our training and events, please email [email protected]
Functional skills archive
Functional Skills newsletter archive 24/25